Charlotte shot-stopper becomes second Jack to win the award
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 9, 2026) – USL League One announced today that Charlotte Independence goalkeeper Matt Levy has been named the 2026 Goalkeeper of the Year.
Levy is the second goalkeeper in club history to earn the league’s top individual honor at the position, following Austin Pack in 2023. The Charlotte goalkeeper beat out fellow finalists JT Harms of Forward Madison and Cole Jensen of Union Omaha to claim the award.
“I just want to thank Jesus Christ for the opportunity to be able to be in a position where winning this award is possible,” shared Levy. “He’s been with me through all the highs and lows of my soccer journey and He is faithful. This is truly a blessing and wouldn’t be possible without Him, my wife, parents, teammates and coaching staff. I couldn’t be more grateful for my support system. This is more than just an individual award. It’s a testament to how hard this team and back line work for one another. These guys put in such hard work everyday and that pushes me to be a better player for them.”
The 26-year-old shot-stopper put together a remarkable season for the Players’ Shield-winning Independence, playing a pivotal role in Charlotte’s historic campaign. Levy helped guide the Jacks to a league-record 20 regular season victories while recording a career-high seven clean sheets. The fourth-year Independence goalkeeper also tallied 101 saves in the regular season, the fifth-most in a single season in USL League One history.
Levy’s exceptional big-save ability proved invaluable throughout the year, consistently delivering crucial saves in high-pressure moments. The goalkeeper earned nine Save of the Week honors during the regular season. Among his most impressive accomplishments were four penalty saves, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when called upon numerous times.
“He’s head and shoulders above the league in terms of Goalkeeper of the Year,” shared captain Clay Dimick following Charlotte’s semifinal victory Sunday. “When you have that behind you, it gives you confidence that he’s going to save it if a ball gets through.”
In recognition of his outstanding performances, Levy earned five Team of the Week selections during the 2026 regular season.
“We talked at the beginning of the year that his role was to help us win points, and Matt has won us a ton of points this year,” shared Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I couldn’t tell you how many saves have kept us ahead or kept the opponent from getting ahead. He’s made big plays at big times, and it has been a difference-maker in us getting results.”
Levy and the Independence will look to complete the double Saturday night as they host the USL League One Final against AC Boise. Get your tickets here!
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.
