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Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced defender Bertrand Owundi Eko’o will join the club on loan from Minnesota United (MLS). As a part of the loan agreement, Minnesota United FC reserves the right to recall Owundi at any time.

"Bertrand is a young, talented guy that Minnesota has had with their group for the year and it'll be good to see how he fits in and to see him get some games," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "I think he's an interesting guy as a purely left-footed center back, so he's a left-footed guy coming out of the back, which is always a plus."

The 24-year-old joined Minnesota last February 2018 from Cameroonian side Les Astres FC. Owundi made his Cameroonian National Team debut last year during 2018 African Cup of Nations Qualifying. The Ekono, Cameroon native last played for MNUFC in a friendly match against Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa on July 11th.

Owundi will be available for selection this Saturday, August 18th as the Independence travels to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium. The official watch party will be hosted at Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Retail Store (1523 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.

 The Independence will return home next Wednesday, August 22nd when Louisville City FC visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. In support of Carolina Rapids youth player McKenna Woodhead, who was permanently paralyzed in a recent watersport accident, the Charlotte Soccer community will be donating all ticket revenue from the game to McKenna and her family in assistance of the 14-year-old’s recovery. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. For more information and ticket options, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced defender Bertrand Owundi Eko’o will join the club on loan from Minnesota United (MLS). As a part of the loan agreement, Minnesota United FC reserves the right to recall Owundi at any time.

“Bertrand is a young, talented guy that Minnesota has had with their group for the year and it’ll be good to see how he fits in and to see him get some games,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I think he’s an interesting guy as a purely left-footed center back, so he’s a left-footed guy coming out of the back, which is always a plus.”

The 24-year-old joined Minnesota last February 2018 from Cameroonian side Les Astres FC. Owundi made his Cameroonian National Team debut last year during 2018 African Cup of Nations Qualifying. The Ekono, Cameroon native last played for MNUFC in a friendly match against Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa on July 11th.

Owundi will be available for selection this Saturday, August 18th as the Independence travels to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium. The official watch party will be hosted at Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Retail Store (1523 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.

 The Independence will return home next Wednesday, August 22nd when Louisville City FC visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. In support of Carolina Rapids youth player McKenna Woodhead, who was permanently paralyzed in a recent watersport accident, the Charlotte Soccer community will be donating all ticket revenue from the game to McKenna and her family in assistance of the 14-year-old’s recovery. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. For more information and ticket options, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced Independence Assistant Coach Troy Lesesne will leave the club to pursue a head coaching opportunity. The Independence thanks Troy for his tireless dedication, fiery passion, and thoughtful leadership while strengthening the club since the inaugural season in 2015. Troy personified the spirit and integrity of the Independence’s values and the club wishes him the best of luck in his next endeavors.

“I am both proud of and happy for Troy to get the opportunity as a head coach – a position which has been his goal from day one here and for which he has worked tirelessly to achieve,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I cannot thank him enough for what he has provided to the Independence – his soccer acumen, ability to relate to players, work rate, energy, and willingness to go above and beyond his role, have contributed greatly to our successes. Those traits will carry him to success as he leads his own club.” 

RECENT NEWS: CHARLOTTE SOCCER COMMUNITY RALLIES FOR MCKENNA WOODHEAD

 

The Independence has a lasting goal to advance the careers of it’s coaches, players and employees, notably doing so earlier this season as back-to-back USL MVP finalist Enzo Martinez earned a contract with the Colorado Rapids (MLS). The club collected 49 wins in all competitions with back-to-back USL Playoff appearances during Lesesne’s tenure. As a top assistant coach in the USL, Lesesne played an integral part in lifting the profile of the Independence on the field and in the community.

“The Independence is completely supportive of Troy Lesesne as he pursues an opportunity to become a Head Coach,” said Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom. “Troy has been a big part of the development of the Independence franchise. We are grateful to have benefited from his dedication, professionalism and talent.”

Prior to his time with the Independence, Lesesne served as an assistant coach for the Charleston Battery (USL) and club’s affiliation liaison to the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS). From 2005-14, Lesesne was an assistant coach for the College of Charleston where he was twice-named a top 20 assistant coach in the nation by CollegeSoccerNews.com. Additionally, Lesesne was selected as an inaugural NSCAA “Top 30 Under 30” coach in 2013.

The Independence will return to the Sportsplex at Matthews to take on Louisville City FC next Wednesday, August 22nd. In support of Carolina Rapids youth player McKenna Woodhead, who was permanently paralyzed in a recent watersport accident, the Charlotte Soccer community will be donating all ticket revenue from the game to McKenna and her family in assistance of the 14-year-old’s recovery. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. For more information and ticket options, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced Independence Assistant Coach Troy Lesesne will leave the club to pursue a head coaching opportunity. The Independence thanks Troy for his tireless dedication, fiery passion, and thoughtful leadership while strengthening the club since the inaugural season in 2015. Troy personified the spirit and integrity of the Independence’s values and the club wishes him the best of luck in his next endeavors.

“I am both proud of and happy for Troy to get the opportunity as a head coach – a position which has been his goal from day one here and for which he has worked tirelessly to achieve,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I cannot thank him enough for what he has provided to the Independence – his soccer acumen, ability to relate to players, work rate, energy, and willingness to go above and beyond his role, have contributed greatly to our successes. Those traits will carry him to success as he leads his own club.” 

RECENT NEWS: CHARLOTTE SOCCER COMMUNITY RALLIES FOR MCKENNA WOODHEAD

 

The Independence has a lasting goal to advance the careers of it’s coaches, players and employees, notably doing so earlier this season as back-to-back USL MVP finalist Enzo Martinez earned a contract with the Colorado Rapids (MLS). The club collected 49 wins in all competitions with back-to-back USL Playoff appearances during Lesesne’s tenure. As a top assistant coach in the USL, Lesesne played an integral part in lifting the profile of the Independence on the field and in the community.

“The Independence is completely supportive of Troy Lesesne as he pursues an opportunity to become a Head Coach,” said Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom. “Troy has been a big part of the development of the Independence franchise. We are grateful to have benefited from his dedication, professionalism and talent.”

Prior to his time with the Independence, Lesesne served as an assistant coach for the Charleston Battery (USL) and club’s affiliation liaison to the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS). From 2005-14, Lesesne was an assistant coach for the College of Charleston where he was twice-named a top 20 assistant coach in the nation by CollegeSoccerNews.com. Additionally, Lesesne was selected as an inaugural NSCAA “Top 30 Under 30” coach in 2013.

The Independence will return to the Sportsplex at Matthews to take on Louisville City FC next Wednesday, August 22nd. In support of Carolina Rapids youth player McKenna Woodhead, who was permanently paralyzed in a recent watersport accident, the Charlotte Soccer community will be donating all ticket revenue from the game to McKenna and her family in assistance of the 14-year-old’s recovery. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. For more information and ticket options, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the front office at 704-206-1515.

Matthews (N.C.) — Bethlehem Steel FC scored early and added two more goals in the second half to defeat the Independence by a score of 3-0. This was only the second USL loss at the Sportsplex at Matthews for the Independence this season. 

"Tonight was unacceptable," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "We certainly haven't been good this year after giving up the first goal and as the leader of the group I take responsibility for the guys' mentality and being ready."

Seven minutes into the game, James Chambers gave Bethlehem the lead after slamming home a rebound. The Independence responded well, controlling 64 percent of possession in the half while tallying ten shots. The best chance of the half came in the 14th minute when Kevan George forced Bethlehem goalkeeper Jake McGuire to make a save after getting on the end of a Jake Areman corner kick. 

"We can't afford to be down 1-0 six minutes into the game and chase a team that lives off the counterattack," said Jeffries. "From that point on we weren't strong enough mentally to stick it out and fight. "

Bethlehem Steel FC increased their lead in the 74th minute when midfielder Omar Holness found the back of the net after the Independence was unable to clear the ball out of the box.  With the Independence pushing numbers forward, Drew Skundrich added a third for Bethlehem in the 89th minute. 

"I still believe in the group and I still believe we have a talented group of players," said Jeffries.

The Independence will have a week off before traveling to face second-place Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on August, 18th at Highmark Stadium.

Scoring Summary:         7': BST – James Chambers (Moumbagna)        74': BST – Omar Holness (Mbaizo) 89': BST – Drew Skundrich (Moar)   Discipline: 35': CLT – Kevan George (YC) 65': BST – Matthew Real (YC)     90': BST – Drew Skundrich (YC)

Shots: CLT – 17 BST -21   Saves: CLT – 6 BST – 4   Possession: CLT – 59.9% BST – 40.1%

Matthews (N.C.) — Bethlehem Steel FC scored early and added two more goals in the second half to defeat the Independence by a score of 3-0. This was only the second USL loss at the Sportsplex at Matthews for the Independence this season. 

“Tonight was unacceptable,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “We certainly haven’t been good this year after giving up the first goal and as the leader of the group I take responsibility for the guys’ mentality and being ready.”

Seven minutes into the game, James Chambers gave Bethlehem the lead after slamming home a rebound. The Independence responded well, controlling 64 percent of possession in the half while tallying ten shots. The best chance of the half came in the 14th minute when Kevan George forced Bethlehem goalkeeper Jake McGuire to make a save after getting on the end of a Jake Areman corner kick. 

“We can’t afford to be down 1-0 six minutes into the game and chase a team that lives off the counterattack,” said Jeffries. “From that point on we weren’t strong enough mentally to stick it out and fight. “

Bethlehem Steel FC increased their lead in the 74th minute when midfielder Omar Holness found the back of the net after the Independence was unable to clear the ball out of the box.  With the Independence pushing numbers forward, Drew Skundrich added a third for Bethlehem in the 89th minute. 

“I still believe in the group and I still believe we have a talented group of players,” said Jeffries.

The Independence will have a week off before traveling to face second-place Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on August, 18th at Highmark Stadium.

Scoring Summary:         7′: BST – James Chambers (Moumbagna)        74′: BST – Omar Holness (Mbaizo) 89′: BST – Drew Skundrich (Moar)   Discipline: 35′: CLT – Kevan George (YC) 65′: BST – Matthew Real (YC)     90′: BST – Drew Skundrich (YC)

Shots: CLT – 17 BST -21   Saves: CLT – 6 BST – 4   Possession: CLT – 59.9% BST – 40.1%

Charlotte (NC) —  In an effort to rally around McKenna Woodhead, the Charlotte Independence have established the game versus Louisville City FC on Wednesday, August 22nd as an event for the Charlotte soccer community to support McKenna Woodhead and her family. All ticket revenues from the #McKennaStrong game will be donated to the family to assist in the 14-year-old’s recovery. McKenna, a soccer player for the Carolina Rapids, was told by doctors she will be permanently paralyzed from the chest down following a watersport accident on June 25th.

“McKenna’s family is deeply touched and appreciative of the support from the Charlotte soccer community. It’s beyond words," said Carolina Rapids Executive Director, Thomas Finlay. “The greater Charlotte area is fortunate to have a soccer community whose response to this situation has been ‘What can we do to help?’ That’s a family.” 

All Charlotte area soccer communities, partners, sponsors and fans are urged to purchase tickets in support of McKenna Woodhead and her family for the #McKennaStrong game on Wednesday, August 22nd by calling the Independence front office at 704-206-1515 or visiting https://www.charlotteindependence.com. McKenna’s family has made updates on her status available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/mckennastrong/journal.

Charlotte (NC) —  In an effort to rally around McKenna Woodhead, the Charlotte Independence have established the game versus Louisville City FC on Wednesday, August 22nd as an event for the Charlotte soccer community to support McKenna Woodhead and her family. All ticket revenues from the #McKennaStrong game will be donated to the family to assist in the 14-year-old’s recovery. McKenna, a soccer player for the Carolina Rapids, was told by doctors she will be permanently paralyzed from the chest down following a watersport accident on June 25th.

“McKenna’s family is deeply touched and appreciative of the support from the Charlotte soccer community. It’s beyond words,” said Carolina Rapids Executive Director, Thomas Finlay. “The greater Charlotte area is fortunate to have a soccer community whose response to this situation has been ‘What can we do to help?’ That’s a family.” 

All Charlotte area soccer communities, partners, sponsors and fans are urged to purchase tickets in support of McKenna Woodhead and her family for the #McKennaStrong game on Wednesday, August 22nd by calling the Independence front office at 704-206-1515 or visiting https://www.charlotteindependence.com. McKenna’s family has made updates on her status available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/mckennastrong/journal.

WATCH: FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SANTOS LAGUNA INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

WATCH: FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SANTOS LAGUNA INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Matthews (NC) — On Military Appreciation Night, the Charlotte Independence played out a draw with Penn FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday night. Independence forward Eamon Zayed scored his fourth goal of the season in the 62nd minute to give the Independence the lead. However, Penn FC answered with a goal of their own in the 72nd minute as the clubs split points.

"I thought the energy and effort was good considering we had to make two changes from the lineup we had yesterday," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "Defensively, we managed the game very, very well but we weren’t as dynamic as we needed to be offensively."

On Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery, the Independence raised $3,418 for Wounded Warrior Project by auctioning off limited edition, game-worn jerseys.

"I thought the cause was fantastic," said Jeffries. "I thought the jerseys looked really sharp and it was enjoyable to see them in those."

The Independence produced their best chance in the 38th minute off of a nice combination from midfielder Kevan George and defender Joel Johnson. George found Johnson out wide who then played a dangerous ball into the box but was unable to find a teammate.

Forward Eamon Zayed broke the deadlock for the Independence in the 64th minute when he headed home an Alex Martinez cross at the back post. Penn FC responded to Zayed's goal in the 72nd minute when Penn forward Aaron Dennis lasered a shot from distance past Andrew Dykstra. 

"It was a great service from Alex and it’s always nice to get the goal," said Zayed. "With service like that, I think I’ll score plenty more."

The Independence will have a week off before returning to action on Wednesday, August 8th when they take on Bethlehem Steel FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Scoring Summary: 64': CLT – Eamon Zayed (Martinez)         72': PEN – Aaron Dennis (Hawkins)     Discipline: 47': CLT – Jake Areman (YC)      56': CLT – Jorge Herrera (YC)   62': PEN – Dan Metzger (YC) 90': CLT – Bilal Duckett (YC)   90+5': PEN – Calvin Rezende (YC)

Shots: CLT – 2 PEN -11   Saves: CLT – 1 PEN – 0   Possession: CLT – 48.3% PEN – 51.7%

Matthews (NC) — On Military Appreciation Night, the Charlotte Independence played out a draw with Penn FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday night. Independence forward Eamon Zayed scored his fourth goal of the season in the 62nd minute to give the Independence the lead. However, Penn FC answered with a goal of their own in the 72nd minute as the clubs split points.

“I thought the energy and effort was good considering we had to make two changes from the lineup we had yesterday,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Defensively, we managed the game very, very well but we weren’t as dynamic as we needed to be offensively.”

On Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery, the Independence raised $3,418 for Wounded Warrior Project by auctioning off limited edition, game-worn jerseys.

“I thought the cause was fantastic,” said Jeffries. “I thought the jerseys looked really sharp and it was enjoyable to see them in those.”

The Independence produced their best chance in the 38th minute off of a nice combination from midfielder Kevan George and defender Joel Johnson. George found Johnson out wide who then played a dangerous ball into the box but was unable to find a teammate.

Forward Eamon Zayed broke the deadlock for the Independence in the 64th minute when he headed home an Alex Martinez cross at the back post. Penn FC responded to Zayed’s goal in the 72nd minute when Penn forward Aaron Dennis lasered a shot from distance past Andrew Dykstra. 

“It was a great service from Alex and it’s always nice to get the goal,” said Zayed. “With service like that, I think I’ll score plenty more.”

The Independence will have a week off before returning to action on Wednesday, August 8th when they take on Bethlehem Steel FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Scoring Summary: 64′: CLT – Eamon Zayed (Martinez)         72′: PEN – Aaron Dennis (Hawkins)     Discipline: 47′: CLT – Jake Areman (YC)      56′: CLT – Jorge Herrera (YC)   62′: PEN – Dan Metzger (YC) 90′: CLT – Bilal Duckett (YC)   90+5′: PEN – Calvin Rezende (YC)

Shots: CLT – 2 PEN -11   Saves: CLT – 1 PEN – 0   Possession: CLT – 48.3% PEN – 51.7%

Charlotte (NC) — Currently on 99 league appearances, Charlotte Independence legend Jorge Herrera is set to become the club’s first player to reach the century mark this Saturday in a critical game versus Penn FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. The Independence’s first-ever signing, Herrera has been with the club since the inaugural season in 2015, scored the club’s first hat-trick, scored the first goal at the Grand Opening of the Sportsplex at Matthews, and holds the franchise’s all-time scoring record.

“I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization since day one,” said Herrera. “I remember when I started and can't believe it has been such a long time.”

At 37-years-old, Herrera has appeared in all USL games this season for the Independence and his ten goals put him only one back in the chase for the 2018 Golden Boot. With 62 career regular season USL goals, Herrera is six goals back from breaking Dane Kelly’s all-time record. 

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“Jorge has clearly been the face of the franchise from day one and has been nothing but class for us,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “It is a great accomplishment for him and us. It says a lot about him and Jorge still comes out every day and works extremely hard.”

As a veteran of the club, Herrera has remained a consummate pro and the gold standard to younger players, like Independence rookie midfielder Jake Areman, who readily learn what it means to be a USL professional. 

“He's always the first one to say good morning when you walk in and on the field he's always the guy that gets everyone going,” said Areman. “He can run all day, his pressure defensively is just incredible, and his soccer IQ is off the charts. He pushes everyone to another level."

Unable to pinpoint a single favorite memory over the time he has spent with the Independence, the Colombia-native recalls some of the highlights.

“There have been a lot of great memories,” said Herrera. “Our first game as a club, when I scored my first professional hat-trick against Saint Louis FC, and battling out wins against tough opponents.”

A longtime teammate of Herrera’s, Independence defender Henry Kalungi said he hopes the team can bank another memorable night for the veteran this Saturday in a critical home game for the Independence.  

“Our motto here is that we are family so when someone is about to achieve a milestone like that it's special to all of us,” said Kalungi. “Jorge has earned and deserved everything that he has done so we are happy for him and we will be there to celebrate with him. Hopefully, we get the result to go along with his 100th appearance.”

With nearly 200 USL games played and over 6,000 minutes logged with the Independence, Herrera shows no signs of slowing down.

"I keep telling people that I am going to be playing as long as I can so I just want to keep it going,” said Herrera. “It has been a good ride with the Independence.”

Charlotte (NC) — Currently on 99 league appearances, Charlotte Independence legend Jorge Herrera is set to become the club’s first player to reach the century mark this Saturday in a critical game versus Penn FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. The Independence’s first-ever signing, Herrera has been with the club since the inaugural season in 2015, scored the club’s first hat-trick, scored the first goal at the Grand Opening of the Sportsplex at Matthews, and holds the franchise’s all-time scoring record.

“I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization since day one,” said Herrera. “I remember when I started and can’t believe it has been such a long time.”

At 37-years-old, Herrera has appeared in all USL games this season for the Independence and his ten goals put him only one back in the chase for the 2018 Golden Boot. With 62 career regular season USL goals, Herrera is six goals back from breaking Dane Kelly’s all-time record. 

RECENT VIDEO: LIVERPOOL LEGEND IAN RUSH VISITS JACK’S HOUSE

 

“Jorge has clearly been the face of the franchise from day one and has been nothing but class for us,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “It is a great accomplishment for him and us. It says a lot about him and Jorge still comes out every day and works extremely hard.”

As a veteran of the club, Herrera has remained a consummate pro and the gold standard to younger players, like Independence rookie midfielder Jake Areman, who readily learn what it means to be a USL professional. 

“He’s always the first one to say good morning when you walk in and on the field he’s always the guy that gets everyone going,” said Areman. “He can run all day, his pressure defensively is just incredible, and his soccer IQ is off the charts. He pushes everyone to another level.”

Unable to pinpoint a single favorite memory over the time he has spent with the Independence, the Colombia-native recalls some of the highlights.

“There have been a lot of great memories,” said Herrera. “Our first game as a club, when I scored my first professional hat-trick against Saint Louis FC, and battling out wins against tough opponents.”

A longtime teammate of Herrera’s, Independence defender Henry Kalungi said he hopes the team can bank another memorable night for the veteran this Saturday in a critical home game for the Independence.  

“Our motto here is that we are family so when someone is about to achieve a milestone like that it’s special to all of us,” said Kalungi. “Jorge has earned and deserved everything that he has done so we are happy for him and we will be there to celebrate with him. Hopefully, we get the result to go along with his 100th appearance.”

With nearly 200 USL games played and over 6,000 minutes logged with the Independence, Herrera shows no signs of slowing down.

“I keep telling people that I am going to be playing as long as I can so I just want to keep it going,” said Herrera. “It has been a good ride with the Independence.”