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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scoring Summary:    Discipline: 15’: CLT – Kevan George (YC) 32’: IND – Ayoze Garcia (YC) 72': IND – Jack McInerney (YC) 83': CLT – Cordell Cato (YC)

Shots: CLT – 5 IND – 5  Saves:  CLT – 2 IND – 0 Possession: CLT – 45% IND – 55%

 

Next Game:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scoring Summary:    Discipline: 15’: CLT – Kevan George (YC) 32’: IND – Ayoze Garcia (YC) 72′: IND – Jack McInerney (YC) 83′: CLT – Cordell Cato (YC)

Shots: CLT – 5 IND – 5  Saves:  CLT – 2 IND – 0 Possession: CLT – 45% IND – 55%

 

Next Game:

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

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE ADD JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL PLAYER

 

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

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

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

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE ADD JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL PLAYER

 

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

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

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

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

RECENT NEWS: LOCAL SOCCER CLUBS TEAM UP FOR DOUBLEHEADER

 

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

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

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

RECENT NEWS: LOCAL SOCCER CLUBS TEAM UP FOR DOUBLEHEADER

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECENT NEWS: PEPSI SIGNS ON AS STARTING XI SPONSOR

 

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

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

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

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

RECENT NEWS: PEPSI SIGNS ON AS STARTING XI SPONSOR

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

About Pepsi Bottling Ventures

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

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

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

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

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

 

About Pepsi Bottling Ventures

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

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team celebrated the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame (NCSHOF) on April 14th vs in-rivals North Carolina FC. In front of a packed crowd at the Sportsplex at Matthews, the NCSHOF was recognized for its work and its members that have influenced the state of the sport of soccer in North Carolina.

Via email, the NCSHOF released a statement regarding the ongoing partnership with the Charlotte Independence: "The NC Soccer Hall of Fame Board of Directors thanks the Charlotte Independence for the NCSHOF Recognition event that the team hosted at its April 14 match against North Carolina FC.  We look forward to building a strong mutually-supportive and beneficial alliance with the team."

Additionally, as a part of the Charlotte Independence's partnership with the NCSHOF, the organizations are proudly working on plans to display Hall of Fame artifacts and historic memorabilia at the Charlotte Independence offices and Jack's House soccer bar and retail space. These moments of soccer history will come to life and testify to the role the state of North Carolina has played influencing soccer in the United States today.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team celebrated the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame (NCSHOF) on April 14th vs in-rivals North Carolina FC. In front of a packed crowd at the Sportsplex at Matthews, the NCSHOF was recognized for its work and its members that have influenced the state of the sport of soccer in North Carolina.

Via email, the NCSHOF released a statement regarding the ongoing partnership with the Charlotte Independence: “The NC Soccer Hall of Fame Board of Directors thanks the Charlotte Independence for the NCSHOF Recognition event that the team hosted at its April 14 match against North Carolina FC.  We look forward to building a strong mutually-supportive and beneficial alliance with the team.”

Additionally, as a part of the Charlotte Independence’s partnership with the NCSHOF, the organizations are proudly working on plans to display Hall of Fame artifacts and historic memorabilia at the Charlotte Independence offices and Jack’s House soccer bar and retail space. These moments of soccer history will come to life and testify to the role the state of North Carolina has played influencing soccer in the United States today.

Matthews (NC) — An off night for the Charlotte Independence resulted in the first United Soccer League win for North Carolina FC. Saturday night was the second consecutive game the Independence was held scoreless. North Carolina was paced behind goals from Daniel Rios and Marios Lomis.

A tightly contested scoreless first half saw the Independence have a 67-33 percent advantage in possession. Twice Joel Johnson found Caleb Calvert in the box and on both chances Calvert was unable to convert.

In the second half, North Carolina FC drew first blood in the 50th minute when Daniel Rios fired a shot past Andrew Dykstra.  The Independence were unable to find the equalizer in the second half and North Carolina FC capitalized in the 86th minute when Marios Lomis tapped in a rebound off of the bar.

After back to back losses, the Independence will look to get back to winning ways in their next game on April 28th against Indy Eleven at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Scoring Summary:  50’: NC – Marios Lomis) 86’: NC – Daniel Ríos   Discipline: 7’: CLT – Alex Martinex (YC) 59’: NC – Peabo Doue (YC) 61': NC – Andre Fortune (YC) 85': CLT – Donnie Smith (YC)

Shots: CLT – 13 NC – 13  Saves:  CLT – 1 NC – 2 Possession: CLT – 60% NC – 40%

 

Next Game:

Matthews (NC) — An off night for the Charlotte Independence resulted in the first United Soccer League win for North Carolina FC. Saturday night was the second consecutive game the Independence was held scoreless. North Carolina was paced behind goals from Daniel Rios and Marios Lomis.

A tightly contested scoreless first half saw the Independence have a 67-33 percent advantage in possession. Twice Joel Johnson found Caleb Calvert in the box and on both chances Calvert was unable to convert.

In the second half, North Carolina FC drew first blood in the 50th minute when Daniel Rios fired a shot past Andrew Dykstra.  The Independence were unable to find the equalizer in the second half and North Carolina FC capitalized in the 86th minute when Marios Lomis tapped in a rebound off of the bar.

After back to back losses, the Independence will look to get back to winning ways in their next game on April 28th against Indy Eleven at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Scoring Summary:  50’: NC – Marios Lomis) 86’: NC – Daniel Ríos   Discipline: 7’: CLT – Alex Martinex (YC) 59’: NC – Peabo Doue (YC) 61′: NC – Andre Fortune (YC) 85′: CLT – Donnie Smith (YC)

Shots: CLT – 13 NC – 13  Saves:  CLT – 1 NC – 2 Possession: CLT – 60% NC – 40%

 

Next Game:

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team is proud to host and recognize the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame prior to the April 14th Game against in-state rivals North Carolina FC. Select members attending include Ed Young, Andre Burger, Bob Kepner, Lee Horton, Ruthann Cage and Larry Bosc. 

UPCOMING EVENT: SATURDAY NIGHT POST-GAME FIREWORKS

The North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame was established in 1996, with the first class inducted in 1997.  Partner organizations, with representation on the Board of Directors, represent youth soccer, adult soccer, referees and high school coaches. Four current members of the NC Soccer Hall of Fame include Hank Steinbrecher, Carla Overbeck, Anson Dorrance and Mia Hamm, are also members of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE TO PLAY ESPN GAME OF THE WEEK

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team is proud to host and recognize the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame prior to the April 14th Game against in-state rivals North Carolina FC. Select members attending include Ed Young, Andre Burger, Bob Kepner, Lee Horton, Ruthann Cage and Larry Bosc. 

UPCOMING EVENT: SATURDAY NIGHT POST-GAME FIREWORKS

The North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame was established in 1996, with the first class inducted in 1997.  Partner organizations, with representation on the Board of Directors, represent youth soccer, adult soccer, referees and high school coaches. Four current members of the NC Soccer Hall of Fame include Hank Steinbrecher, Carla Overbeck, Anson Dorrance and Mia Hamm, are also members of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE TO PLAY ESPN GAME OF THE WEEK