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Charlotte Independence to Host Ristozi FC in First Round of U.S. Open Cup

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 27, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the club will host Ristozi FC on March 19 in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m., with the match streaming live on the U.S. Open Cup’s official YouTube channel.

The contest will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides in official competition.

Charlotte enters the tournament after a run to the Third Round last season, defeating the Long Island Rough Riders and Carolina Core FC before bowing out to North Carolina FC.

Ristozi FC of the National Premier Soccer League arrives after a strong inaugural season in 2025. The Baltimore-based club clinched a spot in the tournament through winning the NPSL Mid Atlantic Conference and East Region Championships and advancing to the National Semifinals.

Additional information regarding tickets will be announced soon.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and plays home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium and Mecklenburg County Sportsplex of Matthews. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit CharlotteIndependence.com.

Charlotte Independence Announces vivenu As “Official Ticketing Partner”

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 26, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence announced today a new partnership with vivenu, naming the global ticketing technology company as the club’s “Official Ticketing Partner” ahead of the 2026 USL League One season.

vivenu is an API-first ticketing platform built for modern sports organizations, giving clubs full control over branding, data ownership, and the fan purchasing experience. The partnership will introduce a fully white-labeled ticket shop for Charlotte Independence supporters, along with faster checkout, mobile-optimized tickets, and deeper integration with the club’s digital platforms.

Fans can expect a simpler ticket-buying process, seamless mobile access and transfers, and greater flexibility for add-ons, special offers, and future upgrades—all powered by user-friendly, mobile-first technology that keeps ticket accounts directly connected to the club.

“This partnership is a great example of what modern ticketing should look like” shared Travis Smith, Regional Vice President of Sports and College Partnerships, North America. “Data ownership and decision-making belong with the clubs, and our role is to give teams the ability to stay fully in control while enhancing the fan experience through intuitive, connected ticketing journeys. We’re excited to partner with Queen City SC, support the Charlotte Independence, and be part of the momentum Charlotte is building around USL soccer.”

More details on the transition—including step-by-step guidance and key dates—will be shared soon.

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Jacks Pick Up Option on Defender Javen Romero

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 25, 2026) – Charlotte Independence announced today that defender Javen Romero will return to the club for the 2026 USL League One season.

Romero, 19, stepped straight into the starting lineup after joining the Jacks in April. The center back took advantage of injuries along the back line and appeared in 27 matches in 2025. Romero ranked second on the team in clearances (69) and blocks (15).

“Javen won the role as a starting central defender last year fairly soon after joining us,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Not only did he display his ability to handle his defensive duties, but he showed composure on the ball, and an ability to play a variety of passes well. Though an injury slowed him late in the season, I expect him to continue developing as a top young defender in USL League One.”

Romero picked up an assist on May 16 in a victory over One Knoxville SC, marking his first goal contribution with Charlotte.

“I’m excited to be back for another season and can’t wait to get back out there with the group,” expressed Romero. “We’re determined to bring a championship to Charlotte.”

The 19-year-old and his teammates will start the 2026 campaign at Westchester SC on March 14 before returning to Charlotte for the home opener against Spokane Velocity FC on March 27.

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Jacks Bring Back Midfielder Christopher Jaime For 2026 Season

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 24, 2026) – Charlotte Independence announced today midfielder Christopher Jaime has had his option exercised for the upcoming USL League One 2026 campaign.

Jaime, 21, appeared in 28 matches in his first campaign with the Independence. After joining the club from Los Angeles FC 2 of MLS Next Pro in March, Jaime invigorated the group with his skill and speed and proved his versatility, playing in both midfield and outside back positions. As the season progressed, the youngster earned eight starts in league play.

“I am excited to see Christopher continue his progression from 2025 into this new season,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His mentality and work rate are exceptional and shows up every day in training as well as games. We have big plans for Christopher in 2026. His soccer IQ and ability to make plays in the middle of the field were vital during our stretch run in 2025 and set the standard heading into next season.”

“I’m blessed to be back in Charlotte and doing what I love,” expressed Jaime. “I’m so excited for the season to start and to go for it all this year.”

Jaime now gears up for the season opener at Westchester SC on March 14 before returning to Charlotte for the first home game on March 27. Get your ticket for the home opener along with a mystery item HERE!

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Defender Fabrice Ngah Returns to the Charlotte Independence For Fourth Season

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the club has exercised its option on defender Fabrice Ngah ahead of the 2026 USL League One season.

Ngah, 28, has made 88 appearances across three seasons with the Jacks. In 2025, the defender recorded a career-high five goals, ranking third on the team. Ngah led the team in tackles won and shot conversion rate, while ranking among the top five in most defensive categories.

“We are thrilled to have Fabrice back as a defensive mainstay for our roster,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His physical presence and strength in one-on-one situations are foundational to our defensive unit. In addition, his ability to get forward and make plays in the final third is huge as evidenced by his five goals in 2025.”

All five of Ngah’s goals came during a nine-match stretch in 2025, a run of form that earned him four Team of the Week selections in Weeks 15, 16, 20, and 22.

The Cameroonian also earned a spot on the Jägermeister Cup Team of the Week in Round 4 after registering an assist in the Independence’s 3–0 victory over Richmond on July 26.

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Forward Souaibou Marou Returns to the Charlotte Independence

Cameroonian forward ranked second on the team in goals in 2025

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 20, 2026) – Charlotte Independence announced today that the club has exercised their option on forward Souaibou Marou ahead of the 2026 USL League One season.

Marou, 25, made 37 appearances across all competitions in his first season with the Jacks in 2025, scoring 11 goals.

“Souaibou enjoyed an excellent first season as a Jack,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “With his adaptation to the league in 2025, I’m excited for him to take a prominent role in our attack this season. His movement, composure in front of goal, and work rate all are so crucial to our success.”

Marou finished the league campaign with nine goals, ranking second on the team and tied for 14th across USL League One. Making 20 appearances off the bench, he led the club with a team-best 138.1 minutes per goal.

Marou etched his name into the USL League One record books as the first player in league history to score a hat trick off the bench. Entering at halftime on May 10 at Westchester SC, the Cameroonian netted three second-half goals to fuel a stunning comeback and secure all three points for the Jacks. His heroics earned him Week 10 Player of the Week honors.

“It’s a joyful return,” expressed Marou. “I’m excited to reunite with teammates, get back on the field, and chase new challenges together. Sharing the team spirit, the passion, and the ambition to achieve something special is what makes it so meaningful.”

Marou will return to the site of his historic hat trick for the Jacks’ season opener on March 14 in Westchester.

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Jacks Exercise Option To Retain Goalkeeper Matt Levy

The goalkeeper returns for his fourth year with the Independence

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 18, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the club has exercised the player option on goalkeeper Matt Levy ahead of the 2026 USL League One season.

Levy, 26, has made 30 appearances for the Jacks across the past three seasons. In 2025, he stepped into the starting role for the first time, making 28 starts in all competitions and recording five clean sheets.

“With a very strong first year as a starter behind him, Matt is prepared, capable, and expects to be a top League One goalkeeper in 2026,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His mentality, work rate, and athleticism are unmatched and provide a strong foundation at the position. We go into 2026 confident in Matt’s ability to make big plays and win us points this season.”

Levy earned Team of the Week honors four times during the 2025 campaign. The former FIU Panther finished the league season with 64 saves, tied for the ninth-most in USL League One.

“It’s time to get to work and leave no regrets this season,” shared Levy. “As a team, our focus has to stay locked on one goal.”

Levy first joined the Independence in 2023 on a 25-day contract. The former Charlotte Eagle has continued his steady development and now enters his fourth season with the Jacks.

Levy and the Jacks kick off their home slate of matches on March 27 against Spokane Velocity FC. Get a mystery item along with a ticket to the home opener HERE!

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Charlotte Independence Exercises Option on Spanish Midfielder Jon Bakero

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 16, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the club has exercised its option on midfielder Jon Bakero, bringing the Spaniard back for the 2026 season.

Bakero, 29, made 34 appearances across all competitions in his first season with the Jacks, finishing with three goals and a team-high 11 assists. He ranked among the USL League One assist leaders with nine during league play.

The midfielder drew league-wide recognition throughout the campaign, earning five Team of the Week selections. Bakero was named Player of the Week in Week 22 after recording four assists during a two-match week.

“Jon’s creativity and passing instincts were key components of our attack last season,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His nine assists came in a variety of ways such as set piece delivery, crosses, and through balls. In addition, his work rate and willingness to press often started our defensive shape. I look forward to having Jon make plays from all areas of the field and am confident he will not only create goals for us in 2026, but be a top scorer for us as well.”

“I’m excited to be returning for the 2026 season and continuing to build on what we started last year,” said Bakero. “I’m motivated to keep improving and helping the group move forward. The goal is always the same — to win a championship.”

Bakero has appeared in 207 professional matches across his career, including stints in Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire and Toronto FC. He also spent time competing in Europe in both Bulgaria and Spain before returning to the United States.

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Clay Dimick Returns to the Independence for Eighth Season

One of the most enduring figures in club history remains in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 14, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that team captain Clay Dimick has signed a contract to return for his eighth season with the club.

Dimick, 31, has made 168 appearances across all competitions in seven seasons with the Independence, ranking second-most in the history of the organization. A cornerstone of Charlotte’s back line, the Atlanta native has played every minute of the last two campaigns and holds the longest consecutive minutes streak in club history, logging 6,600 straight minutes. He added one goal and three assists across all competitions in 2025.

The veteran defender won 2024 USL League One Comeback Player of the Year after an extraordinary return to the pitch from two-level artificial disc replacement surgery.

“Bringing Clay back is a huge win for our organization,” said Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He represents everything we value as a club. His consistency, leadership, and competitive drive set the standard for our locker room and our culture.”

“I am grateful and excited to sign a new contract with the Independence,” expressed Dimick. “I am motivated more than ever to come in to help fight for a championship this year, and to help continue to drive the standard as a leader and a veteran for the group. Charlotte holds a special place in my family’s heart, and winning a trophy for them, the fans, and the club as a whole would mean the world to me.”

Dimick’s eighth season in Charlotte gets underway with the home opener against Spokane Velocity FC on March 27. Get a mystery item along with a ticket to the home opener HERE!

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Charlotte Independence Welcomes Back Dave Carton as Associate Head Coach

Former Jacks assistant returns back to club after first stint as head coach

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 13, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that Dave Carton has returned to the club as an associate head coach.

Carton most recently served as head coach of fellow USL League One side Westchester SC, leading the club through its inaugural season in 2025.

“I am delighted to welcome Dave back to our club as Associate Head Coach,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He has been an integral member of the Independence since the early days and an important factor in our successes. With his experience, he provides tremendous insight into the game. Additionally, his ability to work and develop young players is exceptional. I am looking forward to his positive impact on the 2026 team as he works toward the next opportunity.”

“I’m excited to be back home with the Charlotte Independence this season, and helping Mike and the staff build a team that our fans can be proud of. I want to thank Mike and Dan [Dimicco] for bringing me back. I’m ready to bring a championship to Charlotte in 2026.”

Carton served as the inaugural head coach for Westchester SC in 2025.

Previously, Carton spent four seasons with the Independence as an assistant coach from 2021–24, playing a key role in the club’s ongoing playoff streak. Prior to his time on the first-team staff, Carton was already a mainstay in the organization, serving as Technical Director of the Independence Academy and as head coach of Charlotte’s USL League Two side.

The Independence open USL League One play on March 14 at aforementioned Westchester SC on March 14. Carton will reintroduce himself to Independence supporters on March 27 for the home opener against Spokane Velocity FC. Get a mystery item along with a ticket to the home opener HERE!

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Cameroonian forward ranked second on the team in goals in 2025

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The goalkeeper returns for his fourth year with the Independence

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One of the most enduring figures in club history remains in Charlotte

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Former Jacks assistant returns back to club after first stint as head coach

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