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Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team will host either Miami FC or Florida Soccer Soldiers on Tuesday, May 14th at the Sportsplex at Matthews in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The event will be open to the community with free admission for the game.  

Gates will open at 6:00 PM ET and kickoff will be at 7:00 PM ET. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, the same as a typical Independence regular-season game. 2019 Independence Season Members will receive priority on their regular seats. Please contact your Account Representative for further questions. All other seating will be general admission on a first come, first serve basis. Parking lots will open at 5:00 PM ET and will be free.

The Independence’s opponent will be determined by the First Round result on May 7th. All U.S. Open Cup games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team will host either Miami FC or Florida Soccer Soldiers on Tuesday, May 14th at the Sportsplex at Matthews in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The event will be open to the community with free admission for the game.  

Gates will open at 6:00 PM ET and kickoff will be at 7:00 PM ET. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, the same as a typical Independence regular-season game. 2019 Independence Season Members will receive priority on their regular seats. Please contact your Account Representative for further questions. All other seating will be general admission on a first come, first serve basis. Parking lots will open at 5:00 PM ET and will be free.

The Independence’s opponent will be determined by the First Round result on May 7th. All U.S. Open Cup games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

East Hartford, CT – In the inaugural home opener for USL Championship expansion team Hartford Athletic, the Charlotte Independence earned a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Rentschler Field. Independence forward Abdoulie Mansally opened his account for the 2019 season with a third-minute score.

In a  second-consecutive game, the Independence earned an away point by scoring first and keeping the opposition off the scoreboard in the second half. Set up by an inch-perfect pass from Dominic Oduro, forward Abdoulie Mansally gave the Independence an early lead. In the 12th minute, Hartford forward scored the equalizing goal.

The Charlotte Independence will next play at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. Tickets are on sale at https://www.charlotteindependence.com. 

East Hartford, CT – In the inaugural home opener for USL Championship expansion team Hartford Athletic, the Charlotte Independence earned a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Rentschler Field. Independence forward Abdoulie Mansally opened his account for the 2019 season with a third-minute score.

In a  second-consecutive game, the Independence earned an away point by scoring first and keeping the opposition off the scoreboard in the second half. Set up by an inch-perfect pass from Dominic Oduro, forward Abdoulie Mansally gave the Independence an early lead. In the 12th minute, Hartford forward scored the equalizing goal.

The Charlotte Independence will next play at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. Tickets are on sale at https://www.charlotteindependence.com. 

SCORING SUMMARY

 

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Curtis Anderson; Andrew Gutman, Hugh Roberts, Steven Thicot, Joel Johnson; Afrim Taku, Michaël Maria, Alex Martinez (Enzo Martinez – 74'), Dominic Oduro, Jorge Herrera, Abdoulie Mansally (Zyen Jones – 76’)

hartford athletic STARTING LINEUP

Jacob Lissek; Harry Swartz (Giuseppe Gentile – 77'), Sem de Wit, Philip Rasmussen, Raymond Lee, Nicky Downs, Collin Martin, Jonathan Brown, Sebastian Dalgaard, Mac Steeves (José Angulo – 64'), Hugh Alexander Dixon (Wojciech Wojcik – 80')

SCORING SUMMARY

 

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Curtis Anderson; Andrew Gutman, Hugh Roberts, Steven Thicot, Joel Johnson; Afrim Taku, Michaël Maria, Alex Martinez (Enzo Martinez – 74′), Dominic Oduro, Jorge Herrera, Abdoulie Mansally (Zyen Jones – 76’)

hartford athletic STARTING LINEUP

Jacob Lissek; Harry Swartz (Giuseppe Gentile – 77′), Sem de Wit, Philip Rasmussen, Raymond Lee, Nicky Downs, Collin Martin, Jonathan Brown, Sebastian Dalgaard, Mac Steeves (José Angulo – 64′), Hugh Alexander Dixon (Wojciech Wojcik – 80′)

Submitted by John Brewer: “Is Coach feeling the pressure from a series of poor results?”

Well, we asked Jim and he said…

“When you're not getting results, it's not nice. If you want to call that pressure, the bottom line is it's not nice. For us, last weekend was the first time we felt we had the legs. We started late with a small group of players, and we've added to that group of players slowly, and in many respects, we've had our pre-season during the season and now that we are into the season, the intensity is starting to come. That was a big part of the Tampa game. This weekend becomes a big game because we have to keep building on that result.”

Tweet from @jas_bai: “has Curtando even seen The Matrix?”

We had a quick talk with the youngster and the short answer is negative. The long answer is Curtis definitely confused Mr. Anderson aka Neo with Morpheus. In Curto’s defense, the movie came out in 1999, a year and a half before he was born.

Tweet from @BoRoundNRound: “When he gets sick, does Jorge go see a doctor or does the G.O.A.T. see a veterinarian?”

Unfortunately, due to HIPAA regulations, we are unable to disclose this information. Now you may be thinking “You have goat to be kidding me,” but believe it or not Vets follow these strict regulations too. Sorry to not be able to give you more here, we feel baaaad.

Submitted by Joey Gudzak: “How does it feel to have the best looking player in the entire USL championship, Jake Areman, on your team?”

It feels realllyyyyyyy good, man.

Tweet from @alex_warren55: “Anyone got NYC restaurant recommendations?”

Actually, yes. There is a beautiful thing that happens when the Filipino meets tacos and that is what you will find at FlipSigi. This “modern take on Filipino cuisine” is nothing short of delicious perfection. The Cali Burrito and Sinigang Fries are a safe bet at this hotspot in West Village. If you’re lucky you might even run into an extremely tall and good looking CBS actor and FlipSigi server named Josh.

 

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS FOR NEXT WEEK'S MAILBAG MONDAY

Submitted by John Brewer: “Is Coach feeling the pressure from a series of poor results?”

Well, we asked Jim and he said…

“When you’re not getting results, it’s not nice. If you want to call that pressure, the bottom line is it’s not nice. For us, last weekend was the first time we felt we had the legs. We started late with a small group of players, and we’ve added to that group of players slowly, and in many respects, we’ve had our pre-season during the season and now that we are into the season, the intensity is starting to come. That was a big part of the Tampa game. This weekend becomes a big game because we have to keep building on that result.”

Tweet from @jas_bai: “has Curtando even seen The Matrix?”

We had a quick talk with the youngster and the short answer is negative. The long answer is Curtis definitely confused Mr. Anderson aka Neo with Morpheus. In Curto’s defense, the movie came out in 1999, a year and a half before he was born.

Tweet from @BoRoundNRound: “When he gets sick, does Jorge go see a doctor or does the G.O.A.T. see a veterinarian?”

Unfortunately, due to HIPAA regulations, we are unable to disclose this information. Now you may be thinking “You have goat to be kidding me,” but believe it or not Vets follow these strict regulations too. Sorry to not be able to give you more here, we feel baaaad.

Submitted by Joey Gudzak: “How does it feel to have the best looking player in the entire USL championship, Jake Areman, on your team?”

It feels realllyyyyyyy good, man.

Tweet from @alex_warren55: “Anyone got NYC restaurant recommendations?”

Actually, yes. There is a beautiful thing that happens when the Filipino meets tacos and that is what you will find at FlipSigi. This “modern take on Filipino cuisine” is nothing short of delicious perfection. The Cali Burrito and Sinigang Fries are a safe bet at this hotspot in West Village. If you’re lucky you might even run into an extremely tall and good looking CBS actor and FlipSigi server named Josh.

 

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS FOR NEXT WEEK’S MAILBAG MONDAY

TAMPA (May 2, 2019) – The United Soccer League is proud to announce the 33 USL clubs that will compete in the USL Academy Cup, a new event beginning this year featuring the country’s elite youth players from the U-13 and U-17 age groups. This announcement comes off the back of the unveiling of the league’s vision for an Academy system and begins with the Academy Cup serving as a forerunner to the first-ever USL Academy League, built to provide a clear youth-to-pro path in each USL community. 

“This year’s cup competition is the first big step toward building a league model for all of our academies,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “You can see from both the number and quality of teams participating that there’s a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for what we’re looking to accomplish. We see this as an integral part of our organization, and the foundation of this league for years to come.”

The cup competition will see academy teams from all three levels of the USL represented, with clubs from the Championship, League One, and League Two all competing against one another. These events will be designed to better identify and accelerate the development of elite youth players with the potential to reach the professional ranks.

“These challenging competitions will provide valuable developmental opportunities for our youth players and we’re thrilled to help grow this initiative with other strong USL Academies,” said John Bradford, Boys Development Academy Director and Assistant Coach with North Carolina FC. “As a league, the USL continues to push player development and now has a full pathway for players from the youth to professional environments with the USL Academy Cup, League Two, League One, and the Championship.”

The makeup of the competition will include 22 teams representing the USL Championship, with three League One clubs and eight League Two clubs rounding out a growing footprint that already reaches 21 states across the country.

TAMPA (May 2, 2019) – The United Soccer League is proud to announce the 33 USL clubs that will compete in the USL Academy Cup, a new event beginning this year featuring the country’s elite youth players from the U-13 and U-17 age groups. This announcement comes off the back of the unveiling of the league’s vision for an Academy system and begins with the Academy Cup serving as a forerunner to the first-ever USL Academy League, built to provide a clear youth-to-pro path in each USL community. 

“This year’s cup competition is the first big step toward building a league model for all of our academies,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “You can see from both the number and quality of teams participating that there’s a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for what we’re looking to accomplish. We see this as an integral part of our organization, and the foundation of this league for years to come.”

The cup competition will see academy teams from all three levels of the USL represented, with clubs from the Championship, League One, and League Two all competing against one another. These events will be designed to better identify and accelerate the development of elite youth players with the potential to reach the professional ranks.

“These challenging competitions will provide valuable developmental opportunities for our youth players and we’re thrilled to help grow this initiative with other strong USL Academies,” said John Bradford, Boys Development Academy Director and Assistant Coach with North Carolina FC. “As a league, the USL continues to push player development and now has a full pathway for players from the youth to professional environments with the USL Academy Cup, League Two, League One, and the Championship.”

The makeup of the competition will include 22 teams representing the USL Championship, with three League One clubs and eight League Two clubs rounding out a growing footprint that already reaches 21 states across the country.

“The USL Academy Cup is a testament to the great work being done by leaders in youth development across the country and shows a strong belief in supporting environments that will push our top youth players to grow and evolve,” said Liam O’Connell, USL Sr. Director of Youth Development. “We are incredibly proud to launch this competition this year and to see our clubs continue to take on an even bigger role in driving the growth of our game for many years to come.”

As a part of USL’s growth, the Academy Cup will lead into the Academy League, a player-focused, club-driven league designed to serve as the gold standard of youth development. Aligning with the USL’s vision, clubs will participate at the highest level of competition in their respective age ranges with a goal to improve club and coaching development as well as provide the optimal environment for player growth. 

For information on conference alignment, competition structure, and the latest on the USL Academy initiatives, visit USL-Academy.com.

“The USL Academy Cup is a testament to the great work being done by leaders in youth development across the country and shows a strong belief in supporting environments that will push our top youth players to grow and evolve,” said Liam O’Connell, USL Sr. Director of Youth Development. “We are incredibly proud to launch this competition this year and to see our clubs continue to take on an even bigger role in driving the growth of our game for many years to come.”

As a part of USL’s growth, the Academy Cup will lead into the Academy League, a player-focused, club-driven league designed to serve as the gold standard of youth development. Aligning with the USL’s vision, clubs will participate at the highest level of competition in their respective age ranges with a goal to improve club and coaching development as well as provide the optimal environment for player growth. 

For information on conference alignment, competition structure, and the latest on the USL Academy initiatives, visit USL-Academy.com.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team has received 20-year-old, Cameroonian defender Hassan Ndam on loan from FC Cincinnati of Major League Soccer (MLS). FC Cincinnati reserve the right to recall Ndam for the remainder of the USL Championship season, and the loan is pending U.S. P-1 Visa approval.

The towering 6’4”, defender was selected by FC Cincinnati, from New York Red Bulls in the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft, last December. In the past two seasons, Ndam was loaned to USL Championship side New York Red Bulls II where he made 58 appearances, en route to back-to-back Eastern Conference Championship appearances. In 2018, the centerback led NYRB II in all defensive categories, recording 57 interceptions, 109 clearances, 165 duels won and 94 aerial duels. A top, rising talent, Ndam was voted a USL Championship Young Player of the Year Finalist, as well as, earning a selection to the USL Championship’s 20-Under-20 list. Prior to the start of the 2017 MLS season, Ndam signed with New York Red Bulls from Rainbow FC Bamenda. 

The Independence continue in USL Championship action this Saturday, May 4th versus Hartford Athletic at Rentschler Field. The Independence will next play at home on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery.  For more information on tickets, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team has received 20-year-old, Cameroonian defender Hassan Ndam on loan from FC Cincinnati of Major League Soccer (MLS). FC Cincinnati reserve the right to recall Ndam for the remainder of the USL Championship season, and the loan is pending U.S. P-1 Visa approval.

The towering 6’4”, defender was selected by FC Cincinnati, from New York Red Bulls in the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft, last December. In the past two seasons, Ndam was loaned to USL Championship side New York Red Bulls II where he made 58 appearances, en route to back-to-back Eastern Conference Championship appearances. In 2018, the centerback led NYRB II in all defensive categories, recording 57 interceptions, 109 clearances, 165 duels won and 94 aerial duels. A top, rising talent, Ndam was voted a USL Championship Young Player of the Year Finalist, as well as, earning a selection to the USL Championship’s 20-Under-20 list. Prior to the start of the 2017 MLS season, Ndam signed with New York Red Bulls from Rainbow FC Bamenda. 

The Independence continue in USL Championship action this Saturday, May 4th versus Hartford Athletic at Rentschler Field. The Independence will next play at home on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery.  For more information on tickets, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

TAMPA, Fla. –Charlotte Independence goalkeeper Curtis Anderson has been voted to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 8. The 18-year-old's eight-save performance was a season-high for the Independence and helped earn a point on the road at Eastern Conference leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

New Mexico United forward Kevaughn Frater has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 8 of the 2019 season. The Jamaican recorded a hat trick for the hosts at Isotopes Park, including a stoppage-time equalizer that earned United a 3-3 draw with Western Conference leader the Portland Timbers 2 in front of a club-record crowd of 12,291 last Friday night.

Frater received 42 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market. Rio Grande Valley FC’s Michael Salazar and San Antonio FC’s Jack Barmby finished tied for second with 26 percent as Salazar recorded a 14-minute hat trick against the LA Galaxy II, while Barmby produced a brace to highlight a standout performance in SAFC’s 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Curtis Anderson, Charlotte Independence: Anderson recorded eight saves to help the Independence earn a 1-1 draw on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

D – Ryan James, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: James recorded eight interceptions, made 10 recoveries and played a key role in the Hounds’ late equalizer against Nashville SC.

D – Aaron Guillen, North Carolina FC: Guillen put in a stellar performance down the left side, recording two key passes and completing 50 of 59 passes overall while winning 7 of 8 duels against Hartford.

D – Mechack Jerome, El Paso Locomotive FC: Jerome completed 66 of 71 passes, made eight recoveries and won all three of his duels as Locomotive FC earned a 1-0 victory against Reno 1868 FC.

M – Russell Cicerone, Saint Louis FC: Cicerone had one goal and one assist and recorded five shots overall to help power STLFC back to the top of the Eastern Conference with victory against Swope Park.

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes had a goal and two assists, recorded six key passes and won 20 of 29 duels across two outings as the Rowdies maintained their undefeated start.

M – Eryk Williamson, Portland Timbers 2: Williamson led T2’s comeback against New Mexico with two goals and six shots overall as he proved a consistent threat in the attacking third for the visitors.

M – Rodrigo da Costa, Tulsa Roughnecks FC: Da Costa had two goals and one assist as the Roughneck took four points from two games to move into second place in the Western Conference.

M – Jack Barmby, San Antonio FC: Barmby scored a pair of outstanding goals, recorded three key passes
and completed 63 of 70 passes overall in SAFC’s 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.

F – Kevaughn Frater, New Mexico United: Frater scored a hat trick, including a stoppage-time equalizer,
as New Mexico played to a 3-3 draw with Western Conference-leader the Portland Timbers 2.

F – Michael Salazar, Rio Grande Valley FC: Salazar notched a hat trick for the Toros in 14 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in his side’s 4-4 draw with the LA Galaxy II.

Bench: Joe Kuzminsky (CHS), Carl Haworth (OTT), Ken Tribbett (NSH), Steven Miller (NC), Andrew Tinari (TBR), Vincent Bezecourt (NY), Andre Lima (AUS)

TAMPA, Fla. –Charlotte Independence goalkeeper Curtis Anderson has been voted to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 8. The 18-year-old’s eight-save performance was a season-high for the Independence and helped earn a point on the road at Eastern Conference leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

New Mexico United forward Kevaughn Frater has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 8 of the 2019 season. The Jamaican recorded a hat trick for the hosts at Isotopes Park, including a stoppage-time equalizer that earned United a 3-3 draw with Western Conference leader the Portland Timbers 2 in front of a club-record crowd of 12,291 last Friday night.

Frater received 42 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market. Rio Grande Valley FC’s Michael Salazar and San Antonio FC’s Jack Barmby finished tied for second with 26 percent as Salazar recorded a 14-minute hat trick against the LA Galaxy II, while Barmby produced a brace to highlight a standout performance in SAFC’s 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Curtis Anderson, Charlotte Independence: Anderson recorded eight saves to help the Independence earn a 1-1 draw on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

D – Ryan James, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: James recorded eight interceptions, made 10 recoveries and played a key role in the Hounds’ late equalizer against Nashville SC.

D – Aaron Guillen, North Carolina FC: Guillen put in a stellar performance down the left side, recording two key passes and completing 50 of 59 passes overall while winning 7 of 8 duels against Hartford.

D – Mechack Jerome, El Paso Locomotive FC: Jerome completed 66 of 71 passes, made eight recoveries and won all three of his duels as Locomotive FC earned a 1-0 victory against Reno 1868 FC.

M – Russell Cicerone, Saint Louis FC: Cicerone had one goal and one assist and recorded five shots overall to help power STLFC back to the top of the Eastern Conference with victory against Swope Park.

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes had a goal and two assists, recorded six key passes and won 20 of 29 duels across two outings as the Rowdies maintained their undefeated start.

M – Eryk Williamson, Portland Timbers 2: Williamson led T2’s comeback against New Mexico with two goals and six shots overall as he proved a consistent threat in the attacking third for the visitors.

M – Rodrigo da Costa, Tulsa Roughnecks FC: Da Costa had two goals and one assist as the Roughneck took four points from two games to move into second place in the Western Conference.

M – Jack Barmby, San Antonio FC: Barmby scored a pair of outstanding goals, recorded three key passes
and completed 63 of 70 passes overall in SAFC’s 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.

F – Kevaughn Frater, New Mexico United: Frater scored a hat trick, including a stoppage-time equalizer,
as New Mexico played to a 3-3 draw with Western Conference-leader the Portland Timbers 2.

F – Michael Salazar, Rio Grande Valley FC: Salazar notched a hat trick for the Toros in 14 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in his side’s 4-4 draw with the LA Galaxy II.

Bench: Joe Kuzminsky (CHS), Carl Haworth (OTT), Ken Tribbett (NSH), Steven Miller (NC), Andrew Tinari (TBR), Vincent Bezecourt (NY), Andre Lima (AUS)

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team players have added Goalkeeper Coach Nate Walzer to the technical staff. Walzer brings 10 years of coaching experience to the Independence, including stints as an academy coach for the Portland Timbers and as an assistant for NC State Men’s Soccer and North Carolina FC.

 "It's a great opportunity to join this new staff," said Walzer. "As I learned a little bit about Jim [McGuinness'] background as a Gaelic Football coach, it definitely intrigued me. In getting to know him better and his methodologies, I knew it was a place I wanted to be."

 Walzer will work with 2015 USL Championship Goal Keeper of the Year, Brandon Miller and U-17 FIFA World Cup winner, Curtis Anderson. The variance in experience and playing background will contribute to the success of the group, according to Walzer.

“As a goalkeepers' union, it's a great group to work with because it's diverse,” said Walzer. “We have Brandon who's played a lot of games and he understands what it's like to be here, and then you have a kid who has an international background and a pedigree coming from [Manchester] City. Having them work together is something that is going to make both of them better in the long run.”

 The Independence continue in USL Championship action this Saturday, May 4th versus Hartford Athletic at Rentschler Field. The Independence will next play at home on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery.  For more information on tickets, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team players have added Goalkeeper Coach Nate Walzer to the technical staff. Walzer brings 10 years of coaching experience to the Independence, including stints as an academy coach for the Portland Timbers and as an assistant for NC State Men’s Soccer and North Carolina FC.

 “It’s a great opportunity to join this new staff,” said Walzer. “As I learned a little bit about Jim [McGuinness’] background as a Gaelic Football coach, it definitely intrigued me. In getting to know him better and his methodologies, I knew it was a place I wanted to be.”

 Walzer will work with 2015 USL Championship Goal Keeper of the Year, Brandon Miller and U-17 FIFA World Cup winner, Curtis Anderson. The variance in experience and playing background will contribute to the success of the group, according to Walzer.

“As a goalkeepers’ union, it’s a great group to work with because it’s diverse,” said Walzer. “We have Brandon who’s played a lot of games and he understands what it’s like to be here, and then you have a kid who has an international background and a pedigree coming from [Manchester] City. Having them work together is something that is going to make both of them better in the long run.”

 The Independence continue in USL Championship action this Saturday, May 4th versus Hartford Athletic at Rentschler Field. The Independence will next play at home on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery.  For more information on tickets, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Tampa Bay (FL) – The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team dogged out a one-all draw against USL Championship Eastern Conference leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night. Independence forward Dominic Oduro poached the game's opening goal, which proved to be enough to earn a point on the road. 

After Oduro netted his third score of the season, Sebastián Guenzatti quickly equalized for the home side. However, the Independence defense locked down for the second half. Behind an eight-save performance from 18-year-old goalkeeper Curtis Anderson,  the Independence kept a clean second half. 

The Charlotte Independence will next play Saturday, May 4th versus Hartford Athletic at Dillon Stadium. The official watch party will be hosted at Jack's House Soccer Bar and Event Space.  The Independence will return home on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. Tickets are on sale at https://www.charlotteindependence.com. 

 

Tampa Bay (FL) – The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team dogged out a one-all draw against USL Championship Eastern Conference leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night. Independence forward Dominic Oduro poached the game’s opening goal, which proved to be enough to earn a point on the road. 

After Oduro netted his third score of the season, Sebastián Guenzatti quickly equalized for the home side. However, the Independence defense locked down for the second half. Behind an eight-save performance from 18-year-old goalkeeper Curtis Anderson,  the Independence kept a clean second half. 

The Charlotte Independence will next play Saturday, May 4th versus Hartford Athletic at Dillon Stadium. The official watch party will be hosted at Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Event Space.  The Independence will return home on Saturday, May 11th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. Tickets are on sale at https://www.charlotteindependence.com. 

 

SCORING SUMMARY

 

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Curtis Anderson; Andrew Gutman, Hugh Roberts, Steven Thicot, Joel Johnson; Afrim Taku, Michaël Maria, Alex Martinez (Jake Areman – 84'), Dominic Oduro (Jorge Herrera – 65’), Enzo Martinez, Abdoulie Mansally (Zyen Jones – 81’)

tampa bay rowdies STARTING LINEUP

John McCarthy; Tarek Morad, Abdoulaye Diakité, Caleb Richards (Jordan Doherty – 89’), Leo Fernandes, Zach Steinberger ( Antoine Hoppenot – 66’), Juan Tejada, Dominic Oduro, Sebastián Guenzatti, Brandon Allen (Leon Taylor– 88’), Andrew Tinari

SCORING SUMMARY

 

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Curtis Anderson; Andrew Gutman, Hugh Roberts, Steven Thicot, Joel Johnson; Afrim Taku, Michaël Maria, Alex Martinez (Jake Areman – 84′), Dominic Oduro (Jorge Herrera – 65’), Enzo Martinez, Abdoulie Mansally (Zyen Jones – 81’)

tampa bay rowdies STARTING LINEUP

John McCarthy; Tarek Morad, Abdoulaye Diakité, Caleb Richards (Jordan Doherty – 89’), Leo Fernandes, Zach Steinberger ( Antoine Hoppenot – 66’), Juan Tejada, Dominic Oduro, Sebastián Guenzatti, Brandon Allen (Leon Taylor– 88’), Andrew Tinari

Charlotte, N.C. — Queen City Soccer Club LLC announced today that Great Clips has signed on as an official sponsor of the Charlotte Independence thru 2020.

Elements of the partnership include category exclusivity, signage, broadcast, in-store promotions, print, social media, hospitality and fan interaction.

“We are beyond excited to welcome the world’s largest salon brand to the Team,” said Wade Leaphart, Independence Executive Vice President. “We’ve got some amazing sponsors helping pave the way to Memorial (Stadium) in 2021. Our main goal is to build affinity between them and our rapidly growing fanbase. As they like to say, it’s gonna be great!”

The Independence currently play at The Sportsplex at Matthews. The USL Championship club is slated to move into a revitalized American Legion Memorial Stadium, on the edge of Uptown Charlotte, in spring 2021. The 2019 season is currently underway. For more information, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com

 

About Great Clips, Inc.

Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has 4,300 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips is 100 percent franchised, and salons are owned locally by more than 1,200 franchisees across North America. Great Clips franchisees employ nearly 40,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn the Great Clips customer care system and advanced technical skills. As a walk-in salon, Great Clips provides value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments are needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. Getting a great haircut is more convenient than ever with Great Clips’ Online Check-In and Clip Notes®. To check-in online, visit GreatClips.com or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit www.GreatClips.com

Charlotte, N.C. — Queen City Soccer Club LLC announced today that Great Clips has signed on as an official sponsor of the Charlotte Independence thru 2020.

Elements of the partnership include category exclusivity, signage, broadcast, in-store promotions, print, social media, hospitality and fan interaction.

“We are beyond excited to welcome the world’s largest salon brand to the Team,” said Wade Leaphart, Independence Executive Vice President. “We’ve got some amazing sponsors helping pave the way to Memorial (Stadium) in 2021. Our main goal is to build affinity between them and our rapidly growing fanbase. As they like to say, it’s gonna be great!”

The Independence currently play at The Sportsplex at Matthews. The USL Championship club is slated to move into a revitalized American Legion Memorial Stadium, on the edge of Uptown Charlotte, in spring 2021. The 2019 season is currently underway. For more information, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com

 

About Great Clips, Inc.

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Why is this merger happening?

One of the main reasons behind the merger is to provide opportunities for all players to have access to greater development and programming options than if the three clubs would remain independent.  These benefits can be seen across the board in recreation programs, state league teams and NPL, ECNL and DA teams. The player experience is the most important aspect behind the new club design.

We believe our coaches and staff directly impact our player experience.  Not only will this merger help to attract and retain top level staff, but it also provides better education and development opportunities. With a better educated staff, players directly benefit in their interactions and overall experience.  

In addition to increased coaching and staff education, combining the three organizations creates cost-cutting measures and better allocation of administrative roles. With staff being able to focus more on their specialty, they are able to perform a higher quality task for our families. The savings from these efficiencies in job responsibilities can be reinvested back into the organization.

Additionally, with a larger club and combined resources, we have more opportunity for in house programming which decreases travel and provides more control on player experience with the goal of limiting external expenses for our families.

Another benefit of the combined club is the potential to create resources to undertake strategic projects in the future ranging from development of playing facilities and complexes, to providing more scholarships to give greater access to the game for our players.

As you can see, the common theme behind the reasons all come back to our players’ experiences and the benefits derived from the merger.

How will tryouts work this year?

If your player is interested in trying out for a national level program (DA/ECNL/NPL), find the correct location for you and register for tryouts through that location.

If your player is not trying out for a national level program (DA/ ECNL/NPL), the tryout process will remain the same as previous years at each location. Go to your club’s website and register for tryouts as you normally would.

What does this mean for rising U16+ girls?

Because of the fact that all senior girls teams (rising U16+) have held tryouts and been formed, we will not be reshuffling these team’s makeups. This would not be fair to players who have committed to spots on various teams.

Local teams (playing in state leagues) will see no change in terms of their training/playing locations and their fees. Senior girls players already committed to playing on National Level teams (ECNL, NPL) will not see any change in terms of their rosters or fees. These teams will, however, be managed and coached as Charlotte Independence Soccer Club teams. These teams will be “regional” teams in terms of training with North teams training in Mooresville and Cornelius and South teams training in Fort Mill and Matthews. 

For more information, please review our Programs.  

Do I have to buy new uniforms? 

Yes. We are excited to share that our club leadership was able to secure a top of the line Adidas uniform kit for all players at a significantly discounted price. The new uniform set includes a white kit and blue kit branded with the Charlotte Independence logo. In addition, each player will receive a training top directly from their legacy club. Due to the size of our new club, the strength of our collective partnerships and significant support from Soccer.com, Adidas and Charlotte Independence, this transitional uniform kit will be a minimal cost to our families.

We realize purchasing a new uniform, especially for those who purchased last year, can cause some frustration and we completely understand. We evaluated several options to limit the impact on our families because you all are our priority, so we are excited to have the ability to get all three clubs branded in Charlotte Independence Soccer Club gear at a low price point.

That being said, we know this may be a stretch for some families, so we will have financial assistance for those families. More information on uniform ordering and low-cost pricing will be released as it becomes available.

Are my fees going to change? 

As with any new soccer year, fees are determined and adjusted by varying factors including number of training nights, field rental, referee dues, league fees, and what is included in the program. The previous approach to setting fees will remain in place. The long term goal is to provide reasonable and affordable programs for all players.

Why is this merger happening?

One of the main reasons behind the merger is to provide opportunities for all players to have access to greater development and programming options than if the three clubs would remain independent.  These benefits can be seen across the board in recreation programs, state league teams and NPL, ECNL and DA teams. The player experience is the most important aspect behind the new club design.

We believe our coaches and staff directly impact our player experience.  Not only will this merger help to attract and retain top level staff, but it also provides better education and development opportunities. With a better educated staff, players directly benefit in their interactions and overall experience.  

In addition to increased coaching and staff education, combining the three organizations creates cost-cutting measures and better allocation of administrative roles. With staff being able to focus more on their specialty, they are able to perform a higher quality task for our families. The savings from these efficiencies in job responsibilities can be reinvested back into the organization.

Additionally, with a larger club and combined resources, we have more opportunity for in house programming which decreases travel and provides more control on player experience with the goal of limiting external expenses for our families.

Another benefit of the combined club is the potential to create resources to undertake strategic projects in the future ranging from development of playing facilities and complexes, to providing more scholarships to give greater access to the game for our players.

As you can see, the common theme behind the reasons all come back to our players’ experiences and the benefits derived from the merger.

How will tryouts work this year?

If your player is interested in trying out for a national level program (DA/ECNL/NPL), find the correct location for you and register for tryouts through that location.

If your player is not trying out for a national level program (DA/ ECNL/NPL), the tryout process will remain the same as previous years at each location. Go to your club’s website and register for tryouts as you normally would.

What does this mean for rising U16+ girls?

Because of the fact that all senior girls teams (rising U16+) have held tryouts and been formed, we will not be reshuffling these team’s makeups. This would not be fair to players who have committed to spots on various teams.

Local teams (playing in state leagues) will see no change in terms of their training/playing locations and their fees. Senior girls players already committed to playing on National Level teams (ECNL, NPL) will not see any change in terms of their rosters or fees. These teams will, however, be managed and coached as Charlotte Independence Soccer Club teams. These teams will be “regional” teams in terms of training with North teams training in Mooresville and Cornelius and South teams training in Fort Mill and Matthews. 

For more information, please review our Programs.  

Do I have to buy new uniforms? 

Yes. We are excited to share that our club leadership was able to secure a top of the line Adidas uniform kit for all players at a significantly discounted price. The new uniform set includes a white kit and blue kit branded with the Charlotte Independence logo. In addition, each player will receive a training top directly from their legacy club. Due to the size of our new club, the strength of our collective partnerships and significant support from Soccer.com, Adidas and Charlotte Independence, this transitional uniform kit will be a minimal cost to our families.

We realize purchasing a new uniform, especially for those who purchased last year, can cause some frustration and we completely understand. We evaluated several options to limit the impact on our families because you all are our priority, so we are excited to have the ability to get all three clubs branded in Charlotte Independence Soccer Club gear at a low price point.

That being said, we know this may be a stretch for some families, so we will have financial assistance for those families. More information on uniform ordering and low-cost pricing will be released as it becomes available.

Are my fees going to change? 

As with any new soccer year, fees are determined and adjusted by varying factors including number of training nights, field rental, referee dues, league fees, and what is included in the program. The previous approach to setting fees will remain in place. The long term goal is to provide reasonable and affordable programs for all players.

What are the national-level options (DA, ECNL, NPL) for my child with Charlotte Independence Soccer Club?

All national-level programs (Development Academy, ECNL, NPL) will be run under the central management of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. Teams (excluding senior girls) will have open identification sessions for all players who are interested in being considered for one of or more of these teams. Players should first sign up for tryouts at their HOME location, and then may attend any ID session that they are gender and age appropriate for.

National program teams will be either regionalized or club-wide. Regionalized teams will be hosted in the North (training in Mooresville and Cornelius) or hosted in the South (training in Fort Mill and Matthews). Club-wide programs will occur throughout the greater Charlotte area.

The U13 and U14 Boys Development Academy teams will be regionalized – with a North and South team for each age group.

The U15 – U19 Boys Development Academy will be hosted club-wide.

The U13 – U19 Girls and Boys ECNL teams will be regionalized with a North and South team for each age and gender.

The U13 – U19 Girls NPL teams will be regionalized also with both a North and South teams for each age and gender. There will only be North regional teams for Boys NPL.

The Independence North location will have girls ECNL, girls NPL, boys DA, boys ECNL, and boys NPL.

The Independence South location will have girls NPL, boys DA and boys ECNL.

What type of programming will the new club have to offer?

The new Charlotte Independence Soccer Club is dedicated to the development of the sport of soccer from the youth player through adult levels and building the best soccer club for Charlotte. We offer a number of programs that suit a variety of players, from the elite level athlete to the recreational player.

Boys Player Pathway

Girls Player Pathway

The new club will have players from different states. Will my South Carolina child have to play in a North Carolina league of vice versa? 

If your child plays in a state league (NCYSA or SCYSA), you will continue playing for the state league you previously played for, unless you choose to move to a different team/location. The national programming does not play in a state league, so the player’s home state is not relevant.

What is the plan for State/Local programs in 2019-20, then 2020-21?

One of our goals is to maintain and even strengthen the local programming around the Charlotte area. It is our mission to provide a quality training platform and playing environment as locally as possible for players, while also offering full access to a complete payer pathway to all players.

In the 2019-2020 season, there will be NO changes to local programming. Lake Norman Soccer Club, Carolina Rapids and Discoveries will continue to operate local programming as scheduled. Teams will compete in local state leagues. Previously scheduled club fees will remain in place. Coaching staffs will remain as slated. Teams will train and play at the locations traditionally associated with their local programs.

In the 2020-2021 season and beyond, programming for local teams will be brought under the umbrella of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club management and administration; this will allow us to provide greater consistency and an even higher level of quality throughout the new club. But, the local nature of these programs will not change – players will not be asked to travel to other areas for locally based teams, etc.

What changes may be implemented in the youth academy programs?

The Youth Academy (U8 – U10) will be run locally as has traditionally been the case. With seven locations within the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, however, teams will primarily compete between the various locations. This will cut down on costs and travel but also allow for a more consistent and controlled level of competition.

In year two, standardization throughout the Youth academy will become much more prevalent. This includes cost structure, standards and soccer philosophy. Youth academies will remain at the local level with local directors and coaches.

Will there be a new website?

The three clubs will continue to host their individual websites while we transition over to one website for the whole club. For up to date information on the new club, parents will use this website, but for any location-specific programming questions, parents will use the specific legacy club’s website.

What are the national-level options (DA, ECNL, NPL) for my child with Charlotte Independence Soccer Club?

All national-level programs (Development Academy, ECNL, NPL) will be run under the central management of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. Teams (excluding senior girls) will have open identification sessions for all players who are interested in being considered for one of or more of these teams. Players should first sign up for tryouts at their HOME location, and then may attend any ID session that they are gender and age appropriate for.

National program teams will be either regionalized or club-wide. Regionalized teams will be hosted in the North (training in Mooresville and Cornelius) or hosted in the South (training in Fort Mill and Matthews). Club-wide programs will occur throughout the greater Charlotte area.

The U13 and U14 Boys Development Academy teams will be regionalized – with a North and South team for each age group.

The U15 – U19 Boys Development Academy will be hosted club-wide.

The U13 – U19 Girls and Boys ECNL teams will be regionalized with a North and South team for each age and gender.

The U13 – U19 Girls NPL teams will be regionalized also with both a North and South teams for each age and gender. There will only be North regional teams for Boys NPL.

The Independence North location will have girls ECNL, girls NPL, boys DA, boys ECNL, and boys NPL.

The Independence South location will have girls NPL, boys DA and boys ECNL.

What type of programming will the new club have to offer?

The new Charlotte Independence Soccer Club is dedicated to the development of the sport of soccer from the youth player through adult levels and building the best soccer club for Charlotte. We offer a number of programs that suit a variety of players, from the elite level athlete to the recreational player.

Boys Player Pathway

Girls Player Pathway

The new club will have players from different states. Will my South Carolina child have to play in a North Carolina league of vice versa? 

If your child plays in a state league (NCYSA or SCYSA), you will continue playing for the state league you previously played for, unless you choose to move to a different team/location. The national programming does not play in a state league, so the player’s home state is not relevant.

What is the plan for State/Local programs in 2019-20, then 2020-21?

One of our goals is to maintain and even strengthen the local programming around the Charlotte area. It is our mission to provide a quality training platform and playing environment as locally as possible for players, while also offering full access to a complete payer pathway to all players.

In the 2019-2020 season, there will be NO changes to local programming. Lake Norman Soccer Club, Carolina Rapids and Discoveries will continue to operate local programming as scheduled. Teams will compete in local state leagues. Previously scheduled club fees will remain in place. Coaching staffs will remain as slated. Teams will train and play at the locations traditionally associated with their local programs.

In the 2020-2021 season and beyond, programming for local teams will be brought under the umbrella of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club management and administration; this will allow us to provide greater consistency and an even higher level of quality throughout the new club. But, the local nature of these programs will not change – players will not be asked to travel to other areas for locally based teams, etc.

What changes may be implemented in the youth academy programs?

The Youth Academy (U8 – U10) will be run locally as has traditionally been the case. With seven locations within the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, however, teams will primarily compete between the various locations. This will cut down on costs and travel but also allow for a more consistent and controlled level of competition.

In year two, standardization throughout the Youth academy will become much more prevalent. This includes cost structure, standards and soccer philosophy. Youth academies will remain at the local level with local directors and coaches.

Will there be a new website?

The three clubs will continue to host their individual websites while we transition over to one website for the whole club. For up to date information on the new club, parents will use this website, but for any location-specific programming questions, parents will use the specific legacy club’s website.

How will this merger affect my child's recreation program? 

All recreation programs will remain the same as in previous years.

How will this merger affect my child’s recreation program? 

All recreation programs will remain the same as in previous years.