TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL), one of the most prominent Division II professional leagues in the world, today announced its 2018 regular season schedule as it prepares for the biggest season in its history. The regular season will span 31 weeks and 561 games as 33 teams compete for a place in the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs. The full schedule can be viewed online at USLSoccer.com.
 
The USL announced on January 12 the home openers for all 33 teams in the league, with the season set to kick off the weekend of March 16-18 with a slate of 14 matches over the weekend. The season will conclude on the weekend of October 12-14 with 16 matches. The Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs are set to kick off the following weekend.
 
"The 2018 USL season promises to bring unprecedented excitement and entertainment to soccer fans across the United States and Canada," said USL President Jake Edwards. "As we welcome some outstanding new teams to our league, the competition throughout the year should keep fans on the edge of their seats as the quality the USL brings continues to rise. I'd also like to pay tribute to the work that has been done by the staff from both the league and its clubs, and for the patience that has been shown by our fans during this process as we start the countdown to the new season."

After the announcement of numerous rivalry matchups in the reveal of the league's home openers a week ago, more rivalries new and old come into focus with the announcement of the full schedule. Among the new rivalries set to take shape this year, the first meeting between North Carolina FC and the Charlotte Independence is set for April 14 at the Sportsplex at Matthews, the same day that Indy Eleven and Nashville SC will meet for the first time in Indianapolis.
 
In the Western Conference, Fresno FC and Sacramento Republic FC will be one to watch at Chukchansi Park on June 13, the first of three meetings between the clubs in Fresno's inaugural season. Meanwhile, Reno 1868 FC will welcome new in-state rival Las Vegas Lights FC twice to Greater Nevada Field to wrap up the three-game series between the teams later in the season, with the Silver State rivals set to meet in northern Nevada on August 28 and September 22.
 
Among established rivalries, the River Cities Cup will be hosted twice by Nippert Stadium this season, with FC Cincinnati also welcoming defending USL Cup champion Louisville City FC on May 26 in addition to its April 7 home opener. Louisville's Slugger Field will host the final game of the series on September 8.
 
Reno 1868 FC and Sacramento Republic FC will meet twice in the regular season, with Sacramento's Papa Murphy's Park set to host the opening meeting of the season on May 12, and Reno's Greater Nevada Field hosting the series' conclusion on August 26.
 
The season will then wrap up with a large crop of rivalry matchups on the final weekend of the season, including:

Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
Louisville City FC vs. Indy Eleven
Nashville SC vs. FC Cincinnati
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
San Antonio FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
 
More details on broadcast and live streaming for the 2018 USL season will be announced in the coming weeks as the league begins the official buildup to the biggest season in league history. The 2018 USL regular schedule schedule is subject to change.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL), one of the most prominent Division II professional leagues in the world, today announced its 2018 regular season schedule as it prepares for the biggest season in its history. The regular season will span 31 weeks and 561 games as 33 teams compete for a place in the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs. The full schedule can be viewed online at USLSoccer.com.
 
The USL announced on January 12 the home openers for all 33 teams in the league, with the season set to kick off the weekend of March 16-18 with a slate of 14 matches over the weekend. The season will conclude on the weekend of October 12-14 with 16 matches. The Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs are set to kick off the following weekend.
 
“The 2018 USL season promises to bring unprecedented excitement and entertainment to soccer fans across the United States and Canada,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “As we welcome some outstanding new teams to our league, the competition throughout the year should keep fans on the edge of their seats as the quality the USL brings continues to rise. I’d also like to pay tribute to the work that has been done by the staff from both the league and its clubs, and for the patience that has been shown by our fans during this process as we start the countdown to the new season.”

After the announcement of numerous rivalry matchups in the reveal of the league’s home openers a week ago, more rivalries new and old come into focus with the announcement of the full schedule. Among the new rivalries set to take shape this year, the first meeting between North Carolina FC and the Charlotte Independence is set for April 14 at the Sportsplex at Matthews, the same day that Indy Eleven and Nashville SC will meet for the first time in Indianapolis.
 
In the Western Conference, Fresno FC and Sacramento Republic FC will be one to watch at Chukchansi Park on June 13, the first of three meetings between the clubs in Fresno’s inaugural season. Meanwhile, Reno 1868 FC will welcome new in-state rival Las Vegas Lights FC twice to Greater Nevada Field to wrap up the three-game series between the teams later in the season, with the Silver State rivals set to meet in northern Nevada on August 28 and September 22.
 
Among established rivalries, the River Cities Cup will be hosted twice by Nippert Stadium this season, with FC Cincinnati also welcoming defending USL Cup champion Louisville City FC on May 26 in addition to its April 7 home opener. Louisville’s Slugger Field will host the final game of the series on September 8.
 
Reno 1868 FC and Sacramento Republic FC will meet twice in the regular season, with Sacramento’s Papa Murphy’s Park set to host the opening meeting of the season on May 12, and Reno’s Greater Nevada Field hosting the series’ conclusion on August 26.
 
The season will then wrap up with a large crop of rivalry matchups on the final weekend of the season, including:

Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
Louisville City FC vs. Indy Eleven
Nashville SC vs. FC Cincinnati
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
San Antonio FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
 
More details on broadcast and live streaming for the 2018 USL season will be announced in the coming weeks as the league begins the official buildup to the biggest season in league history. The 2018 USL regular schedule schedule is subject to change.

Charlotte, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence added another significant piece to the 2018 roster on Monday, signing former New England Revolution (Major League Soccer) and UNC-Charlotte defender Donnie Smith, pending league and federation approval.

Last season, Smith spent 12 games with the Independence on loan from New England during the USL regular season. The left back totaled nine starts with two assists and 13 crosses. He played a key role for the Independence’s defense, contributing to a 1.10 goals against average (GAA) in games he played, compared to the team’s 1.35 GAA in USL competitions without Smith.

Charlotte, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence added another significant piece to the 2018 roster on Monday, signing former New England Revolution (Major League Soccer) and UNC-Charlotte defender Donnie Smith, pending league and federation approval.

Last season, Smith spent 12 games with the Independence on loan from New England during the USL regular season. The left back totaled nine starts with two assists and 13 crosses. He played a key role for the Independence’s defense, contributing to a 1.10 goals against average (GAA) in games he played, compared to the team’s 1.35 GAA in USL competitions without Smith.

“I really enjoyed playing with Head Coach Mike Jeffries last year in the ten games on loan,” said Smith. “Also, I really enjoyed the group of guys I was able to play with. It's an attacking style of play and I really enjoyed it.”

“We were fortunate to get to know Donnie last year and he contributed greatly to the success of our team as a loan player,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His ability to both defend and get forward as a left back is vital in how we play. He is an excellent passer with good timing on his runs forward and a physical defensive presence.”

UPCOMING EVENT: 2018 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE WINTER CUP

 

Jeffries acknowledged the significance of signing a player with strong local ties. Smith is a Charlotte Soccer Academy alumni and Matthews, North Carolina native who contributed to UNC-Charlotte men’s soccer 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer runner-up team. As a four-year player for the 49ers, the three-time Atlantic-10 All-Conference selection appeared in 82 games with 18 goals and 10 assists.

“Growing up, I went to [Charlotte] Eagles games back in the day,” said Smith. “I didn't expect to be playing professionally in a soccer specific stadium [in Matthews], so it's really cool to be able to come back and be able to play where my roots are.”

Additionally, Smith helped the Carolina Dynamo (Premier Development League) win back-to-back South Atlantic Division Championships. In the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Smith was selected 21st overall by New England Revolution where he spent five seasons.

With the addition of Smith, the Independence’s roster now sits at five players under contract including Jorge Herrera, the USL’s second All-Time leading goal scorer, who signed last week. The Independence will kickoff the 2018 season at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, March 17th versus Ottawa Fury FC. 2018 Season Memberships are available online and by calling 704-206-1515.  The league is expected to release the full 2018 season schedule later this week.

“I really enjoyed playing with Head Coach Mike Jeffries last year in the ten games on loan,” said Smith. “Also, I really enjoyed the group of guys I was able to play with. It’s an attacking style of play and I really enjoyed it.”

“We were fortunate to get to know Donnie last year and he contributed greatly to the success of our team as a loan player,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His ability to both defend and get forward as a left back is vital in how we play. He is an excellent passer with good timing on his runs forward and a physical defensive presence.”

UPCOMING EVENT: 2018 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE WINTER CUP

 

Jeffries acknowledged the significance of signing a player with strong local ties. Smith is a Charlotte Soccer Academy alumni and Matthews, North Carolina native who contributed to UNC-Charlotte men’s soccer 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer runner-up team. As a four-year player for the 49ers, the three-time Atlantic-10 All-Conference selection appeared in 82 games with 18 goals and 10 assists.

“Growing up, I went to [Charlotte] Eagles games back in the day,” said Smith. “I didn’t expect to be playing professionally in a soccer specific stadium [in Matthews], so it’s really cool to be able to come back and be able to play where my roots are.”

Additionally, Smith helped the Carolina Dynamo (Premier Development League) win back-to-back South Atlantic Division Championships. In the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Smith was selected 21st overall by New England Revolution where he spent five seasons.

With the addition of Smith, the Independence’s roster now sits at five players under contract including Jorge Herrera, the USL’s second All-Time leading goal scorer, who signed last week. The Independence will kickoff the 2018 season at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, March 17th versus Ottawa Fury FC. 2018 Season Memberships are available online and by calling 704-206-1515.  The league is expected to release the full 2018 season schedule later this week.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced the home openers for the 2018 USL regular season, with the league’s 33 clubs set to embark on a 31-week regular-season schedule that will open with a 14-game slate of contests the weekend of March 16-18.

Louisville City FC, 2017 USL Cup Champion, will open the season on home turf as it welcomes expansion side Nashville SC on March 17 in one of the opening weekend’s must-see contests. Two other expansion clubs will also face off that same night as Fresno FC faces Las Vegas Lights FC at Chukchansi Park in the inaugural regular-season contest for both clubs.

One of the Western Conference’s major rivalries will also be at the fore on the opening weekend of the regular season, with the Black Gold Derby between OKC Energy FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC set to resume at OKC’s Taft Stadium on Saturday night. Also in the Western Conference, two of the league’s marquee clubs will square off, as Sacramento Republic FC plays host to San Antonio FC at Papa Murphy’s Park, while Orange County SC will welcome Phoenix Rising FC to Champions Soccer Stadium for another intriguing clash to open the regular season.

In the Eastern Conference a pair of familiar foes will meet at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as North Carolina FC makes its USL debut against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and for a third successive year the Charleston Battery will host FC Cincinnati at MUSC Health Stadium on the opening Saturday of the season.

The regular season will open on Friday, March 16 when Rio Grande Valley FC plays host to Saint Louis FC at H-E-B Park, and Seattle Sounders FC 2 marks its debut in Tacoma, Washington, by hosting Cascadia rivals the Portland Timbers 2.

UPCOMING EVENT: 2018 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE WINTER CUP

 

Other notable home openers include the first meeting between Nevada rivals Las Vegas Lights FC and Reno 1868 FC, which will be hosted at Las Vegas’ Cashman Field on Saturday, March 24, the same night that Nashville SC will host its inaugural home opener against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. 

Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati will be part of two home openers that are sure to be memorable occasions, with the side visiting USL newcomer Indy Eleven for Indy’s inaugural home opener in the league on Saturday, March 31 before playing host to River Cities Cup rival Louisville City FC for its home opener at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, April 7. 

The full 2018 USL regular season schedule will be released next week, with the 561-game slate to conclude on the weekend of October 12-14.

2018 USL Home Openers
Friday, March 16
Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Saint Louis FC
Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. Portland Timbers 2

RECENT NEWS: HERRERA RETURNS TO CHARLOTTE FOR 20TH CAREER SEASON

 

Saturday, March 17
Charleston Battery vs. FC Cincinnati
Charlotte Independence vs. Ottawa Fury FC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Fresno FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
Louisville City FC vs. Nashville SC
New York Red Bulls II vs. Toronto FC II
North Carolina FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
OKC Energy FC vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Orange County SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC
Reno 1868 FC vs. Swope Park Rangers
Sacramento Republic FC vs. San Antonio FC

Sunday, March 18
Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Richmond Kickers

Saturday, March 24
ATL UTD 2 vs. New York Red Bulls II
Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Reno 1868 FC
Nashville SC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Phoenix Rising FC vs. OKC Energy FC
Richmond Kickers vs. Indy Eleven
San Antonio FC vs. Saint Louis FC
Swope Park Rangers vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Bethlehem Steel FC
Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Saturday, March 31
Indy Eleven vs. FC Cincinnati
LA Galaxy II vs. San Antonio FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Penn FC
Real Monarchs SLC vs. Portland Timbers 2
Saint Louis FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Toronto FC II vs. Ottawa Fury FC

Saturday, April 7
FC Cincinnati vs. Louisville City FC

Wednesday, April 18
Portland Timbers 2 vs. Rio Grande Valley FC

Saturday, April 21
Penn FC vs. Charleston Battery
Ottawa Fury FC vs. North Carolina FC

RECENT NEWS: USL REVEALS 2018 CONFERENCE ALIGNMENT

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced the home openers for the 2018 USL regular season, with the league’s 33 clubs set to embark on a 31-week regular-season schedule that will open with a 14-game slate of contests the weekend of March 16-18.

Louisville City FC, 2017 USL Cup Champion, will open the season on home turf as it welcomes expansion side Nashville SC on March 17 in one of the opening weekend’s must-see contests. Two other expansion clubs will also face off that same night as Fresno FC faces Las Vegas Lights FC at Chukchansi Park in the inaugural regular-season contest for both clubs.

One of the Western Conference’s major rivalries will also be at the fore on the opening weekend of the regular season, with the Black Gold Derby between OKC Energy FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC set to resume at OKC’s Taft Stadium on Saturday night. Also in the Western Conference, two of the league’s marquee clubs will square off, as Sacramento Republic FC plays host to San Antonio FC at Papa Murphy’s Park, while Orange County SC will welcome Phoenix Rising FC to Champions Soccer Stadium for another intriguing clash to open the regular season.

In the Eastern Conference a pair of familiar foes will meet at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as North Carolina FC makes its USL debut against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and for a third successive year the Charleston Battery will host FC Cincinnati at MUSC Health Stadium on the opening Saturday of the season.

The regular season will open on Friday, March 16 when Rio Grande Valley FC plays host to Saint Louis FC at H-E-B Park, and Seattle Sounders FC 2 marks its debut in Tacoma, Washington, by hosting Cascadia rivals the Portland Timbers 2.

UPCOMING EVENT: 2018 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE WINTER CUP

 

Other notable home openers include the first meeting between Nevada rivals Las Vegas Lights FC and Reno 1868 FC, which will be hosted at Las Vegas’ Cashman Field on Saturday, March 24, the same night that Nashville SC will host its inaugural home opener against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. 

Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati will be part of two home openers that are sure to be memorable occasions, with the side visiting USL newcomer Indy Eleven for Indy’s inaugural home opener in the league on Saturday, March 31 before playing host to River Cities Cup rival Louisville City FC for its home opener at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, April 7. 

The full 2018 USL regular season schedule will be released next week, with the 561-game slate to conclude on the weekend of October 12-14.

2018 USL Home Openers
Friday, March 16
Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Saint Louis FC
Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. Portland Timbers 2

RECENT NEWS: HERRERA RETURNS TO CHARLOTTE FOR 20TH CAREER SEASON

 

Saturday, March 17
Charleston Battery vs. FC Cincinnati
Charlotte Independence vs. Ottawa Fury FC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Fresno FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
Louisville City FC vs. Nashville SC
New York Red Bulls II vs. Toronto FC II
North Carolina FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
OKC Energy FC vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Orange County SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC
Reno 1868 FC vs. Swope Park Rangers
Sacramento Republic FC vs. San Antonio FC

Sunday, March 18
Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Richmond Kickers

Saturday, March 24
ATL UTD 2 vs. New York Red Bulls II
Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Reno 1868 FC
Nashville SC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Phoenix Rising FC vs. OKC Energy FC
Richmond Kickers vs. Indy Eleven
San Antonio FC vs. Saint Louis FC
Swope Park Rangers vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Bethlehem Steel FC
Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Saturday, March 31
Indy Eleven vs. FC Cincinnati
LA Galaxy II vs. San Antonio FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Penn FC
Real Monarchs SLC vs. Portland Timbers 2
Saint Louis FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Toronto FC II vs. Ottawa Fury FC

Saturday, April 7
FC Cincinnati vs. Louisville City FC

Wednesday, April 18
Portland Timbers 2 vs. Rio Grande Valley FC

Saturday, April 21
Penn FC vs. Charleston Battery
Ottawa Fury FC vs. North Carolina FC

RECENT NEWS: USL REVEALS 2018 CONFERENCE ALIGNMENT

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced its conference alignment for the 2018 USL regular season. The league will feature 33 teams across two conferences for the upcoming season, with an even greater group of regional rivalries featuring across both conferences in the new year as the league’s regular season expands to 34 games.

The conferences will be split geographically, with 16 teams in the Eastern Conference and 17 teams in the Western Conference. One team, Saint Louis FC, has moved to the Western Conference for the new season, where it will join expansion clubs Las Vegas Lights FC and Fresno FC in the battle for a place in the USL Cup Playoffs this season.

The Eastern Conference will welcome four new teams this season, with ATL UTD 2, Indy Eleven, Nashville SC and North Carolina FC joining the conference. The addition of Indy and Nashville adds to a strong pocket of clubs in the Midwest as they join FC Cincinnati and Louisville City FC, while NCFC and ATL UTD 2 complement the league’s existing clubs on the East Coast, with the Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence and Richmond Kickers eagerly awaiting the chance to square off with their new rivals.

Orlando City B elected not to participate in the USL at the Division II level in 2018 while it evaluates its future options.

2018 USL Conference Alignment

Eastern Conference		Western Conference
ATL UTD 2 Bethlehem Steel FC Charleston Battery Charlotte Independence FC Cincinnati Indy Eleven Louisville City FC Nashville SC New York Red Bulls II North Carolina FC Ottawa Fury FC Penn FC Pittsburgh Riverhounds Richmond Kickers Tampa Bay Rowdies Toronto FC II		Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Fresno FC LA Galaxy II Las Vegas Lights FC OKC Energy FC Orange County SC Phoenix Rising FC Portland Timbers 2 Real Monarchs SLC Reno 1868 FC Rio Grande Valley FC Sacramento Republic FC Saint Louis FC San Antonio FC Seattle Sounders FC 2 Swope Park Rangers Tulsa Roughnecks FC

 

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced its conference alignment for the 2018 USL regular season. The league will feature 33 teams across two conferences for the upcoming season, with an even greater group of regional rivalries featuring across both conferences in the new year as the league’s regular season expands to 34 games.

The conferences will be split geographically, with 16 teams in the Eastern Conference and 17 teams in the Western Conference. One team, Saint Louis FC, has moved to the Western Conference for the new season, where it will join expansion clubs Las Vegas Lights FC and Fresno FC in the battle for a place in the USL Cup Playoffs this season.

The Eastern Conference will welcome four new teams this season, with ATL UTD 2, Indy Eleven, Nashville SC and North Carolina FC joining the conference. The addition of Indy and Nashville adds to a strong pocket of clubs in the Midwest as they join FC Cincinnati and Louisville City FC, while NCFC and ATL UTD 2 complement the league’s existing clubs on the East Coast, with the Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence and Richmond Kickers eagerly awaiting the chance to square off with their new rivals.

Orlando City B elected not to participate in the USL at the Division II level in 2018 while it evaluates its future options.

2018 USL Conference Alignment

Eastern Conference		Western Conference
ATL UTD 2 Bethlehem Steel FC Charleston Battery Charlotte Independence FC Cincinnati Indy Eleven Louisville City FC Nashville SC New York Red Bulls II North Carolina FC Ottawa Fury FC Penn FC Pittsburgh Riverhounds Richmond Kickers Tampa Bay Rowdies Toronto FC II		Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Fresno FC LA Galaxy II Las Vegas Lights FC OKC Energy FC Orange County SC Phoenix Rising FC Portland Timbers 2 Real Monarchs SLC Reno 1868 FC Rio Grande Valley FC Sacramento Republic FC Saint Louis FC San Antonio FC Seattle Sounders FC 2 Swope Park Rangers Tulsa Roughnecks FC

 

Charlotte N.C. — The Charlotte Independence have re-signed veteran forward Jorge Herrera, pending federation approval, bringing back the United Soccer League’s (USL) second all-time leading goal scorer. In 2015, Herrera was the first player signed in Charlotte Independence history and has remained with the club since.

“I feel very blessed to be a part of the team again,” said Herrera. “I'm very thankful for the opportunity to play one more year.”

UPCOMING EVENT: 2018 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE WINTER CUP

 

Herrera hit several career milestones last season including the franchise’s first, and his first career hat-trick. He surpassed the 50-goal mark in the USL regular season for his career, becoming only the second player in league history to do so. During the month of July, an eight-goal, two-assist performance spurred the Independence to an undefeated 5-0-2 recorded and resulted in Herrera being named USL Player of the Month.

“It was a great season, personally, and as a team,” said the 37 year-old, Herrera. “Now that we're in a break, you kind of look back and you can enjoy those little moments a little better. Although we wanted to go farther as a team, but now as time passes, those are things are going to be great memories.”

“We are delighted to have Jorge for another season,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His soccer acumen and ability in front of goal only increase with time; his dedication and concentration on fitness have kept him at a remarkable level throughout his career. I look forward to seeing the smile Jorge brings every day to training before watching him school the younger guys day in and day out.”

In 24 starts last season, Herrera recorded 2,002 minutes played with five assists and 12 goals scored, which was second-best on the team and tied for eleventh best in the league. In three season with the Independence, Herrera ranks second in the franchise record books with both 23 goals scored and 14 assists.

Independence fans are encouraged to welcome Herrera back to the squad during an autograph session on Saturday, January 20th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at the Sportsplex at Matthews during the 2018 Charlotte Independence Winter Cup presented by Coerver Coaching. 2018 Season Members will be able to pick up their Jorge Herrera bobbleheads, or new members can purchase their bobbleheads during the same period.

The Independence roster now sits at four players under contract with three returning and Callum Ross signing with Oklahoma City Energy FC. Additional players are slated to be announced next week. In other re-signing news, earlier this week, Queen City Soccer LLC extended their partnership wit Novant Health as the presenting sponsor. 

Charlotte N.C. — The Charlotte Independence have re-signed veteran forward Jorge Herrera, pending federation approval, bringing back the United Soccer League’s (USL) second all-time leading goal scorer. In 2015, Herrera was the first player signed in Charlotte Independence history and has remained with the club since.

“I feel very blessed to be a part of the team again,” said Herrera. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to play one more year.”

UPCOMING EVENT: 2018 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE WINTER CUP

 

Herrera hit several career milestones last season including the franchise’s first, and his first career hat-trick. He surpassed the 50-goal mark in the USL regular season for his career, becoming only the second player in league history to do so. During the month of July, an eight-goal, two-assist performance spurred the Independence to an undefeated 5-0-2 recorded and resulted in Herrera being named USL Player of the Month.

“It was a great season, personally, and as a team,” said the 37 year-old, Herrera. “Now that we’re in a break, you kind of look back and you can enjoy those little moments a little better. Although we wanted to go farther as a team, but now as time passes, those are things are going to be great memories.”

“We are delighted to have Jorge for another season,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His soccer acumen and ability in front of goal only increase with time; his dedication and concentration on fitness have kept him at a remarkable level throughout his career. I look forward to seeing the smile Jorge brings every day to training before watching him school the younger guys day in and day out.”

In 24 starts last season, Herrera recorded 2,002 minutes played with five assists and 12 goals scored, which was second-best on the team and tied for eleventh best in the league. In three season with the Independence, Herrera ranks second in the franchise record books with both 23 goals scored and 14 assists.

Independence fans are encouraged to welcome Herrera back to the squad during an autograph session on Saturday, January 20th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at the Sportsplex at Matthews during the 2018 Charlotte Independence Winter Cup presented by Coerver Coaching. 2018 Season Members will be able to pick up their Jorge Herrera bobbleheads, or new members can purchase their bobbleheads during the same period.

The Independence roster now sits at four players under contract with three returning and Callum Ross signing with Oklahoma City Energy FC. Additional players are slated to be announced next week. In other re-signing news, earlier this week, Queen City Soccer LLC extended their partnership wit Novant Health as the presenting sponsor. 

2018 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS ARE HERE!

2018 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS ARE HERE!

Get in on 17.75 Days of exclusive prizes, experiences and deals!

Become a 2018 Season Member right now by calling us at 704-206-1515!

Get in on 17.75 Days of exclusive prizes, experiences and deals!

Become a 2018 Season Member right now by calling us at 704-206-1515!