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CHARLOTTE, NC (September 12, 2025) – FC Naples converted a penalty in the 74th minute and staved off a relentless Charlotte Independence attack to secure a 1-0 win on Friday night.

In a battle of two playoff hopefuls, the Independence dominated much of the match, firing 16 shots and controlling 60% of the ball. Yet, it was one unfortunate moment that led to Naples getting the game-winner and continuing a losing streak for the Jacks as the final stretch of the season begins.

After a first 20 minutes of play and neither team creating anything dangerous, the Jacks took control of the game.

The first strong chance came from #11 Bachir Ndiaye, who was released in-behind by #6 Omar Ciss. The midfielder tried placing a bouncing ball over goalkeeper #1 Edward Delgado, but he just missed wide.

#9 Jon Bakero, playing in the 200th professional game of his career, nearly struck gold twice from distance in a span of two minutes.

His first opportunity came off a set piece in the 24th minute, but his dipping free kick just found the wrong side of the crossbar. Two minutes later, the Spaniard cut inside on his weaker left foot and fired a missile off the crossbar from 25 yards out.

In the 30th minute, another cannon from outside the box struck the woodwork, this time from #13 Anthony Sorenson on the half-volley from 30 yards.

The Jacks outshot Naples 9-2 in the first half, but could not get one over the line by the break.

The Jacks continued to dominate the game, accounting for over 70% of possession in the first 25 minutes of the second half.

In the 66th minute, one-on-one with Delgado, Ndiaye was robbed from point-blank range, who came out well to shut down the angle.

Against the run of play, Naples fired from the top of the box and struck the hand of #6 Omar Ciss, giving the visitors a chance from the spot in the 74th minute.

#10 Jayden Onen made no mistake, sending #28 Matt Levy the wrong way and giving Naples an unexpected lead.

Levy kept the Jacks alive in the 86th minute, getting his fingertips just on a deflected #14 Kevin O’Connor strike to keep the lead from doubling.

The Jacks battled until the final whistle and had a glorious chance in the 95th minute. A loose ball in the box fell to #16 Tresor Mbuyu, but the substitute couldn’t keep it down and sent it over the bar.

In the 99th minute, #8 Juan David Moreno turned inside, drove at the defense, and unloaded a howitzer over the bar, sealing a victory for FC Naples.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on his team’s performance:

“Gutted for the group. 
I mean, we actually played probably some of our best soccer in the first half, and ended up with nothing to show for it. Two inside of the post plays, but I thought we possessed the ball really well and moved them around and created chances. and we were good with our pressure and limiting them. We came out in the second half and continued to push the game and look, obviously, the game turns on the one play. 
It’s a tough break for us. And then I do feel like the moments after the penalty, we lost our tempo a little bit and lost our rhythm and weren’t able to duplicate what we had before that.”

Jeffries on the positives he is taking away:

“I thought we had a really good rotation and guys shared it. I thought we played behind them, more than we have on other days. and created more. We didn’t unfortunately, get the final pass right or the final play right, and obviously paid for it in the end.”

Tumi Moshobane on the last two close matches:

“It’s very tough when you when you lose the way we played. I mean, as a team, we just try to give it our best. 
Obviously, the chances didn’t fall our way, but just we keep trying to believe in ourselves, the coaching staff, the players, in the locker room. Just try to keep a positive mentality, positive attitude and hopefully these games that we perform very well will turn around and the results will go in our favor.”

Jon Bakero on making his 200th appearance:

“It’s been a crazy journey. I’m super thankful to do it here in Charlotte. 
I’m really, really proud of the journey, 200 games is a lot, but hopefully more to come.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 10, 2025) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of defender Tobi Adewole, bolstering the team’s defensive depth as the season enters its final stretch. The transaction was completed prior to the USL League One Roster Freeze on Monday, September 8.

Adewole joins the Jacks after making nine total appearances for fellow USL League One side Westchester SC this season, scoring one goal.

“We are excited to add Tobi to our roster, as he provides a physical, athletic defensive presence as we head into the home stretch of our season. His championship and international background add experience and savvy to our defensive group,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries.

Prior to his stint with Westchester, Adewole competed with Greifswalder FC in Germany, helping the team secure second place in the Regionalliga Nordost and win the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Cup during the 2023–24 season. He also played for RW Koblenz in Germany and Colorado Springs Switchbacks, Indy Eleven, Phoenix Rising FC, and Saint Louis FC, all of the USL Championship. Adewole began his professional career with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, making 74 appearances and scoring 3 goals over three seasons.

“First and foremost, all glory to God for this opportunity,” expressed Adewole. “I am truly excited to join such a historic club. This is already a fantastic group of players with great quality, and I look forward to contributing to our playoff push and helping bring home silverware.”

Adewole and the Jacks return home for Hispanic Heritage Night on Friday at 7:00 p.m. to face FC Naples. Don’t miss the action—secure your tickets and support the team’s playoff push today!

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. 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.

Kits will be worn on Friday night against FC Naples

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 9, 2025) – The Charlotte Independence announced the launch of their 2025 Hispanic Heritage Kit, a special-edition design celebrating the vibrant Hispanic community in Charlotte and across the world of soccer. The kit will be worn at Friday, September 12th’s match against FC Naples at American Legion Memorial Stadium for Hispanic Heritage Night.

“This year’s Hispanic Heritage Kit unites all 20 Hispanic countries through the game we love, featuring each nation’s shape woven into the jersey in a unique design,” shared Charlotte Independence designer Ulises Vega. “The kit also introduced several firsts, including the club’s first collared design, the debut of wording detail inside the inner collar, and the addition of a sublimated wordmark on the bottom right reading ‘Somos Charlotte.’”

The collar features the words “Unión, Pasión, Orgullo” (Union, Passion, Pride), reminding players and supporters of what soccer represents within Hispanic culture and encouraging all who wear the kit to carry those values with them. The bottom right of the jersey features a sublimated “Somos Charlotte” wordmark. This phrase reflects the pride and identity of Charlotte’s Hispanic community, underscoring their central role in establishing the city as a true soccer hub.

Friday night marks the fourth edition of Hispanic Heritage Night and the second consecutive year featuring a special-edition kit. The design honors several current Independence players with Hispanic roots, including Christian Chaney, Javen Romero, Christopher Jaime, Juan David Moreno, and more. Fans in attendance can also look forward to a festive giveaway, as luchador masks will be handed out to celebrate the occasion.

The kit is available now at the Charlotte Independence Online Shop and can be purchased in-stadium at Friday’s match.

Secure your tickets for Friday night’s festivities HERE!

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. 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.

CHATTANOOGA, TN (September 6, 2025) – A 90th minute go-ahead goal was enough for Chattanooga Red Wolves SC to grab all three points against Charlotte Independence Saturday night.

It was a fairly even match between two of the league’s heavyweights this season, but a set piece in stoppage time proved to be the difference.

Chattanooga had the first opportunity of the night in the 9th minute. #23 Yanis Lelin beat a few Charlotte defenders and fired a shot near post, but #28 Matt Levy got down well to make the save.

It was a very strong first half from the Independence. After conceding 13 goals in the previous four matches, the defense did not allow Chattanooga much at all, allowing just four shots and one on target.

The chances were few and far between in the first 45 minutes, but Charlotte might have had the best of the bunch.

In the 38th minute, #80 Christopher Jaime took away from a Chattanooga defender. The sudden transition fell to #15 Rafael Jauregui in the middle of the box, but his side-footed effort was denied by Chattanooga keeper #1 Jason Smith.

Chattanooga nearly scored just after. #14 Pedro Hernandez was sprung in behind. The winger touched it by a charging Levy, but his finish went just by the wrong side of the post.

A deserved 0-0 scoreline after the first frame left all to play for in half two.

Lelin nearly opened the second half with a bang, hitting the crossbar with what would have been a goal of the year candidate in the 51st minute.

The second half, similar to the first, was well defended. While the ball was primarily in the Jacks half, the Red Wolves could not manage any strong chances. Any aerial efforts were cleared by the center back duo of #4 Nick Spielman and #3 Pele Ousmanou.

After Levy made an exceptional save out for a corner in the 89th minute, the Red Wolves found the winner in the 90th. The corner deflected off the head of #14 Paolo Alcocer and into the back of the Jacks’ net for a heartbreaking finish to the night.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the match:

“I thought we matched up physically really well and stuck within our plan. We created chances, but they pushed the game pretty well. To concede off a set piece in the 90th minute is really disappointing and very frustrating for us and we have to find a way to continue to improve our end game.”

Jeffries on the defensive effort:

“I thought the team defended well and stuck with our shape. They are a hard team to play against at their place. I thought we defended very solidly and in three resolutely throughout the game and I think that’s probably the real frustration. We could have had better play leading up to the corner, but the corner was something we had rehearsed and I feel to concede at that moment on something we had seen before is a big disappointment.”

Clay Dimick on the defensive performance:

“We have had stretches this season that we’ve been a hard team to break down and score against, and we know how important it is to get back to being a team like that. So tonight that was one of our main goals going into the game, it’s just really frustrating to concede in the final minutes of a game off a set piece that we knew was an important aspect of their game.”

Rafael Jauregui on the match:

“Obviously really disappointed with the result of the game but very proud of how the team fought for 90 minutes. I know results will start coming our way and that we can turn it all around.”

PORTLAND, ME (August 30, 2025) – A three-goal second half propelled Portland Hearts of Pine to a 4-2 victory over Charlotte Independence Saturday evening.

The Jacks got goals from #4 Nick Spielman and #8 Juan David Moreno. It was a 1-1 scoreline at the half, but Portland took over the game in the final 25 minutes, scoring three goals.

Portland, in front of their strong home atmosphere, nearly opened the scoring just two minutes in. #77 Masashi Wada’s curling effort from 20 yards marginally missed the top corner.

Charlotte’s first chance came in the 10th minute. A floating cross from #21 Tumi Moshobane found a late-arriving #17 Clay Dimick, but the captain’s volley try went high.

It was the home side that broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Quick transition play from Portland moved the ball up the pitch to #10 Ollie Wright. Wright found an on-rushing Wada, who blasted home a one-time strike to make it 1-0.

A crucial moment came for the Jacks in the 34th minute. #9 Jon Bakero’s whipped-in corner struck the hand of Portland’s #66 Kamali Green, giving the Jacks a penalty. With #99 Christian Chaney not in the starting lineup, center back Spielman stepped up and buried it for his first goal of the season.

On the final play of the first half, #28 Matt Levy came up with a critical save to keep it tied going to the break. #22 Walter Varela met a cross at the back post. Levy deflected the volley onto the crossbar and thankfully for Charlotte, bounced straight back into the keeper’s hands.

Shortly after #6 Omar Ciss struck the outside of the net from 7 yards, Levy robbed Wada on the other end of the pitch in the 60th minute. The Japanese international was one-on-one with the Jacks keeper, but Levy did an outstanding job of closing down the angle.

After some strong play from the Independence, Portland retook the lead. #80 Jay Tee Kamara neatly slipped in fullback #7 Sean Vinberg and he precisely finished off the post to make it 2-1.

A moment of brilliance from Wright led to Portland getting their third in the 78th minute. The Englishman danced my two Charlotte defenders and put Kamara through on goal. The winger then dispatched it cooly with his left foot past Levy.

It was Wright who finished the game in the 87th minute. He got on the end of a flick-on against a pressed Charlotte defense. Wright drove on for 25 yards and tucked it by Levy.

Charlotte got a consolation goal the 95th minute. Moreno cut inside on his left foot and drove a strike into the side netting for his third of the season.

The loss is Charlotte’s second consecutive and leaves them in fifth place. For Portland, their second straight victory moves them into seventh.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the overall performance:

“Bad night in terms of the result and so forth. Certainly, a game we looked forward to you know atmosphere wise and I felt like we played at a strong level level for the first half and really for the most part, even the second half. We had a really good look to get to 2-1 and weren’t able to do it. Then, some of the demons that have been haunting us in the last couple weeks came back. We just gave up bad goals on losing possession in the middle of the field and getting countered and not being able to deal with their pace.”

Jeffries on the second half, particularly the go-ahead goal:

“The second goal was really frustrating because it’s something that we have gone through and and tried to work on. It just comes out of a play where we really could have won the ball in the middle of the field and should have kept it. Then we don’t manage the outlets, we don’t drop in and talk and they’re able to play a ball to an outside back overlap and in- between guys and he gets a free look.”

Nick Spielman on his success from the penalty spot in his time with the Independence:

“Honestly i just go up there and pick my spot. It’s all about mentally being focused and keeping my cool.”

Bachir Ndiaye on the second half struggle:

“With us being down and trying to get the game back, we left ourselves vulnerable at the back and they took advantage of it.”

OMAHA, NE (August 20, 2025) – Charlotte Independence fell for the second time this season to Union Omaha Wednesday night, losing by a score of 4-1.

#26 Souaibou Marou bagged the lone goal for the Jacks in the defeat.

It was a quick start from the hosts. #30 Isidro Martinez found space on the edge of the box in the 5th minute and looped a ball to the back post. Omaha’s leading scorer #28 Ryan Becher finished the play, heading it past goalkeeper #28 Matt Levy for his fifth of the season.

The Independence found difficulty in the early stages of the first half breaking down Union Omaha’s low block, lacking the free-flowing nature the Jacks attack has become accustomed to.

Omaha made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute. It was Becher again, deflecting one home with his left foot off a #20 Charlie Ostrem cross.

For Ostrem, his 7th assist of the season puts him at the top of the Golden Playmaker race, breaking a tie with Charlotte’s #9 Jon Bakero.

Charlotte’s best opportunity of the first half came in the 36th minute. Fullback #2 Fabrice Ngah got on the end of a Bakero cross and fired a left-footed low blast just inches by the far post.

Suddenly urgently chasing the game, the Jacks pressed before the break. #11 Bachir Ndiaye’s header in the 41st minute just missed high, grazing the roof of the net.

Becher nearly had a first half hat trick right before the whistle. After Levy stopped him first, Becher had a vacant net on the rebound. However, in his 100th appearance for the club, #4 Nick Spielman saved it off the line.

Similar to the first contest these two teams played on July 12, Union Omaha took a 2-0 lead to the half.

Omaha kept the scoring going in the 49th minute. #18 Mark Bronnick banged a strike into the top corner from just inside the box to make it 3-0.

Bronnick got a brace of his own in the 54th minute. After the Independence defense stepped high, Omaha played over the top. Becher found Bronnick wide open in the box and the midfielder one-timed home the finish.

Ndiaye narrowly missed the post in the 56th minute and substitute Marou was denied by a diving Omaha goalkeeper #36 Cole Jensen in the 59th minute.

Charlotte took away the shutout in the 75th minute. #8 Juan David Moreno’s pass deflected in behind Omaha’s defense and Marou was left 1-on-1 with Jensen. The forward calmly found the side netting for his 8th of the season.

A 4-1 victory moves Union Omaha just on the cusp of the playoff line, while Charlotte remains in 5th place with tonight’s loss.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the performance:

“Bad night. We weren’t sharp at the beginning of the game. 
We didn’t play with enough energy most of the first half. And we were very lax on the goals. To give away two goals off of throw-ins is really disappointing. And the other two goals are basically counters that we just didn’t manage. 
So really frustrating night.”

Jeffries on what went wrong:

”Tactically, it wasn’t a surprise. We conceded in the ways we didn’t want to. Essentially, the things that we set out to prevent and tried to organize and discuss. 
So I think that’s the most frustrating part where we went through the throw-ins and their movement off of that. We talked about how to manage counters. I do feel like, especially the first half, that they outworked us and pressed and were harder to play against.”

Nick Spielman on making his 100th appearance for the club:

“It means a lot to me that the staff and this organization has trusted me for so many games. Calling one place your home for 2-3 years is very tough in this business and it’s been a honor to do so.”

Clay Dimick on the team’s mindset after tonight:

”I just think we need to get back to being a team that’s hard to score on, hard to break down, and a pain to play against.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 18, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today that goalkeeper Drew Romig has retired from professional soccer. Romig appeared in three cup matches for the Independence this season, twice in the U.S. Open Cup and once in the USL Jagermeister Cup.

Across those appearances, he earned two wins, highlighted by a 3-0 clean sheet against the Richmond Strikers on July 26.

Romig will now move into the coaching realm, joining the men’s soccer team at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville (SIUE) as an assistant at the Division-1 level.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have shared the field with this special group of guys this season,” shared Romig. “This team has so much more to accomplish, and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way. Stepping away from professional soccer was not an easy decision, but the opportunity to move into a full-time coaching role was one I could not pass up.”

“I want to thank the coaches, players, ownership group, and, most importantly, our amazing fans for their support and for making my time in Charlotte unforgettable. As I take this next step in my career, I’m especially grateful to my family and friends who have been by my side through every moment and helped make this dream a reality. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to see the Jacks bring home a Championship this season.”

“I wish Drew well in the first step of his coaching career,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Drew was pure class with us – great mentality and attitude, was a pleasure to work with, gave everything daily and always came in to training with a smile.  Most importantly, he did a fantastic job when called on to play.”

Romig made six starts for South Georgia Tormenta in 2023, ranking 12th in the league with 31 saves. He previously spent two seasons with Memphis 901 FC in the USL Championship, where he started 24 matches and recorded six clean sheets.

At the college level, Romig began his career at North Carolina (2016–19), appearing in eight games, including two ACC Championships and NCAA College Cup runs. He finished at Belmont University, earning 18 wins across 2020–21, twice making the SoCon All-Tournament Team and the NCAA D1 South All-Region First Team.

Charlotte Independence wishes Drew the best of luck in this next chapter.

The 2025 season continues on Friday, September 12 for the Jacks as they host FC Naples. Head over to CharlotteIndependence.com/Single-Game to secure your seats to see the Jacks!  

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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. 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, NC (August 15, 2025) – The Charlotte Independence picked up a big three points over Westchester SC Friday night, winning 1-0.

The victory is Charlotte’s first in the league since June 15th. #99 Christian Chaney scored the lone goal in the 20th minute, tying him for second in the Golden Boot race with his ninth of the season. Friday’s match marked Westchester’s first time in franchise history playing in the Queen City and welcomed returns of former Jacks in the form of Head Coach Dave Carton and players #29 JC Obregon and #5 Joel Johnson.

After #28 Matt Levy made the first save of the match on Westchester’s #66 Noah Powder, the Independence got the scoring started.

It developed from brilliant play through midfielder #6 Omar Ciss. The Senegalese beat his man on the sideline and whipped in a dangerous cross. It fell for Chaney, who settled it quickly and roofed it into the net to make it 1-0 in the 20th minute.

Westchester won the possession battle in the first half but did little to challenge Levy. The Jacks did well to silence Obregon, who leads the league with 10 goals. Center backs #4 Nick Spielman and #5 Javen Romero were all over the striker, making nothing easy and forcing him to play away from goal.

Before the break, Chaney was denied with second of the half remarkably twice. #21 Tumi Moshobane set up the striker in the 38th minute, but just before he could unload, #92 Kemar Lawrence made a fantastic tackle from behind.

In first half stoppage time, Chaney got in behind but his left-footed effort was stopped by a full-stretched #13 Andrew Hammersley, leaving Charlotte’s top goal scorer looking to the heavens as the referee blew the halftime whistle.

Neither team created a strong scoring chance in the second stanza until the 72nd minute when Westchester thought they tied it. With Levy out of net, substitute #22 Stephen Payne fired a bouncing ball off the crossbar. The rocket came straight down off the bar, but landed on the line and stayed out.

Charlotte’s best chance of the second half came through a substitute of their own, #13 Anton Sorenson. Sorenson got it on his favorite left foot, but Hammersley again full stretch denied him.

Westchester pushed hard for the equalizer in the six minutes of stoppage time. It was a clearance fest from Jacks’ defenders Spielman, Romero, and substitute #3 Pele Ousmanou to keep Westchester off the board and give the Jacks a much-needed three points.

The Jacks will now prep for a mid-week contest at Union Omaha on Wednesday before heading west to take on Portland Hearts of Pine on Saturday.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the performance:

“Gritty for sure. I thought we started slowly in the first half and we kind of worked our way into the game. I thought we were very solid most of the first half, great to get the goal early, then obviously huge for us to maintain the lead. And for us to have this defensive performance against a team that scores a lot of goals is a huge plus.”

Jeffries on keeping a clean sheet:

“I think the 92% of the week was focused on the defending side. I thought defensively we were pretty tuned in. I thought we moved in close spaces better than we have in past days. We managed crosses pretty well for the most part. Then most importantly, I thought we managed counters really well, we really didn’t give away any good counter opportunities and I thought that was important in the win.” 

Nick Spielman on bouncing back after last week’s match:

“It was very important to get a good defensive outing and honestly just getting a win. We’ve been in a slump but we knew the quality in the group and knew we had to get back to the basics to win the game. Each every one of us worked for each other and ultimately that led us to a much-needed 1-0 win.”

Christian Chaney on finding the scoresheet once again:

“Obviously it feels good. It’s a feeling that I missed. It’s a feeling that I came to the club looking for. It’s a feeling that strikers have. Sometimes we go through spells where the ball is just not falling, so these are the moments where you just rely on the team around you, you allowing your boys to have your back, and I just try to do what I can to help play the game in a positive manner.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 9, 2025) – The Charlotte Independence ended up on the wrong side of a chaotic nine-goal affair Saturday night, falling to Greenville Triumph SC 4-5.

The nine goals in a match is a season-high for the Jacks. #99 Christian Chaney netted two penalties, #9 Jon Bakero scored his second goal of the season, and #15 Rafael Jauregui added a fourth in the wild game at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

The two sides felt each other out for the first 20 minutes. Greenville, knowing how lethal the Independence can be on the counter, did well to not throw everyone forward and allow any breaks from the hosts. The first shot on target of the match came from Greenville and it found the back of the net.

#20 Ropapa Mensah played a gorgeous through ball to #19 Chevone Marsh. The speedy winger executed a give-and-go with #9 Rodrigo Robles and blasted a half-volley past #28 Matt Levy to give the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute.

The Jacks quickly had a response in the 27th minute. Last week’s Player of the Week in USL League One, Bakero headed a cross looking for Chaney. The striker was taken down illegally by #23 Ivan Agyaakwah and awarded a penalty. Chaney made no mistake from the spot, burying it into the bottom corner for his seventh goal of the season.

Before the fans could sit back down, the Jacks suddenly took the lead a few minutes later. #15 Rafael Jauregui played Bakero at the top of the box. The Spaniard one-timed a strike past Greenville goalkeeper #1 Gunther Rankeburg to continue his sensational run of form.

Greenville totaled two shots on target in the first half and both of them found the back of the net. In first half stoppage time, Marsh once again completed a one-two at the top of the box, this time from #42 Zane Bubb. The Jamaican cooly finished with his left foot for his second of the half and made it 2-2 heading to the break.

The craziness continued early in the second half. Independence defender #4 Nick Spielman battled inside his own penalty area with Mensah. Mensah was pulled down and Greenville was awarded a penalty of their own in the 50th minute. Marsh stepped up to the spot and netted his first league hat trick.

Three minutes later, another penalty was given. #11 Bachir Ndaiye was drilled by Rankeburg and Chaney buried his second penalty of the night into the top corner to make it 3-3.

The scoring didn’t stop there. In the 59th minute, #2 Fabrice Ngah lifted a cross to the back post. Rising high was Jauregui, who nodded it in for his first league goal of the season and flipping the score back in the Jacks’ favor.

Greenville scored the eighth goal of the night in the 68th minute, knotting the score once again. It was another lovely team goal from the Triumph as #18 Connor Evans set up #11 Pascal Corvino at the top of the box. The Italian rifled a strike into the bottom corner for his first goal of the season.

Adding to the everchanging score and wildness of the match, the Jacks received a red card in the 75th minute. Just two minutes after coming on as a substitute, #8 Juan David Moreno shoved down Robles and immediately was shown the door, leaving the Independence a man down for the remainder of the match. It is a second consecutive match the Jacks have been shown red, as #26 Souaibou Marou was suspended for the night after his straight red card last Saturday.

Greenville substitute #21 Zeke Soto got in behind the Independence defense in the 79th minute, but could not direct a bouncing ball on net.

A man down, the Jacks had a great scoring chance of their own in minute 3 of 11 extra minutes of stoppage time. Ngah gracefully brought the ball down on his chest, beat a defender, and whistled a shot into the outside netting, nearly sending the bench into a frenzy.

In crushing fashion, Greenville kept their foot down and found the winner in the 96th minute. #3 Tyler Polak got on the end of a back post, cut it back to #7 Ben Zakowski, and the substitute fired a one-timer past an out-of-position Levy to give the visitors all three points.

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QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the match:

“Gutted. Really frustrated by the lack of discipline to put ourselves in a hole at 4-4, especially from a guy that just came on. It was one of those nights where we didn’t do a good job defensively throughout the night. I don’t think we’ve ever had a game with Greenville that ends up with nine goals and to concede five at home is really, really, really disappointing.”

Jeffries on the lack of discipline the last two matches:

“We take pride in having a team that’s been disciplined throughout time here and and those two red cards both lacked discipline and that’s really frustrating. They obviously lead to costing us points and cost points against teams that we’re competing against.”

Clay Dimick on the night:

“We’re just giving up too many goals, so we just need to get back to being hard to play against, but we just can’t give up that many goals.”

Rafael Jauregui on the team’s recent goal-scoring form:

“We’re getting into good areas and we’re able to have good chemistry up front. 
We just need to find a way to keep the ball out of our net now.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 8, 2025) — Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of goalkeeper Amal Knight to a USL League One contract, pending league and federation approval. Knight, 31, most recently played for Chitwan in the Nepal Super League early in 2025.

Knight brings veteran experience to the Jacks’ goalkeeper unit, having made 21 appearances for Lexington SC last season. He finished the year third in USL League One in total saves (73) and recorded four clean sheets, showcasing his reliability and shot-stopping ability.

“We are excited to sign Amal Knight for the remainder of the season,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He brings experience internationally and in the USL system; most importantly, he is a quality goalkeeper and a positive locker room individual. He showcased his shot-stopping ability and goalkeeping prowess quite enough playing against us for Lexington. It definitely will be good to have him on our side.”

The Jamaican international has played across multiple USL clubs since beginning his professional career, including stints with FC Tucson and San Diego Loyal, and brings over 60 career appearances in the USL system. Knight won the Jamaican Premier League title in 2022 with Harbor View FC.

Knight has earned 13 caps for the Jamaican national team, most recently featuring in a 2022 international friendly against Morocco, where he played the full 90 minutes.

The 2025 season continues on Saturday, August 9 for the Jacks as they host Greenville Triumph SC. Head over to CharlotteIndependence.com/Single-Game to secure your seats to see the Jacks!  

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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. 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.