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Charlotte Independence forward Dane Kelly speaks to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following training on the team’s first round game against Charleston, having home field advantage and his approach to the match. 

Charlotte Independence forward Dane Kelly speaks to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following training on the team’s first round game against Charleston, having home field advantage and his approach to the match. 

Charlotte Independence midfielder Enzo Martinez speaks to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following training on the team’s mentality heading into their first round game against Charleston, hosting the club's first-ever playoff match and his expectations. 

Charlotte Independence midfielder Enzo Martinez speaks to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following training on the team’s mentality heading into their first round game against Charleston, hosting the club’s first-ever playoff match and his expectations. 

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 7, 2020) – Following last weekend's final results of the 2020 USL Championship regular season around the league – including the Charlotte Independence’s 1-0 win over North Carolina FC – the Jacks finished atop of Group G and will host a first-round match for the first time ever in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs. The Jacks are set to face the Charleston Battery on Saturday, October 10. The game is set to broadcast on ESPN+ in a 7 p.m. ET kickoff.

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 7, 2020) – Following last weekend’s final results of the 2020 USL Championship regular season around the league – including the Charlotte Independence’s 1-0 win over North Carolina FC – the Jacks finished atop of Group G and will host a first-round match for the first time ever in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs. The Jacks are set to face the Charleston Battery on Saturday, October 10. The game is set to broadcast on ESPN+ in a 7 p.m. ET kickoff.

Due to mandated limited attendance restrictions and regulated physical distancing protocols, the Independence have finalized procedures for approximately 50 fans to have an exclusive access opportunity to attend the Jacks’ match with the Battery, through a unique fundraiser.

Fans can receive a maximum of four of the 50 invitations to watch #CLTvCHS in-person, by making a charitable donation of $100 per seat. Access for the Independence’s round of 16 match is now available and can be secured by emailing the ticket department at cwheat@queencitysc.com.

Fans who have deposited money for the 2021 season at American Legion Memorial Stadium will receive first priority. Seats are not available to purchase at the box office.

All net proceeds from the match will be donated to 16-year-old McKenna Woodhead and her family. McKenna, a local youth soccer player and 2019 U.S. Women’s National Team “SheBelieves” Hero award winner, was told by doctors she will be permanently paralyzed from the chest down following a watersport accident on June 25th, 2018. 

2020 marks the Independence's third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

Due to mandated limited attendance restrictions and regulated physical distancing protocols, the Independence have finalized procedures for approximately 50 fans to have an exclusive access opportunity to attend the Jacks’ match with the Battery, through a unique fundraiser.

Fans can receive a maximum of four of the 50 invitations to watch #CLTvCHS in-person, by making a charitable donation of $100 per seat. Access for the Independence’s round of 16 match is now available and can be secured by emailing the ticket department at cwheat@queencitysc.com.

Fans who have deposited money for the 2021 season at American Legion Memorial Stadium will receive first priority. Seats are not available to purchase at the box office.

All net proceeds from the match will be donated to 16-year-old McKenna Woodhead and her family. McKenna, a local youth soccer player and 2019 U.S. Women’s National Team “SheBelieves” Hero award winner, was told by doctors she will be permanently paralyzed from the chest down following a watersport accident on June 25th, 2018. 

2020 marks the Independence’s third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

LINK: click here to get tickets

LINK: click here to get tickets

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 6, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence earned a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs and a late, dramatic 1-0 victory on the road against North Carolina FC on Saturday, courtesy of a goal from Valentin Sabella four minutes into second half stoppage time.

Check out our gallery of photos from the fixture, which helped the Independence clinch its third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 6, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence earned a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs and a late, dramatic 1-0 victory on the road against North Carolina FC on Saturday, courtesy of a goal from Valentin Sabella four minutes into second half stoppage time.

Check out our gallery of photos from the fixture, which helped the Independence clinch its third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

Photos by Adam Cosgrove

Photos by Adam Cosgrove

Tampa, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2020) – Charlotte Independence defender Duke Lacroix makes his first USL Championship Team of the Week appearance this season after playing a crucial role in the Independence's playoff-clinching 1-0 win over Group G opponents North Carolina FC. 

Lacroix put in a strong shift as the Independence shut out North Carolina FC to clinch first place in Group G, winning 7 of 9 duels and 2 of 2 tackles, while completing 46 of 51 passes. With the win, the Independence clinched its third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

The Championship’s leader in saves this season, Brandon Miller also made the cut this week, getting a nod as a bench player for the USL's weekly list after earning the shutout in net for Jacks in their win over NCFC. The shutout was Miller's fifth of the season and the 39th of his USL career. 

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 15 of the 2020 regular season on Tuesday, with Memphis 901 FC forward Cal Jennings named Player of the Week after recording his first professional hat trick on Saturday night at 901 FC ended its season with a 3-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC.

A former standout at the University of Central Florida, Jennings ended his first professional season on a scoring roll. The Georgia native led Memphis to victory against postseason-bound Legion FC with his hat trick, which gave the 23-year-old eight goals in his final seven appearances of the season.

Jennings earned 43 percent of the ballot for his performance as he was named to the Team of the Week for a second consecutive week. Orange County SC’s Chandler Hoffman finished second on 33 percent after he also notched a hat trick on Saturday night to lead his side to a 4-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

Tampa, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2020) – Charlotte Independence defender Duke Lacroix makes his first USL Championship Team of the Week appearance this season after playing a crucial role in the Independence’s playoff-clinching 1-0 win over Group G opponents North Carolina FC. 

Lacroix put in a strong shift as the Independence shut out North Carolina FC to clinch first place in Group G, winning 7 of 9 duels and 2 of 2 tackles, while completing 46 of 51 passes. With the win, the Independence clinched its third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

The Championship’s leader in saves this season, Brandon Miller also made the cut this week, getting a nod as a bench player for the USL’s weekly list after earning the shutout in net for Jacks in their win over NCFC. The shutout was Miller’s fifth of the season and the 39th of his USL career. 

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 15 of the 2020 regular season on Tuesday, with Memphis 901 FC forward Cal Jennings named Player of the Week after recording his first professional hat trick on Saturday night at 901 FC ended its season with a 3-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC.

A former standout at the University of Central Florida, Jennings ended his first professional season on a scoring roll. The Georgia native led Memphis to victory against postseason-bound Legion FC with his hat trick, which gave the 23-year-old eight goals in his final seven appearances of the season.

Jennings earned 43 percent of the ballot for his performance as he was named to the Team of the Week for a second consecutive week. Orange County SC’s Chandler Hoffman finished second on 33 percent after he also notched a hat trick on Saturday night to lead his side to a 4-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

READ | Independence Set To Host Battery In USL Championship Playoffs 

READ | Independence Set To Host Battery In USL Championship Playoffs 

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 15

GK – Rafael Diaz, Sacramento Republic FC: Diaz recorded an eight-save shutout as Republic FC took a 4-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night to close the club’s regular season at Papa Murphy’s Park.

D – Yuma, El Paso Locomotive FC: The Spaniard helped Locomotive FC record two shutouts over the week, winning 12 of 16 duels and four interceptions while completing 132 of 135 passes as El Paso claimed first place in Group C.

D – Duke Lacroix, Charlotte Independence: Lacroix put in a strong shift as the Independence shut out North Carolina FC to clinch first place in Group G with a 1-0 win, winning 7 of 9 duels and 2 of 2 tackles, while completing 46 of 51 passes.

D – Danny Reynolds, Tacoma Defiance: Reynolds recorded two assists across two games, won 9 of 13 duels and made 10 clearances as Tacoma faced Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC to conclude its regular season.

M – Kembo Kibato, Rio Grande Valley FC: Kibato recorded a pair of assists and completed 22 of 24 passes overall while winning 5 of 8 duels and 2 of 2 tackles in the Toros’ 4-2 victory against OKC Energy FC to close the regular season.

M – Sam Stanton, Phoenix Rising FC: Stanton scored twice as Rising FC ended its regular season with a 4-1 win against the LA Galaxy II, and also completed 27 of 33 passes and recorded four interceptions.

M – Dariusz Formella, Sacramento Republic FC: Formella had two goals and one assist as Republic FC scored four goals in the opening 25 minutes against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park.

M – Sebastian Velasquez, Miami FC: Velasquez had two goals and one assist across two games as Miami wrapped up the season with wins against the Charleston Battery and Atlanta United 2, while completing 30 of 38 passes overall.

F – Cal Jennings, Memphis 901 FC: Jennings capped his first professional season with a hat trick against Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday night, while recording four shots on goal and completing 2 of 3 dribbles.

F – Chandler Hoffman, Orange County SC: Hoffman recorded his second hat trick in the Championship as Orange County SC took a 4-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC, while also completing 12 of 14 passes and recording four shots overall.

F – Augustine Williams, LA Galaxy II: Williams scored three goals across two games, including a pair of tallies as Los Dos clinched a place in the 2020 Championship Playoffs with victory against Orange County SC, and completed 29 of 35 passes for the week.

Bench: Brandon Miller (CLT), Rodrigo Da Costa (TUL), Wal Fall (STL), Ema Twumasi (ATX), Fredlin Mompremier (SKC), Stavros Zarokostas (CHS), Tobenna Uzo (TUL)

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 15

GK – Rafael Diaz, Sacramento Republic FC: Diaz recorded an eight-save shutout as Republic FC took a 4-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night to close the club’s regular season at Papa Murphy’s Park.

D – Yuma, El Paso Locomotive FC: The Spaniard helped Locomotive FC record two shutouts over the week, winning 12 of 16 duels and four interceptions while completing 132 of 135 passes as El Paso claimed first place in Group C.

D – Duke Lacroix, Charlotte Independence: Lacroix put in a strong shift as the Independence shut out North Carolina FC to clinch first place in Group G with a 1-0 win, winning 7 of 9 duels and 2 of 2 tackles, while completing 46 of 51 passes.

D – Danny Reynolds, Tacoma Defiance: Reynolds recorded two assists across two games, won 9 of 13 duels and made 10 clearances as Tacoma faced Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC to conclude its regular season.

M – Kembo Kibato, Rio Grande Valley FC: Kibato recorded a pair of assists and completed 22 of 24 passes overall while winning 5 of 8 duels and 2 of 2 tackles in the Toros’ 4-2 victory against OKC Energy FC to close the regular season.

M – Sam Stanton, Phoenix Rising FC: Stanton scored twice as Rising FC ended its regular season with a 4-1 win against the LA Galaxy II, and also completed 27 of 33 passes and recorded four interceptions.

M – Dariusz Formella, Sacramento Republic FC: Formella had two goals and one assist as Republic FC scored four goals in the opening 25 minutes against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park.

M – Sebastian Velasquez, Miami FC: Velasquez had two goals and one assist across two games as Miami wrapped up the season with wins against the Charleston Battery and Atlanta United 2, while completing 30 of 38 passes overall.

F – Cal Jennings, Memphis 901 FC: Jennings capped his first professional season with a hat trick against Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday night, while recording four shots on goal and completing 2 of 3 dribbles.

F – Chandler Hoffman, Orange County SC: Hoffman recorded his second hat trick in the Championship as Orange County SC took a 4-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC, while also completing 12 of 14 passes and recording four shots overall.

F – Augustine Williams, LA Galaxy II: Williams scored three goals across two games, including a pair of tallies as Los Dos clinched a place in the 2020 Championship Playoffs with victory against Orange County SC, and completed 29 of 35 passes for the week.

Bench: Brandon Miller (CLT), Rodrigo Da Costa (TUL), Wal Fall (STL), Ema Twumasi (ATX), Fredlin Mompremier (SKC), Stavros Zarokostas (CHS), Tobenna Uzo (TUL)

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 6, 2020) – For the first time since 2017, the Charlotte Independence have qualified for the USL Championship playoffs. 

The Independence will host the Charleston Battery, a team that boasts a 3-2-3 all-time record at the Sportsplex at Matthews in the regular season, in the round of 16 on October 10 at 7 p.m. ET. If the Jacks manage to defeat the South Carolina side, they’ll advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they would take on the winner of Tampa Bay Rowdies – Birmingham Legion FC on October 15-18. Should Charlotte and Birmingham advance, the Jacks would be set to host the matchup. 

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 6, 2020) – For the first time since 2017, the Charlotte Independence have qualified for the USL Championship playoffs. 

The Independence will host the Charleston Battery, a team that boasts a 3-2-3 all-time record at the Sportsplex at Matthews in the regular season, in the round of 16 on October 10 at 7 p.m. ET. If the Jacks manage to defeat the South Carolina side, they’ll advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they would take on the winner of Tampa Bay Rowdies – Birmingham Legion FC on October 15-18. Should Charlotte and Birmingham advance, the Jacks would be set to host the matchup. 

LINK: click here to get tickets

LINK: click here to get tickets

The 16-team bracket will remain in a regionalized single-elimination bracket, with the four group winners in each conference earning hosting rights for the Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals. Following the opening round, hosting rights will be determined by regular season record.

Following the recommendations of the league’s Competition Strategy Committee, teams will see no less than four days between games should they advance. In the case of a postponement, the rescheduled match would need to take place within 48 hours of the original kickoff.

Additionally, a four-day match window (Thursday-Sunday) will be employed for each of the first three rounds of the postseason. As in previous seasons, at least a five-day window will remain in effect for the 2020 USL Championship Final to allow flexibility for broadcast purposes.

The 16-team bracket will remain in a regionalized single-elimination bracket, with the four group winners in each conference earning hosting rights for the Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals. Following the opening round, hosting rights will be determined by regular season record.

Following the recommendations of the league’s Competition Strategy Committee, teams will see no less than four days between games should they advance. In the case of a postponement, the rescheduled match would need to take place within 48 hours of the original kickoff.

Additionally, a four-day match window (Thursday-Sunday) will be employed for each of the first three rounds of the postseason. As in previous seasons, at least a five-day window will remain in effect for the 2020 USL Championship Final to allow flexibility for broadcast purposes.

• READ | Independence Set To Host Battery In USL Championship Playoffs 

• READ | Independence Set To Host Battery In USL Championship Playoffs 

Contests in the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs will be played according to standard FIFA rules. If a match is level at the end of regulation, extra time shall be played. Extra time shall consist of two 15-minute periods which will be played in their entirety.

If the score is still level at the end of extra time, a penalty shootout will determine the winner, in accordance with the procedure specified in the Laws of the Game. Each side will be allowed to make five substitutions within three opportunities during regulation. Teams will also be permitted one additional substitution in extra time, and will each have one additional substitution opportunity; substitutions may also be made before the start of extra time and at halftime in extra time. No substitutions will be permitted between the end of extra time and the beginning of a penalty shootout.

Every game of the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs through the Eastern and Western Conference Finals can be seen in the United States on ESPN+ and internationally through the Championship’s broadcast partners and the league’s YouTube channel, with the final set to air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on Sunday, November 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

For live match updates, follow @Independence on Twitter, or tune in as #CLTvCHS will air live on ESPN+.

Contests in the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs will be played according to standard FIFA rules. If a match is level at the end of regulation, extra time shall be played. Extra time shall consist of two 15-minute periods which will be played in their entirety.

If the score is still level at the end of extra time, a penalty shootout will determine the winner, in accordance with the procedure specified in the Laws of the Game. Each side will be allowed to make five substitutions within three opportunities during regulation. Teams will also be permitted one additional substitution in extra time, and will each have one additional substitution opportunity; substitutions may also be made before the start of extra time and at halftime in extra time. No substitutions will be permitted between the end of extra time and the beginning of a penalty shootout.

Every game of the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs through the Eastern and Western Conference Finals can be seen in the United States on ESPN+ and internationally through the Championship’s broadcast partners and the league’s YouTube channel, with the final set to air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on Sunday, November 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

For live match updates, follow @Independence on Twitter, or tune in as #CLTvCHS will air live on ESPN+.

2020 2020 USL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF DATES

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Saturday, October 10
Charlotte Independence vs. Charleston Battery, Sportsplex at Matthews, 7 p.m. ET
Hartford Athletic vs. Saint Louis FC, Dillon Stadium, 7 p.m. ET
Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Lynn Family Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Birmingham Legion FC, Al Lang Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET

Western Conference Quarterfinals
Saturday, October 10
San Antonio FC vs. New Mexico United, Toyota Field, 9 p.m. ET
Reno 1868 FC vs. LA Galaxy II, Greater Nevada Field, 9 p.m. ET
El Paso Locomotive FC vs. FC Tulsa, 9:30 p.m. ET
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC, Casino Arizona Field, 10:30 p.m. ET

Conference Semifinals – October 15-18
Conference Finals – October 22-25
USL Championship Final – TBD

2020 2020 USL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF DATES

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Saturday, October 10
Charlotte Independence vs. Charleston Battery, Sportsplex at Matthews, 7 p.m. ET
Hartford Athletic vs. Saint Louis FC, Dillon Stadium, 7 p.m. ET
Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Lynn Family Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Birmingham Legion FC, Al Lang Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET

Western Conference Quarterfinals
Saturday, October 10
San Antonio FC vs. New Mexico United, Toyota Field, 9 p.m. ET
Reno 1868 FC vs. LA Galaxy II, Greater Nevada Field, 9 p.m. ET
El Paso Locomotive FC vs. FC Tulsa, 9:30 p.m. ET
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC, Casino Arizona Field, 10:30 p.m. ET

Conference Semifinals – October 15-18
Conference Finals – October 22-25
USL Championship Final – TBD

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.

In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021.

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.

In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021.

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 5, 2020) – With a 1-0 win over North Carolina FC on Saturday night, the Charlotte Independence will host a USL Championship playoffs match at the Sportsplex at Matthews for the first time in club history on October 10 (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+). This marks the Jacks’ third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

The Independence finished the USL Championship regular season in first place in Group G with a record of 8-4-4 (28 points) and secured the rights to host the Charleston Battery in the round of 16. The Battery finished second in Group H behind Tampa Bay with a record of 9-3-3 (30 points) and clinched their postseason berth on September 20 after defeating The Miami FC 2-0.

The first-round of the playoffs will be the second time Charleston has visited Charlotte this season. On August 8, the Battery visited the Sportsplex at Matthews and forced a 1-1 draw over the Independence. Dane Kelly scored the opener for the Jacks and a cross by Zeiko Lewis in the 42nd minute deflected off Independence defender Aaron Maund for the equalizing own goal.

The winner between Charlotte and Charleston will meet the winner of Tampa Bay and Birmingham in a conference semifinal from Oct. 16-18.

Due to mandated limited attendance restrictions and regulated physical distancing protocols, the Independence have finalized procedures for approximately 50 fans to have an exclusive access opportunity to attend the Jacks’ match with the Battery, through a unique fundraiser.

Fans can receive a maximum of four of the 50 invitations to watch #CLTvCHS in-person, by making a charitable donation of $100 per seat. Access for the Independence’s round of 16 match is now available and can be secured by emailing the ticket department at cwheat@queencitysc.com. Fans who have deposited money for the 2021 season at American Legion Memorial Stadium will receive first priority. 

All net proceeds from the match will be donated to 16-year-old McKenna Woodhead and her family. McKenna, a local youth soccer player and 2019 U.S. Women’s National Team “SheBelieves” Hero award winner, was told by doctors she will be permanently paralyzed from the chest down following a watersport accident on June 25th, 2018. McKenna’s family has made updates on her status available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/mckennastrong/journal.

The overriding priority of both the club and the USL has been the health and wellbeing of everyone involved. Strict protocols have been put in place to ensure that the Sportsplex at Matthews is as safe as possible for everybody present. These protocols include safety measures such as temperature checks upon entry, physical distancing, and that masks/face coverings be worn throughout the Sportsplex at Matthews. Further details and procedures will be made available to the public later this week. 

The Independence would like to thank our partners at Novant Health as well as all our community leaders, advocates, medical staff and volunteers that help on the front lines in our battle against Covid-19.

CHARLOTTE (Oct. 5, 2020) – With a 1-0 win over North Carolina FC on Saturday night, the Charlotte Independence will host a USL Championship playoffs match at the Sportsplex at Matthews for the first time in club history on October 10 (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+). This marks the Jacks’ third appearance in postseason play and first since 2017.

The Independence finished the USL Championship regular season in first place in Group G with a record of 8-4-4 (28 points) and secured the rights to host the Charleston Battery in the round of 16. The Battery finished second in Group H behind Tampa Bay with a record of 9-3-3 (30 points) and clinched their postseason berth on September 20 after defeating The Miami FC 2-0.

The first-round of the playoffs will be the second time Charleston has visited Charlotte this season. On August 8, the Battery visited the Sportsplex at Matthews and forced a 1-1 draw over the Independence. Dane Kelly scored the opener for the Jacks and a cross by Zeiko Lewis in the 42nd minute deflected off Independence defender Aaron Maund for the equalizing own goal.

The winner between Charlotte and Charleston will meet the winner of Tampa Bay and Birmingham in a conference semifinal from Oct. 16-18.

Due to mandated limited attendance restrictions and regulated physical distancing protocols, the Independence have finalized procedures for approximately 50 fans to have an exclusive access opportunity to attend the Jacks’ match with the Battery, through a unique fundraiser.

Fans can receive a maximum of four of the 50 invitations to watch #CLTvCHS in-person, by making a charitable donation of $100 per seat. Access for the Independence’s round of 16 match is now available and can be secured by emailing the ticket department at cwheat@queencitysc.com. Fans who have deposited money for the 2021 season at American Legion Memorial Stadium will receive first priority. 

All net proceeds from the match will be donated to 16-year-old McKenna Woodhead and her family. McKenna, a local youth soccer player and 2019 U.S. Women’s National Team “SheBelieves” Hero award winner, was told by doctors she will be permanently paralyzed from the chest down following a watersport accident on June 25th, 2018. McKenna’s family has made updates on her status available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/mckennastrong/journal.

The overriding priority of both the club and the USL has been the health and wellbeing of everyone involved. Strict protocols have been put in place to ensure that the Sportsplex at Matthews is as safe as possible for everybody present. These protocols include safety measures such as temperature checks upon entry, physical distancing, and that masks/face coverings be worn throughout the Sportsplex at Matthews. Further details and procedures will be made available to the public later this week. 

The Independence would like to thank our partners at Novant Health as well as all our community leaders, advocates, medical staff and volunteers that help on the front lines in our battle against Covid-19.

LINK: click here to get tickets

LINK: click here to get tickets

POSTSEASON FORMAT: The 16-team bracket will remain in a regionalized single-elimination bracket, with the four group winners in each conference earning hosting rights for the Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals. Following the opening round, hosting rights will be determined by regular season record.

2020 USL Championship Playoffs Dates

Conference Quarterfinals – October 8-11
Conference Semifinals – October 15-18
Conference Finals – October 22-25
USL Championship Final – TBD

Every game of the 2020 USL Championship playoffs will air on the ESPN family of networks, with broadcasts on ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ bringing all the excitement of the first league in the United States to return to play in home markets directly to homes across the United States. The USL Cup Final is set for Nov. 1 as those emerging from the East and West sides of the bracket clash in the league’s first game to be broadcast on ESPN.

For live match updates, follow @Independence on Twitter, or tune in as the match will air live on ESPN+.

POSTSEASON FORMAT: The 16-team bracket will remain in a regionalized single-elimination bracket, with the four group winners in each conference earning hosting rights for the Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals. Following the opening round, hosting rights will be determined by regular season record.

2020 USL Championship Playoffs Dates

Conference Quarterfinals – October 8-11
Conference Semifinals – October 15-18
Conference Finals – October 22-25
USL Championship Final – TBD

Every game of the 2020 USL Championship playoffs will air on the ESPN family of networks, with broadcasts on ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ bringing all the excitement of the first league in the United States to return to play in home markets directly to homes across the United States. The USL Cup Final is set for Nov. 1 as those emerging from the East and West sides of the bracket clash in the league’s first game to be broadcast on ESPN.

For live match updates, follow @Independence on Twitter, or tune in as the match will air live on ESPN+.

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.

 In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021.

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.

 In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021.

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Charlotte Independence winger Valentin Sabella speaks to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following the club's 1-0 win over North Carolina FC to clinch a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs. 

Charlotte Independence winger Valentin Sabella speaks to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following the club’s 1-0 win over North Carolina FC to clinch a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs. 

Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries spoke to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following the club's 1-0 win over North Carolina FC in the final game of the 2020 USL Championship regular season. 

Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries spoke to https://www.charlotteindependence.com following the club’s 1-0 win over North Carolina FC in the final game of the 2020 USL Championship regular season.