CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the club has signed forward Stefano Pinho, pending league and federation approval.
Pinho, 35, has enjoyed a highly successful professional career spanning multiple leagues and countries. Most recently, the Brazilian appeared in 18 matches for Union Omaha last season, recording four goals and three assists.
Pinho established himself as one of the top players in the old North American Soccer League (NASL) with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. In 2015, he captured both the NASL Golden Ball (MVP) and Golden Boot after scoring 12 goals to help lead the Strikers to the NASL Semifinals. He repeated the feat two seasons later with Miami FC, once again earning league MVP and Golden Boot honors.
“Stefano is a proven goal scorer and will bolster our attack for the stretch run,” shared Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His box movement and ability to run behind the line is excellent and he is a strong finisher with both feet and his head. In addition, his willingness to work and add to our pressure will aid us defensively.”
A product of Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense, Pinho began his professional career before loan spells took him to clubs in Brazil and Finland. Following successful years in the NASL, he later added brief stints in China and Saudi Arabia to his extensive résumé.
His success in the NASL earned him a move to Major League Soccer with Orlando City SC in 2018, where he made 25 appearances across all competitions.
Returning to the United States following his overseas stops, Pinho continued to produce in the USL Championship with Austin Bold FC, Indy Eleven and Birmingham Legion FC before joining Union Omaha. He scored 13 goals with Indy in 2022 and followed that with a 14-goal campaign for Birmingham in 2023.
Pinho has also been one of the most prolific scorers in U.S. Open Cup history, tallying 10 goals in just 12 appearances, including both a hat trick and a four-goal performance during his career.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Charlotte Independence,” expressed Pinho. “I’m excited for this new chapter and ready to give everything I have for the club, my teammates, and our fans.”
Pinho will be available for selection for Saturday’s tilt with One Knox SC.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and plays home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium and Mecklenburg County Sportsplex of Matthews. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit CharlotteIndependence.com.
