Bakero becomes the first player in Independence history to win the award
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 13, 2026) – USL League One announced today that Charlotte Independence midfielder Jon Bakero has been named the 2026 USL League One Player of the Year.
Bakero is the first player in club history to earn Player of the Year honors. He beat out teammate Souaibou Marou and other finalist Teddy Baker of One Knoxville to win the award.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be named Player of the Year, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue living my dream every day,” shared Bakero. “I want to thank my wife, Katie, for always believing in me and standing by my side, and my parents for their constant love and support throughout my journey. None of this would be possible without my amazing teammates and coaches, who challenge me and push me to become better every single day. I’m truly thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey and for every opportunity I’ve had along the way.”
Bakero earned the award after spearheading a record-breaking Independence attack to help lead the Jacks to the first Players’ Shield in club history. The attacking midfielder scored eight goals in the regular season and dished out 18 assists, shattering the previous single-season league record of 11. The record-breaking mark helped the Spaniard become the USL League One all-time leader in assists, as he sits atop with 27.
After dealing with injury to begin the season, Bakero registered 20 goal contributions in his final 20 appearances. He earned Player of the Month honors in August after scoring three goals and dishing out six assists in a 4-0-1 month for the Jacks. Bakero closed the month by contributing on all five goals in a thrashing of AV Alta in Charlotte on August 28.
Bakero added eight assists in the final eight matches as the Independence brought the first Players’ Shield in club history back to the Queen City. The Spaniard racked up 11 Player of the Week awards in 33 appearances, and his 26 goal contributions is tied for the most in a single USL League One season.
“Jon’s been on a different level this year,” shared Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I feel like he’s played with exceptional confidence and just sees the game faster than so many players. He can see plays and make plays that other guys may not see or may not be able to make, and it’s just been a pleasure to see. You can see it in him every day at training. Some of the things he pulls off are incredible.”
Bakero will now look to keep the Independence attack roaring to win the club’s first USL League One Final when the play AC Boise on Saturday at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews.
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.
