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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

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) and ESPN announced today the full schedule for the USL Game of the Week. Six games will air on national television during the summer, with an additional 14 games to stream digitally on ESPN3. The announcement follows the groundbreaking partnership between the two organizations that brings the thrill and excitement of the USL to the innovative ESPN+ platform alongside other major soccer properties like the UEFA Nations League, the English Football League and Major League Soccer.

UPCOMING EVENT: POST-GAME FIREWORKS THIS SATURDAY

 

Nineteen teams from across the league will feature on national broadcasts, including two former league champions, 10 2017 USL Cup Playoff teams, and four of the league’s newest arrivals for the 2018 season.

“The excitement of our league is built around heated regional rivalries fueled by the sport’s most passionate fans. We are thrilled to bring that excitement to the national spotlight this season, including some great primetime matchups that offer a glimpse at potential USL Cup Playoffs matchups later this season,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “The increase in USL matches available to a national audience this year is part of our partnership with ESPN, which includes launching our new home on the innovative ESPN+ platform, a move that will raise the prominence of the USL and its clubs to a higher level alongside great domestic and international competitions. This expanded partnership is a testament to the significant investments into the sport by the league and its clubs, and our collective commitment to delivering the best experience to our fans either at the stadium or at home.”

ESPNews will serve as the home for five of the USL’s six linear broadcasts in 2018, with a clash between newcomers Nashville SC and Indy Eleven at First Tennessee Park on Tuesday, June 26 set to lead off the run of six consecutive games broadcast over the air during the summer months. Other games to feature in that span include a visit to Nippert Stadium when FC Cincinnati hosts the Charlotte Independence on Wednesday, July 18, and a meeting between San Antonio FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Toyota Field on Wednesday, July 25.

Indy Eleven will also feature on the Fourth of July as it plays host to Ottawa Fury FC at Lucas Oil Stadium, while the run of six games will conclude with a trip to Al Lang Stadium as the Tampa Bay Rowdies play host to the Charleston Battery on Wednesday, August 8.

The USL Game of the Week package will kick off on ESPN3 later this month as Sacramento Republic FC welcomes Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to Papa Murphy’s Park on Wednesday, April 18. Three weeks later fans will head slightly south to see newcomer Fresno FC as it takes on Rio Grande Valley FC at Chukchansi Park on Wednesday, May 9, while later in the season we’ll pay a first visit to Real Monarchs SLC’s new home at Zions Bank Stadium when the defending USL Regular Season champions host Saint Louis FC. The season wraps up on Wednesday, October 10 when Las Vegas Lights FC plays host to Phoenix Rising FC in the final week of the 2018 regular season.

In addition to the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3, ESPNews and ESPNU, the league’s regular-season contests will be available in the United States through ESPN+ after its launch on April 12, where the league will reside alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League on the new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company Direct-to-Consumer and International group in partnership with ESPN.

Games will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida. Now in its second season, USL Productions produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners and local affiliates. The USL Match Center will also up-to-the-minute match statistics provided by industry leader Opta.

2018 USL Game of the Week on ESPN Schedule
April 18 – Sacramento Republic FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (ESPN3)
April 27 – Las Vegas Lights FC vs. San Antonio FC (ESPN3)
May 2 – Indy Eleven vs. FC Cincinnati (ESPN3)
May 9 – Fresno FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC (ESPN3)
May 30 – Saint Louis FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC (ESPN3)
June 13 – FC Cincinnati vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (ESPN3)
June 26 – Nashville SC vs. Indy Eleven (ESPNews)
July 4 – Indy Eleven vs. Ottawa Fury FC (ESPNews)
July 11 – OKC Energy FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC (ESPNews)
July 18 – FC Cincinnati vs. Charlotte Independence (ESPNews)
July 25 – San Antonio FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (ESPNU)
August 8 – Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Charleston Battery (ESPNews)
August 15 – Saint Louis FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC (ESPN3)
August 22 – Phoenix Rising FC vs. San Antonio FC (ESPN3)
August 29 – Rio Grande Valley FC vs. San Antonio FC (ESPN3)
September 5 – Phoenix Rising FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC (ESPN3)
September 12 – Real Monarchs SLC vs. Saint Louis FC (ESPN3)
September 18 – Nashville SC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (ESPN3)
September 26 – Richmond Kickers vs. FC Cincinnati (ESPN3)
October 10 – Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC (ESPN3)

About USL
The USL is one of the most prominent professional soccer leagues in North America, reaching a population of more than 75 million people to fuel the growth of professional soccer across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship.

The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and operates USL Productions, which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, the USL’s Match Center and international markets over the 2018 season.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) and ESPN announced today the full schedule for the USL Game of the Week. Six games will air on national television during the summer, with an additional 14 games to stream digitally on ESPN3. The announcement follows the groundbreaking partnership between the two organizations that brings the thrill and excitement of the USL to the innovative ESPN+ platform alongside other major soccer properties like the UEFA Nations League, the English Football League and Major League Soccer.

UPCOMING EVENT: POST-GAME FIREWORKS THIS SATURDAY

 

Nineteen teams from across the league will feature on national broadcasts, including two former league champions, 10 2017 USL Cup Playoff teams, and four of the league’s newest arrivals for the 2018 season.

“The excitement of our league is built around heated regional rivalries fueled by the sport’s most passionate fans. We are thrilled to bring that excitement to the national spotlight this season, including some great primetime matchups that offer a glimpse at potential USL Cup Playoffs matchups later this season,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “The increase in USL matches available to a national audience this year is part of our partnership with ESPN, which includes launching our new home on the innovative ESPN+ platform, a move that will raise the prominence of the USL and its clubs to a higher level alongside great domestic and international competitions. This expanded partnership is a testament to the significant investments into the sport by the league and its clubs, and our collective commitment to delivering the best experience to our fans either at the stadium or at home.”

ESPNews will serve as the home for five of the USL’s six linear broadcasts in 2018, with a clash between newcomers Nashville SC and Indy Eleven at First Tennessee Park on Tuesday, June 26 set to lead off the run of six consecutive games broadcast over the air during the summer months. Other games to feature in that span include a visit to Nippert Stadium when FC Cincinnati hosts the Charlotte Independence on Wednesday, July 18, and a meeting between San Antonio FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Toyota Field on Wednesday, July 25.

Indy Eleven will also feature on the Fourth of July as it plays host to Ottawa Fury FC at Lucas Oil Stadium, while the run of six games will conclude with a trip to Al Lang Stadium as the Tampa Bay Rowdies play host to the Charleston Battery on Wednesday, August 8.

The USL Game of the Week package will kick off on ESPN3 later this month as Sacramento Republic FC welcomes Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to Papa Murphy’s Park on Wednesday, April 18. Three weeks later fans will head slightly south to see newcomer Fresno FC as it takes on Rio Grande Valley FC at Chukchansi Park on Wednesday, May 9, while later in the season we’ll pay a first visit to Real Monarchs SLC’s new home at Zions Bank Stadium when the defending USL Regular Season champions host Saint Louis FC. The season wraps up on Wednesday, October 10 when Las Vegas Lights FC plays host to Phoenix Rising FC in the final week of the 2018 regular season.

In addition to the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3, ESPNews and ESPNU, the league’s regular-season contests will be available in the United States through ESPN+ after its launch on April 12, where the league will reside alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League on the new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company Direct-to-Consumer and International group in partnership with ESPN.

Games will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida. Now in its second season, USL Productions produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners and local affiliates. The USL Match Center will also up-to-the-minute match statistics provided by industry leader Opta.

2018 USL Game of the Week on ESPN Schedule
April 18 – Sacramento Republic FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (ESPN3)
April 27 – Las Vegas Lights FC vs. San Antonio FC (ESPN3)
May 2 – Indy Eleven vs. FC Cincinnati (ESPN3)
May 9 – Fresno FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC (ESPN3)
May 30 – Saint Louis FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC (ESPN3)
June 13 – FC Cincinnati vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (ESPN3)
June 26 – Nashville SC vs. Indy Eleven (ESPNews)
July 4 – Indy Eleven vs. Ottawa Fury FC (ESPNews)
July 11 – OKC Energy FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC (ESPNews)
July 18 – FC Cincinnati vs. Charlotte Independence (ESPNews)
July 25 – San Antonio FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (ESPNU)
August 8 – Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Charleston Battery (ESPNews)
August 15 – Saint Louis FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC (ESPN3)
August 22 – Phoenix Rising FC vs. San Antonio FC (ESPN3)
August 29 – Rio Grande Valley FC vs. San Antonio FC (ESPN3)
September 5 – Phoenix Rising FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC (ESPN3)
September 12 – Real Monarchs SLC vs. Saint Louis FC (ESPN3)
September 18 – Nashville SC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (ESPN3)
September 26 – Richmond Kickers vs. FC Cincinnati (ESPN3)
October 10 – Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC (ESPN3)

About USL
The USL is one of the most prominent professional soccer leagues in North America, reaching a population of more than 75 million people to fuel the growth of professional soccer across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship.

The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and operates USL Productions, which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, the USL’s Match Center and international markets over the 2018 season.

Upcoming Game:

Upcoming Game:

Nashville (TN) — The Charlotte Independence's three-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday night in a 2-0 defeat to Nashville SC at First Tennessee Park. Alan Winn gave Nashville a 24th minute lead and substitute Ropapa Mensah sealed the win adding a second goal in second-half stoppage time. 

After earning seven points in the first three games, the Independence will look to rebound next Saturday night against in-state rivals North Carolina FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Post-game fireworks will follow the conclusion of the match. Ticket are available on https://www.charlotteindependence.com.

Scoring Summary:  24’: NSH – Alan Winn (Kosuke Kimura) 90+1’: NSH – Ropapa Mensah (Matt Pickens)   Discipline: 12’: CLT – Bilal Duckett (YC) 89’: CLT – Joel Johnson (YC)

Shots: CLT – 9 NSH – 12  Saves:  CLT – 2 NSH – 2 Possession: CLT – 50.1% NSH – 49.9%

 

Nashville (TN) — The Charlotte Independence’s three-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday night in a 2-0 defeat to Nashville SC at First Tennessee Park. Alan Winn gave Nashville a 24th minute lead and substitute Ropapa Mensah sealed the win adding a second goal in second-half stoppage time. 

After earning seven points in the first three games, the Independence will look to rebound next Saturday night against in-state rivals North Carolina FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Post-game fireworks will follow the conclusion of the match. Ticket are available on https://www.charlotteindependence.com.

Scoring Summary:  24’: NSH – Alan Winn (Kosuke Kimura) 90+1’: NSH – Ropapa Mensah (Matt Pickens)   Discipline: 12’: CLT – Bilal Duckett (YC) 89’: CLT – Joel Johnson (YC)

Shots: CLT – 9 NSH – 12  Saves:  CLT – 2 NSH – 2 Possession: CLT – 50.1% NSH – 49.9%

 

Next Game:

Next Game:

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL announced on Thursday the five nominees for the USL Player of the Month award for March, with top performers from the opening month of the 2018 season selected for the ballot.

Voting in the USL Player of the Month Award will be conducted by the following three voting bodies:

• A fan vote on USLSoccer.com will comprise 51 percent of the poll. The fan vote will run through Monday, April 9 at 9 a.m. ET.
• The USL Technical Committee’s ballots comprise 25 percent of the poll.
• The USL National Media Panel’s ballots comprise 24 percent of the poll.

The award winner and complete voting results will be announced on Thursday, April 12.

Please note: The USL Player of the Month selections process in no way is tied directly to the voting and selection process of End of the Year awards such as USL MVP or position players of the year.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL announced on Thursday the five nominees for the USL Player of the Month award for March, with top performers from the opening month of the 2018 season selected for the ballot.

Voting in the USL Player of the Month Award will be conducted by the following three voting bodies:

• A fan vote on USLSoccer.com will comprise 51 percent of the poll. The fan vote will run through Monday, April 9 at 9 a.m. ET.
• The USL Technical Committee’s ballots comprise 25 percent of the poll.
• The USL National Media Panel’s ballots comprise 24 percent of the poll.

The award winner and complete voting results will be announced on Thursday, April 12.

Please note: The USL Player of the Month selections process in no way is tied directly to the voting and selection process of End of the Year awards such as USL MVP or position players of the year.

2018 USL Player of the Month Nominees – March

• Solomon Asante, M, Phoenix Rising FC – The young Ghanaian opened the season on a three-game goal-scoring streak to help Phoenix post a 2-0-1 record, with his outstanding strike that led off Rising FC’s 4-0 win against OKC Energy FC landing on the ESPN SportsCenter Top 10.
   
• Kharlton Belmar, F, Swope Park Rangers – The standout striker recorded four goals and two assists in three games to start the new season where he left off in 2017 for the Rangers, earning Player of the Week honors in Week 1 while leading Swope Park to back-to-back victories to kick off the new campaign.
   
• Thomas Enevoldsen, F, Orange County SC – The former Danish international made an immediate impact with his new club as he scored four goals in four games to start the season. The USL Player of the Week in Week 3, Enevoldsen also recorded one assist and eight key passes in March.
   
• Jorge Herrera, M, Charlotte Independence – The ageless Colombian led the Independence to their best start in club history with four goals in three games, which helped put Charlotte on top of the Eastern Conference with a 2-0-1 record.
   
• Evan Newton, GK, FC Cincinnati – Newton led Cincinnati to a 2-0-0 start to the season with 10 saves over two shutout performances on the road. Included in those shutouts was a tremendous double-save off a penalty kick against Indy Eleven to deny Jack McInerney and Ben Speas.

2018 USL Player of the Month Nominees – March

• Solomon Asante, M, Phoenix Rising FC – The young Ghanaian opened the season on a three-game goal-scoring streak to help Phoenix post a 2-0-1 record, with his outstanding strike that led off Rising FC’s 4-0 win against OKC Energy FC landing on the ESPN SportsCenter Top 10.
   
• Kharlton Belmar, F, Swope Park Rangers – The standout striker recorded four goals and two assists in three games to start the new season where he left off in 2017 for the Rangers, earning Player of the Week honors in Week 1 while leading Swope Park to back-to-back victories to kick off the new campaign.
   
• Thomas Enevoldsen, F, Orange County SC – The former Danish international made an immediate impact with his new club as he scored four goals in four games to start the season. The USL Player of the Week in Week 3, Enevoldsen also recorded one assist and eight key passes in March.
   
• Jorge Herrera, M, Charlotte Independence – The ageless Colombian led the Independence to their best start in club history with four goals in three games, which helped put Charlotte on top of the Eastern Conference with a 2-0-1 record.
   
• Evan Newton, GK, FC Cincinnati – Newton led Cincinnati to a 2-0-0 start to the season with 10 saves over two shutout performances on the road. Included in those shutouts was a tremendous double-save off a penalty kick against Indy Eleven to deny Jack McInerney and Ben Speas.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today the expansion of its broadcast agreement with ESPN for the 2018 and 2019 seasons that will bring more regular-season games to linear networks and make ESPN+ the league’s streaming subscription service in the United States.

“We are thrilled to expand our valued relationship with ESPN through the 2019 season,” said USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis. “Our collaboration has grown organically over the last few years, as we’ve worked closely to continually enhance our broadcasts. In addition, our investments into USL Productions and partnership with VISTA Worldlink – now in its second season and under the visionary guidance of industry veteran Michael Cohen – has built the league into a premier television sports property which delivers engaging, exciting and unique content for fans all season long. Our clubs and players will benefit from the significantly increased exposure across ESPN’s linear networks, ESPN3, and our presence on ESPN+ alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League, and other top international soccer leagues and tournaments.”

“We have worked in great collaboration with the USL to leverage numerous ESPN touch points to reach fans, and will continue to do so through this latest agreement,” said Scott Guglielmino, Senior Vice President, ESPN Programming. “We look forward to our expanded relationship as we serve fans across our platforms in new and engaging ways.”

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE ANNOUNCE POST GAME FIREWORK SCHEDULE

 

Now in its third season, the USL’s agreement with ESPN will see six USL regular season games and the 2018 USL Cup aired on linear networks, a major increase from a season ago. The full 2018 Game of the Week schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

In addition to the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3, the league’s regular-season contests will be available in the United States through ESPN+ after its launch on April 12, where the league will reside alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League on the new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company Direct-to-Consumer and International group in partnership with ESPN.

Prior to the launch of ESPN+ on April 12, all USL regular season contests will be available through the league’s YouTube channel.

Games will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida. Now in its second season, USL Productions produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners and local affiliates. The USL Match Center will also return for the 2018 season, with up-to-the-minute match statistics provided by industry leader Opta.

Have a question about Independence Game Streams: Find out more here

About USL
The USL is one of the most prominent professional soccer leagues in North America, reaching a population of more than 75 million people to fuel the growth of professional soccer across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. 

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today the expansion of its broadcast agreement with ESPN for the 2018 and 2019 seasons that will bring more regular-season games to linear networks and make ESPN+ the league’s streaming subscription service in the United States.

“We are thrilled to expand our valued relationship with ESPN through the 2019 season,” said USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis. “Our collaboration has grown organically over the last few years, as we’ve worked closely to continually enhance our broadcasts. In addition, our investments into USL Productions and partnership with VISTA Worldlink – now in its second season and under the visionary guidance of industry veteran Michael Cohen – has built the league into a premier television sports property which delivers engaging, exciting and unique content for fans all season long. Our clubs and players will benefit from the significantly increased exposure across ESPN’s linear networks, ESPN3, and our presence on ESPN+ alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League, and other top international soccer leagues and tournaments.”

“We have worked in great collaboration with the USL to leverage numerous ESPN touch points to reach fans, and will continue to do so through this latest agreement,” said Scott Guglielmino, Senior Vice President, ESPN Programming. “We look forward to our expanded relationship as we serve fans across our platforms in new and engaging ways.”

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE ANNOUNCE POST GAME FIREWORK SCHEDULE

 

Now in its third season, the USL’s agreement with ESPN will see six USL regular season games and the 2018 USL Cup aired on linear networks, a major increase from a season ago. The full 2018 Game of the Week schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

In addition to the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3, the league’s regular-season contests will be available in the United States through ESPN+ after its launch on April 12, where the league will reside alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League on the new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company Direct-to-Consumer and International group in partnership with ESPN.

Prior to the launch of ESPN+ on April 12, all USL regular season contests will be available through the league’s YouTube channel.

Games will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida. Now in its second season, USL Productions produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners and local affiliates. The USL Match Center will also return for the 2018 season, with up-to-the-minute match statistics provided by industry leader Opta.

Have a question about Independence Game Streams: Find out more here

About USL
The USL is one of the most prominent professional soccer leagues in North America, reaching a population of more than 75 million people to fuel the growth of professional soccer across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. 

NEXT HOME GAME:

NEXT HOME GAME: