Home

Tactics with Troy – Joel Johnson

Jacks House Grand Opening on May 5th

Charlotte, N.C. — Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, is excited to announced the Grand Opening of Jack’s House a Soccer Bar and Retail Store at 1523 Elizabeth Ave., in Charlotte, NC on Saturday, May 5th from 10:00AM ET to 9:00PM ET. The main event of the Grand Opening will feature the Charlotte Independence at Charleston Battery watch party with kickoff scheduled for 7:00PM ET. Prizes will be raffled off during the event.

Saturday, May 5th Bar TV Schedule
10:00 AM ET – English Premier League Games	– Leicester City vs West Ham United – Bournemouth vs Swansea City – Watford vs Newcastle – West Brom vs Tottenham
12:30 PM ET – English Premier League Game Horse Racing	– Everton vs Southampton – Kentucky Derby
7:00 PM ET – United Soccer League	– Charlotte Independence vs Charleston Battery

Saturday, May 5th Bar TV Schedule
10:00 AM ET – English Premier League Games	– Leicester City vs West Ham United – Bournemouth vs Swansea City – Watford vs Newcastle – West Brom vs Tottenham
12:30 PM ET – English Premier League Game Horse Racing	– Everton vs Southampton – Kentucky Derby
7:00 PM ET – United Soccer League	– Charlotte Independence vs Charleston Battery

Jack’s House has three televisions, including a 75” feature television for main events. The bar will serve local and international beers, with the focus on beer and cider partners – such as NoDa Brewing and GoodRoad CiderWorks. The bar will also have a by-the-glass and select wine list to attract oenophiles.

The bar will show all major sporting events, and soccer games from around the world; including English Premier League games, European Champions League games, and select games from the upcoming World Cup tournament kicking off on June 14th.

Jack’s House can also be rented out as an event space for private parties and other social and corporate events. The bar has already taken bookings for events centered around World Cup matches, and early bookings for corporate Christmas parties.

For more information on Jack’s House and advance bookings for events, please contact info@jackshouseclt.com, or keep up to date with developments on Twitter and Instagram via @JacksHouseCLT and online at www.jackshouseclt.com.

A Day In The Life Of…Assistant Coach Troy Lesesne

Independence Draw Scoreless with Indy Eleven

Matthews (NC) — Neither team was able to take away three points tonight as the Charlotte Independence battled Indy Eleven to a scoreless draw.

The beginning of the first half was very telling to how the entire game would transpire. Both teams battled for possession without seeing any kind of reward. The Jacks were unable to register one shot on target but did create the best chance of the first half in the 17th minute when defender, Joel Johnson whipped a ball into the box and found forward, Jorge Herrera, who's header glanced just wide of the post.

The second half was no different than the first. Johnson and Herrera connected again in the 72nd minute, with Johnson playing the ball to Herrera's feet and his right footed shot slamming off the post.

"I thought it was a good, gritty performance," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "A little bit disappointed to end a home game with a 0-0 draw but I credit the guys for their performance, effort, energy."

Independence goalkeeper Brandon Miller made his debut in goal on Saturday night, coming up huge for the Jacks on several different occasions. Miller made the Wells Fargo Save of the Game in the 63rd minute when he parried away Soony Saad's shot.

"I thought he had an excellent game," said Jeffries of Miller. "And then the one play when we really needed a big save, he came up with the big play."

"I just wanted to step in and do my job," said Miller. "That's what we all train for during the week, when someone goes down, next man gets up, so that was my mindset going in."

After earning a point tonight, the Independence will be on the road on Saturday, May 5th taking on the Charleston Battery at MUSC Health Stadium.

Scoring Summary:

Discipline:

15’: CLT – Kevan George (YC)

32’: IND – Ayoze Garcia (YC)

72': IND – Jack McInerney (YC)

83': CLT – Cordell Cato (YC)

Shots:

CLT – 5

IND – 5

Saves:

CLT – 2

IND – 0

Possession:

CLT – 45%

IND – 55%

Next Game:

Matthews (NC) — Neither team was able to take away three points tonight as the Charlotte Independence battled Indy Eleven to a scoreless draw.

The second half was no different than the first. Johnson and Herrera connected again in the 72nd minute, with Johnson playing the ball to Herrera’s feet and his right footed shot slamming off the post.

“I thought it was a good, gritty performance,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “A little bit disappointed to end a home game with a 0-0 draw but I credit the guys for their performance, effort, energy.”

“I thought he had an excellent game,” said Jeffries of Miller. “And then the one play when we really needed a big save, he came up with the big play.”

“I just wanted to step in and do my job,” said Miller. “That’s what we all train for during the week, when someone goes down, next man gets up, so that was my mindset going in.”

After earning a point tonight, the Independence will be on the road on Saturday, May 5th taking on the Charleston Battery at MUSC Health Stadium.

Scoring Summary:

Discipline:

15’: CLT – Kevan George (YC)

32’: IND – Ayoze Garcia (YC)

72′: IND – Jack McInerney (YC)

83′: CLT – Cordell Cato (YC)

Shots:

CLT – 5

IND – 5

Saves:

CLT – 2

IND – 0

Possession:

CLT – 45%

IND – 55%

Next Game:

Saturday, May 5th, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
Charleston Battery

MUSC Stadium | USL REGULAR SEASON

Saturday, May 5th, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
Charleston Battery

MUSC Stadium | USL REGULAR SEASON

Tickets

Independence Transfer Dykstra, Likewise via Rapids

Charlotte NC — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team announced goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra has been recalled to Major League Soccer (MLS) affiliate Colorado Rapids. In a corresponding move, Colorado Rapids Academy goalkeeper Kainoa Likewise is expected to rejoin the Independence’s 18-man roster for this Saturday’s game.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE ADD JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL PLAYER

This season, Dykstra has made five starts for the Independence recording 14 saves and a clean sheet. Likewise spent time with the Independence this season and previously led the Rapids’ U-19 Academy team to the 2017 US Developmental Academy National Semi-Finals.

The Independence will continue their regular-season campaign on Saturday, April 28th as USL new-comers Indy Eleven visit the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00PM ET and single-game tickets are on sale at https://www.charlotteindependence.com.

Jamaican International, MLS Veteran Inks a Deal with Independence

Charlotte NC — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team announced the addition of veteran defender/midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson to the 2018 roster. A Jamaican international player, with stints at Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, and New England Revolution, Watson brings immense experience to the Independence.

“Je-Vaughn is a player we think adds to the group and gives us some flexibility in terms of how we play and how we organize the group,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He's played throughout the midfield and the backline, so one of the things he brings is versatility and experience, as well. With Houston, Dallas and New England he was a successful player.”

RECENT NEWS: LOCAL SOCCER CLUBS TEAM UP FOR DOUBLEHEADER

During his 13-year professional career, Watson’s logged 10,569 minutes played in MLS competitions with eight goals and seven assists. Since 2011, he’s made 73 appearances for the Jamaican National Team, including an equalizing goal against the US Men’s National Team in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Finals.

“Je-Vaughn is a player we think adds to the group and gives us some flexibility in terms of how we play and how we organize the group,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He’s played throughout the midfield and the backline, so one of the things he brings is versatility and experience, as well. With Houston, Dallas and New England he was a successful player.”

RECENT NEWS: LOCAL SOCCER CLUBS TEAM UP FOR DOUBLEHEADER

“I'm a hard worker and I'm a fighter so I'm here to win games,” said Watson. "I want to make this club proud to win a championship, so I'm bringing that fight, that zest, that spirit to the team.”

“I’m a hard worker and I’m a fighter so I’m here to win games,” said Watson. “I want to make this club proud to win a championship, so I’m bringing that fight, that zest, that spirit to the team.”

Local Soccer Clubs Team Up for Double Header

Charlotte, N.C. — Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, is pleased to announce a doubleheader match up at the Sportsplex at Matthews featuring the local soccer partners Charlotte Eagles vs Myrtle Beach Mutiny at 2:00PM ET followed by the Charlotte Independence vs FC Cincinnati at 7:30PM ET on Saturday, May 12th.

The Charlotte Independence and Charlotte Eagles shared a gameday during on August 5th, 2017 as the Eagles won the PDL Championship and the Independence defeated Louisville City FC. Personnel ties between the two clubs include current Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom who served the same position for the Eagles, midfielder Mutaya Mwape, forward Jorge Herrera, and defender Bilal Duckett.

GoodRoad Added as Official Cider Partner of the Independence and Jacks House

Charlotte, N.C. — Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, is pleased to announce GoodRoad CiderWorks as the exclusive cider partner for Charlotte Independence home games at the Sportsplex at Matthews and in Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Retail Store.

RECENT NEWS: PEPSI SIGNS ON AS STARTING XI SPONSOR

“We are delighted to welcome GoodRoad as an official sponsor of the Independence,” said Jim McPhilliamy, President of the Charlotte Independence. “As Charlotte’s professional soccer ream we value our relationships with local producers. We like to offer our friends and supporters the best beverage options at home games and Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Retail Store. The team at GoodRoad makes excellent ciders and we’re excited to partner with them.”

“GoodRoad CiderWorks is honored to be a sponsor and the Official Cider Partner of the Charlotte Independence,” said Brian Beauchemin, Founder and Head Cider Maker at GoodRoad CiderWorks. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with such a great organization. We love the game of soccer and we're excited to serve our cider to fans throughout the season."

RECENT NEWS: PEPSI SIGNS ON AS STARTING XI SPONSOR

“GoodRoad CiderWorks is honored to be a sponsor and the Official Cider Partner of the Charlotte Independence,” said Brian Beauchemin, Founder and Head Cider Maker at GoodRoad CiderWorks. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with such a great organization. We love the game of soccer and we’re excited to serve our cider to fans throughout the season.”

Pepsi Bottling Ventures Signs on as Official Partner of the Independence

Charlotte (NC) — Queen City Soccer Club LLC announced today that Pepsi Bottling Ventures has signed as an official team sponsor of the Charlotte Independence thru the 2020 season.

Elements of the partnership include signage, promotions, print, social media, hospitality, fan interaction and concessions. As part of the 3-year deal, Pepsi Bottling Ventures receives category exclusivity for soft drink (Pepsi), Bottled Water (Aquafina) and Sports Drink/Isotonic Beverage (Gatorade).

"We are proud to partner with the Charlotte Independence and contribute to the great experience they provide for fans," said Randy Quirk, Vice President of Food Service at Pepsi Bottling Ventures. "PBV is always looking for new ways to connect with the community and we look forward to being a part of the excitement that the Independence brings to the Charlotte area."

"We are very excited to have Pepsi and Gatorade join the Team. There's so much excitement around soccer in Charlotte right now. Having long-term pillar partners who see the vision are crucial as we grow and take steps towards moving into a revitalized American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021," said Wade Leaphart, Independence Executive Vice President, Marketing Partnerships. "We're proud to offer great products like Mountain Dew, Aquafina, Pepsi and Gatorade – exclusively available at the games … and at Jack's House!"

About Pepsi Bottling Ventures

Pepsi Bottling Ventures (PBV) is the largest privately-held bottler for Pepsi-Cola products in North America – manufacturing, selling, and distributing some of the world's most recognized consumer brands. PBV is a privately-held company, operating 20 bottling and distribution facilities, serving consumers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Corporate offices are located in Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.pepsibottlingventures.com

Charlotte (NC) — Queen City Soccer Club LLC announced today that Pepsi Bottling Ventures has signed as an official team sponsor of the Charlotte Independence thru the 2020 season.

“We are proud to partner with the Charlotte Independence and contribute to the great experience they provide for fans,” said Randy Quirk, Vice President of Food Service at Pepsi Bottling Ventures. “PBV is always looking for new ways to connect with the community and we look forward to being a part of the excitement that the Independence brings to the Charlotte area.”

“We are very excited to have Pepsi and Gatorade join the Team. There’s so much excitement around soccer in Charlotte right now. Having long-term pillar partners who see the vision are crucial as we grow and take steps towards moving into a revitalized American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021,” said Wade Leaphart, Independence Executive Vice President, Marketing Partnerships. “We’re proud to offer great products like Mountain Dew, Aquafina, Pepsi and Gatorade – exclusively available at the games … and at Jack’s House!“

About Pepsi Bottling Ventures

Pepsi Bottling Ventures (PBV) is the largest privately-held bottler for Pepsi-Cola products in North America – manufacturing, selling, and distributing some of the world’s most recognized consumer brands. PBV is a privately-held company, operating 20 bottling and distribution facilities, serving consumers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Corporate offices are located in Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.pepsibottlingventures.com