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First-Place Independence Make Inaugural Trip to AC Boise

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence will look to stay in first place as they visit AC Boise for the first time Wednesday. Here is all you need to know.

MATCH DETAILS:

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 9:00 PM
Who: AC Boise
Where: Athletic Club Boise Soccer Stadium (Boise, ID)
What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their Liberty Kit.
Watch: Paramount+ (CBS Sports Golazo Network)

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TICKETS FOR FINAL HOME GAMES

SEASON STANDING

  • Charlotte Independence
    • USL League One: 15-5-4 (1st Place – 52 points)
    • Last Time Out: 5-4 win vs. Westchester SC on Sept. 12
    • Recent Form: WDWLW
  • AC Boise
    • USL League One: 13-7-5 (4th Place – 44 points)
    • Last Time Out: 2-1 win vs. NY Cosmos on Sept. 11
    • Recent Form: WDWWW

ALL-TIME SERIES

Charlotte defeated Boise 1-0 at American Legion Memorial Stadium on May 6 in the first-ever meeting between the clubs.

All-Time Record: 1-0-0

INDEPENDENCE CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH FOR SEVENTH STRAIGHT SEASON

With their win over Westchester and Corpus Christi’s loss to Omaha, the Charlotte Independence captured their seventh straight playoff berth on Saturday night.

BAKERO ENTERS USL LEAGUE ONE IMMORTALITY

Jon Bakero continued his incredible season Saturday night, adding two more assists and cementing himself atop the USL League One all-time single season assists list.

Bakero assisted Joey Skinner’s second goal of the match, bringing him to 12, surpassing Jonathan Bolanos and Arthur Rogers for the league record.

Bakero added another helper minutes later on Christy Manzinga’s goal to close the first half.

ON THE BRINK OF MORE HISTORY

With their five goals on Saturday, the Independence are now on the brink of creating more league history. The Jacks have found the back of the net 60 times this season, now sitting only one back of the single-season record set by Union Omaha in 2023.

SCENES AT MEMORIAL

The Independence put together another dramatic victory Saturday with a 5-4 triumph over Westchester SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. After falling behind by two early, Charlotte responded with four goals in quick succession to close the first half, including a brace from Skinner. Westchester battled back to tie it in the second half, but Christopher Jaime had other ideas than a draw. The midfielder fired home in the 91st minute to keep the Jacks in first place.

MORE MILESTONES FOR JEFFRIES

Saturday’s win marked another piece of history for head coach Mike Jeffries, who earned the 150th victory of his USL career across USL Championship, USL League One and USL Cup competition. Jeffries became just the second head coach to reach the milestone, joining Bob Lilley (183), and the first to record all 150 victories with a single club.

SCOUTING AC BOISE

AC Boise enters Wednesday’s match as one of the hottest teams in USL League One. The expansion side has won three straight and is unbeaten in four, taking 10 points from its last 12 available to climb into the top four. Boise most recently earned a 2-1 home victory over the New York Cosmos behind goals from Blake Bodily and Tumi Moshobane, following a 2-0 road win over FC Naples.

Home-field advantage has played a major role in Boise’s impressive inaugural campaign. AC Boise owns an 8-3-2 league record at Athletic Club Boise Soccer Stadium.

TWO HOME GAMES REMAINING

We’re on the push for more than just the championship. Support the Independence in Matthews in the club’s final two home games of the regular season!

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Jaime’s Stoppage Time Goal Lifts Charlotte over Westchester in Thriller, 5-4

Final Stats
highlights

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 12, 2026) – Christopher Jaime scored in the 91st minute to send the Charlotte Independence over Westchester SC in a thriller Saturday night, 5-4.

The nine-goal affair is the second-most goals ever scored in USL League One and the action did not disappoint as both teams mounted two-goal comebacks. With the win and Omaha defeating Corpus Christi, the club has officially clinched a playoff spot for the seventh consecutive season.

Westchester led 2-0 in the first half before the Jacks rattled off four goals in quick succession, thanks in large part to a Joey Skinner brace. Westchester pulled it back to level in the second half before Jaime struck twine in stoppage time to give Charlotte all three points.

More USL League One history was made on the night – midfielder Jon Bakero recorded two more assists and now sits alone at the top of the single-season assist list with 13.

The strongest chance of the opening 10 minutes fell to the visitors. Dean Guezen took Skinner one-on-one to the end line before cutting a cross back toward the six-yard box. Striker Daniel Burko was left alone, but couldn’t redirect his header on target.

Westchester earned a penalty in the 18th minute when Burko was brought down by Jeando Fuchs. One of the top goalscorers in USL League One, Conor McGlynn stepped up and buried his spot kick past George Tasouris for his 11th goal of the season.

By the 27th minute, the visitors had doubled their lead. Off the second ball from a corner, Aleksai Armas whipped a first-time delivery onto the head of Jack Loura, who brilliantly redirected it toward goal while facing away from the net for his first professional goal.

The Independence then proceeded to flip the game on its head in a matter of two minutes. First, Christy Manzinga did excellent work after picking up the ball around midfield and driving to the edge of the area. The forward laid it off to Skinner at the top of the box, who took one touch onto his right foot before whipping a finish into the side netting.

One minute later, Jaime switched the play beautifully, finding Viggo Ortiz in acres of space on the left flank. The Mexican international drove at his defender and fired, with his shot taking a deflection before finding the bottom corner to stunningly tie the game in a matter of moments.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Independence continued to fly forward. Jaime held up play on the edge of the area before backheeling to Manzinga, whose effort forced Andrew Hammersley into a strong save and out for a corner.

The ensuing corner brought USL League One history. Bakero put the set piece on a platter, landing it perfectly on the head of Skinner, who powered home his second goal of the half. With his 12th assist of the season, Bakero became the league’s all-time single-season assists leader, passing Jonathan Bolanos and Arthur Rogers.

The Independence made it four goals in the half’s final minute. Bakero was involved once again, laying the ball into the path of Manzinga. The striker drove into the area and slipped his finish past Hammersley to cap an incredible first-half turnaround.

Making his first career USL League One start, Tasouris made a stellar save 20 minutes into the second half. Koen Blommenstijn drove at the Charlotte defense and fired on his left, but the goalkeeper made a strong right-hand save. Shortly after, Westchester got back within a goal.

It was Blommenstijn on the end of an excellent cutback from Daniel Bouman to blast home from six yards out to make it a one-goal contest.

Blommenstijn equalized for Westchester in the 77th minute. Sega Coulibaly was dispossessed in his own half and the visitors were off to the races. Blommenstijn raced with the ball at his feet and the substitute thundered a strike into the bottom corner for a brace in less than 15 minutes on the pitch.

Charlotte, desperate to not let the three points slip, pushed for a late winner. Stefano Pinho was sprung behind, but was denied by a rushing Hammersley. Shortly after, Mathis Guffroy let fly, looking for his first professional goal, but went just high. With one minute remaining in regulation time, Enzo Martinez lifted his effort from 12 yards over the bar.

The goal finally did come in fantastic fashion. Clay Dimick won the ball just outside the Westchester area and directed it to Jaime. The midfielder drove five yards and rocketed home a left-footed strike into the roof of the net, sending American Legion Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.

Charlotte’s five goals give them 60 on the season, only one behind the single-season record set by Union Omaha in 2023. With Charlotte and Omaha both winning Saturday night, both teams have clinched playoff berths.

POST-GAME SOUND

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the win:

“Crazy game. Obviously, very disappointed with how we started. We were flat, and they were sharp and they pushed the tempo. Once we got down 2-0, obviously a huge play to get the first one. Joey kind of pulled it out of nothing and found a way to make a play. And I think we picked up the tempo the rest of the first half.

The only thing I’d 100% add is the character of the group. When it got to 4-4, we were like, “We’re getting this done.” And you can see that mentality. You can see the tempo pick up right away. And that’s obviously a great thing for us and something we can go to.”

Jeffries on Jaime’s goal:

“The guy’s been running all game and he’s still got enough to have a burst and get by and then finish at the end of the game. So, it says a lot about him and what he means to our group.”

Chris Jaime on his goal:

”This isn’t a game that I think any of us wanted to drop any points from. So, it just took a little bit of individual magic, honestly. But it all starts with Clay winning it and the whole team pushing up. So I just decided to bang it in. I’m very glad that we were able to win.”

Jon Bakero on setting a new league record for assists:

“I’m just very lucky to be on a great team. Great coaches, great teammates. You know, the thing about assists is that someone else also has to do a big job. So, I’m happy to provide that, but, you know, they’re all really good teammates that put the ball in the back of the net.”

Charlotte Hosts Westchester on Hispanic Heritage Night

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence return to American Legion Memorial Stadium to host Westchester SC Saturday for Hispanic Heritage Night. Here is all you need to know.

MATCH DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 7:00 PM
Who: Westchester SC
Where: American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their County Kit.
Watch: ESPN+

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BRING THE FAMILY

HISPANIC HERITAGE NIGHT

A special night is in store for Saturday as the club celebrates Hispanic Heritage Night. The team will be wearing unique Spanish-style Hispanic Heritage kits, symbolizing the cultural passion in Charlotte and sharing the love of two sports – baseball and soccer. The game-worn match jerseys will be signed and available for purchase in our online store after the match, with all proceeds going to Camino.

Fans in attendance Saturday night will receive a special “Los Jacks” Baseball Jersey as our giveaway, while supplies last.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

SEASON STANDING

  • Charlotte Independence
    • USL League One: 14-54 (1st Place – 49 points)
    • Last Time Out: 2-0 loss at Union Omaha on Sept. 5
    • Recent Form: WWDWL
  • Westchester SC
    • USL League One: 6-13-5 (14th Place – 23 points)
    • Last Time Out: 2-1 loss at Portland on Sept. 6
    • Recent Form: WDLLL

ALL-TIME SERIES

The Independence and Westchester have met once this season, doing so on the first day of the campaign. After Dean Guezen struck inside a minute to begin the year, Viggo Ortiz equalized in second half stoppage time to earn a road point.

The Independence have yet to fall to the New York side, winning both matchups last season. The match on May 10, 2025 produced fireworks, as Souaibou Marou came off the bench to score the first USL League One hat trick from a substitute and complete a second half comeback.

BAKERO, JEFFRIES TOP MONTHLY HONORS FOR AUGUST

Jon Bakero and Mike Jeffries took home Player and Coach of the Month awards for August as the Independence took care of business, going unbeaten through the month. Bakero was the star of the show in August, leading all players with nine goal contributions in six outings across all competitions, including a league-high six assists. His performance against AV Alta on August 28 was historic, as the Spaniard totaled a league-first five goal contributions in the match.

Jeffries continues to be the master behind the Independence’s 2026 success, as the Jacks went 5-0-1 in August and sit top of the USL League One table. This is his second Coach of the Month honor of the season, following his honor in June.

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SCOUTING WESTCHESTER SC

Westchester SC enters Saturday’s match looking to snap a three-match losing streak after falling to Spokane Velocity, Chattanooga Red Wolves and Portland Hearts of Pine. Westchester has just one victory in its last five league matches, a 3-2 home win over FC Naples on August 15, and remains winless away from home this season at 0-9-3. Despite the recent results, Westchester has shown an ability to be dangerous going forward, scoring multiple goals in three of its last seven matches.

Conor McGlynn has been at the center of the attack, leading Westchester with 10 goals in league play. Twenty-year-old Kyle Evans has emerged as another key contributor, recording a team-high five assists to go along with two goals, while Jonathan Jiménez has added four goals and three assists. Guezen has also provided an attacking threat and scored Westchester’s lone goal in its 3-1 loss to Spokane on August 29.

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Jon Bakero Named USL League One Player of the Month for August

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 10, 2026) – USL League One announced today that Charlotte Independence midfielder Jon Bakero has been named the league’s Player of the Month for August.

Bakero played a major role in a 4-0-1 month for the Jacks, tallying three goals and six assists in five league matches for Charlotte in August. The Spaniard started the month off strong, assisting on two goals in a 3-1 home win over One Knoxville SC back on August 1st. That performance earned him Team of the Week honors for Week 22.

Bakero put in another strong performance in a 1-0 victory over the Greenville Triumph on the 8th, before finding himself back in the Team of the Week for Week 24 after a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Sarasota Paradise on the 15th.

He was held off the scoresheet in the 1-1 draw at Forward Madison on August 22, but then exploded the following Friday at home against AV Alta in the final match of the month. A free kick goal got things started for the Jacks before he assisted a Souaibou Marou goal five minutes later. He then picked up an assist on a Reudd Manin goal in the 45′ before scoring another free kick a mere three minutes later. He also assisted Enzo Martinez on the fifth and final goal in a 5-0 rout of the California-based side, picking up Player of the Week honors for Week 26.

“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by great teammates and coaches who push me every day,” shared Bakero. “When you’re part of a group like this, individual recognition comes from the work everyone puts in. Personally, it’s been a good month, but I’m most proud of the team’s success and the way we’ve continued to improve and get results together.”

The Independence return to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 12, to face Westchester SC on Hispanic Heritage Night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and tickets are available 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 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.

Mike Jeffries Named USL League One Coach of the Month for August

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 9, 2026) – USL League One announced today that Charlotte Independence head coach Mike Jeffries has been named the league’s Coach of the Month for August.

The Independence gaffer led the club to a 4-0-1 record in August, helping Charlotte claim the top spot in the league table.

“The award is an honor and a reflection of the team winning games, earning points, and moving up the table,” shared Jeffries. “The players deserve the credit as they are the ones showing up every day, finding ways to make us better, and pushing for the results.”

The Independence started August with a statement 3-1 win over Players’ Shield challenger One Knoxville SC on August 1 before following it up with a 1-0 victory over rival Greenville Triumph on August 8. After earning a quality point on the road against Forward Madison on August 22, the Independence returned home to rout AV Alta 5-0, tying the club record for the largest winning margin in a match.

“I appreciate and am grateful for the hard work of the staff – Dave, Gaby, Jay, and Jason on the technical side as well as our trainer Lindsay Jones, and our operations manager Zavier DesRosiers. They are instrumental in ensuring the group runs smoothly.”

The Independence return to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 12, to face Westchester SC on Hispanic Heritage Night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and tickets are available 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 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.


Analyst Jay Lockhart To Join New USL Franchise in Long Island

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 9, 2026) – Charlotte Independence announced today that video analyst Jay Lockhart will be joining the new USL League One franchise being created in Long Island, New York.

Lockhart was in his fourth season with the Independence and his 12th season with the Independence Soccer Club, working as a youth club since 2020.

“I am excited for Jay to be able to start full-time with Long Island,” shared Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “The opportunity is a great one for him. Since coming on as a volunteer in 2023, Jay has been instrumental to our staff, managing and editing our video and working daily with players collectively and individually.  His work ethic, positivity, and passion for the game will be missed in our group, but he deserves the opportunity to work full time with a professional club.”

The Charlotte Independence wishes Jay well in his new role and appreciates his efforts with both the Independence and the youth club.

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.

10-Men Jacks put up Valiant Effort but Fall to Union Omaha in Nebraska

FINAL STATS
HIGHLIGHTS

OMAHA, NE (September 5, 2026) – Despite playing down a man for a majority of the match, the Jacks put up a valiant effort away against the second-best team in the league, but ultimately fell 2-0 to Union Omaha.

The Owls pull level with Charlotte on points, but the Jacks remain ahead with a game in hand and a six-goal cushion in the goal differential department.

The Independence had the first dangerous chance in the match when Souaibou Marou was taken down in the left-half space in the 10th minute. Jon Bakero whipped the ensuing free kick to Christopher Jaime at the back post who headed it onto the six where it caromed off several players before the hosts finally cleared it.

Marou received a yellow card in the 26th when he caught Omaha net minder Cole Jensen with high studs while going for a cross. However, after a in-stadium replay and discussion with the assistant referee, the card was changed to a straight red, dropping the Independence down to 10 men.

Omaha came close to drawing first blood in the 30th minute when Ryen Jiba darted into the box and fed a streaking Marlon Vargas at the back post. Matt Levy was quick off the line to cut off the angle and forced Vargas to blast his attempt high.

A scary moment for the visitors came when Levy’s pass was intercepted 15 yards outside of the 18-yard box by Adrian Billhardt. Billhardt muscled his way through the Charlotte defense before blasting a shot near post, but Levy was equal to the attempt.

Omaha broke through in the 44th minute when the Independence were caught out in transition by a splitting through ball from Kempes Tekiela to Allen Gavilanes on the left flank. Gavilanes darted inside and found Vargas behind in space, who placed a blistering finish past Levy for a 1-0 lead.

The hosts nearly struck again in the final minute of stoppage time when Tekiela and Gavilanes linked up to free the ladder on the left flank. Gavilanes picked out the head of Vargas at the back post but his attempt was blocked by Javen Romero as the Owls took their lead into the break.

The Jacks came out of the break hot, with Reudd Manin earning a free kick in a dangerous position in the right half space. Bakero played it short to Joey Skinner. Skinner played it right back for Bakero who ripped a shot towards the bottom right corner but Jensen was able to slide over and stop it.

Despite playing down a man, Charlotte controlled play for the first 15 minutes of the second half. The Owls nearly nabbed a goal against the run of play when Younes Boudadi found Billhardt on the edge of the goal box. Billhardt darted left and placed a low-driven strike against the grain but Levy was there to collect.

Levy came up huge again in the 76th minute, when a long ball over the top put Gavilanes behind the Jacks’ backline in a 1-on-2 situation with only Jefferson Amaya back from the Jacks. Levy rushed out to the edge of the box and forced a quick shot out of the Owls forward which he stonewalled to keep the Independence within one.

The Jacks nearly equalized in the 88th, when Christy Manzinga darted into the box from the left flank and fired a near post shot that got caught up in Jensen’s legs, but the keeper was able to fall on it to snuff out the danger.

The Owls put a bow on the match in the final minute of stoppage time, when Laurence Wootton wrestled the ball away from Romero in the attacking third. Wootton found Sergio Ors Navarro on the edge of the box who fired a low shot that trickled through Levy’s legs and secured the hosts a 2-0 win.

Charlotte returns home Saturday, September 12 when Westchester SC visits the Jacks in American Legion Memorial Stadium for Hispanic Heritage Night. Tickets are available here.

POST GAME QUOTES

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the result:

“I thought we started the game fairly well. It was a level game, but I thought we actually had a little bit the better of it. We were moving it and were pretty comfortable with the game.

Obviously, the game turns on the red-card decision. I think that was a pretty big frustration for us as we went through the game.”

Jeffries on the resiliency of the group:

“I thought the character of the group was fantastic, and we stayed in the game. As I said, I thought we managed the second half down a man very well against the second-top team in the league and probably one of the top attacking teams in the league as well.”

Christopher Jaime on the team’s fight:

“We’re a family, we fought together from minute one to ninety. Going down a man that early wasn’t anything we expected but everyone who played fought as hard as we could and it just didn’t fall our way. Really proud of the efforts from everyone in a game like this.”

Christy Manzinga on battling throughout:

“It’s frustrating to go down a man but I mean sometimes it happens and we have to adapt as a team. I’m really proud of everyone . We stayed together, worked hard and made it difficult for them right until the end. Let’s focus on the next.”

PREVIEW: Charlotte Visits Omaha in Marquee Matchup of the Season

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence are riding high into their most pivotal match of the USL League One campaign – a date with fellow table topper Union Omaha Saturday night. Here is all you need to know ahead of the big game.

MATCH DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, September 5
Time: 8:00 PM
Who: Union Omaha
Where: Morrison Stadium (Omaha, NE)
What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their Liberty Kit.
Watch: ESPN+

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STAT CENTER

SEASON STANDING

  • Charlotte Independence
    • USL League One: 15-4-4 (1st Place – 49 points)
    • Last Time Out: 3-2 win vs Portland Hearts of Pine on Sept. 2
    • Recent Form: WWDWW
  • Union Omaha
    • USL League One: 4-6-4 (2nd Place – 46 points)
    • Last Time Out: 1-1 draw vs NY Cosmos on Aug. 29
    • Recent Form: WWDLD

A BATTLE AT THE TOP

Saturday’s contest has no shortage of drama attached as the league’s top two teams face off. Charlotte’s stunning win over Portland on Wednesday pulled the Jacks three points clear of Omaha with a game in hand, but the Owls have an opportunity to regain ground with a victory this weekend.

A win would move Charlotte another step closer to securing the club’s first-ever Players’ Shield. Standing in the way is a Union Omaha side that knows plenty about finishing atop the table, having won a USL League One-record three Players’ Shields.

The Jacks got the best of Omaha in the first meeting of the season on June 10, earning a 2-0 victory at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Souaibou Marou fired Charlotte ahead before Luis Alvarez added the insurance goal to seal all three points.

THE UNTHINKABLE COMEBACK

The Independence appeared destined for defeat against Portland Hearts of Pine on Wednesday, trailing by a goal six minutes into second-half stoppage time. Somehow, the Jacks pulled a rabbit out of the hat, scoring twice in a matter of minutes to snatch all three points in stunning fashion.

Stefano Pinho delivered both moments of magic, leveling the match with a scissor-kick goal in the 96th minute before completing the comeback with a tidy finish in the 98th. The dramatic victory extended Charlotte’s unbeaten run in league play to eight matches and moved the Jacks three points clear at the top of the table.

Watch the highlights to see the comeback unfold.

BAKERO UP FOR AUGUST PLAYER OF THE MONTH

The Spaniard led all players with nine goal contributions in six outings across all competitions, including a league-high six assists as he recorded 15 shots and 16 chances created for a +1.74 Goals Added mark. Vote now for Jon Bakero as USL League One Player of the Month!

INDEPENDENCE SET HOME WINS RECORD

With their victory on Wednesday, the Independence notched their 12th home win of the season, setting a new USL League One record. The Jacks have turned the Queen City into a fortress across both American Legion Memorial Stadium and the Sportsplex at Matthews, dropping just one match at home all season.

Across all competitions, Charlotte has posted a remarkable 15-2-1 record on home soil, with that consistency in the Queen City playing a major role in the club’s push to the top of the table.

OMAHA’S HISTORIC RUN AT HOME

Where Omaha has been nearly impossible to beat is at home. The Owls are 8-0-4 at Morrison Stadium this season and have not lost a league match at home in 2026. Their unbeaten home run now stands at 22 consecutive regular-season matches dating back to August 6, 2025, the longest such streak in USL League One history. It will take a mighty effort from the Jacks to break that streak.

HISPANIC HERITAGE NIGHT
SEPTEMBER 12 | AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL STADIUM

GIVEAWAY: Los Jacks Baseball Jersey

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Pinho’s Heroics Complete Incredible Comeback in 3-2 Win over Portland

FINAL STATS
HIGHLIGHTS

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 2, 2026) — Stefano Pinho scored twice in the dying moments, finding the back of the net in the 96th and 98th minutes to cap a night to remember at the Sportsplex at Matthews as the Charlotte Independence completed a miraculous comeback to defeat Portland Hearts of Pine, 3-2.

Charlotte looked down and out, trailing by two goals late in stoppage time. And then, the unthinkable happened. Pinho scored a scissor kick to equalize and a minute later, tapped home to steal all three points.

The win makes it seven unbeaten in league play and gives the team another surge as they head into the marquee fixture of the campaign at Union Omaha Saturday.

Making his first start since late June, Enzo Martinez looked for his second goal in as many games nine minutes in. The ball fell to the Uruguayan in the Hearts’ box, but his outside-of-the-foot effort was parried away by goalkeeper Hunter Morse.

After a Player of the Month kind of August, Bakero put Charlotte in front in the 20th minute. Martinez neatly weighed a ball to Clay Dimick, who on his 200th club appearance centered across the face of goal. The Spaniard orchestrated his feet beautifully to backheel into the side netting to set the Jacks off on the front foot.

Two minutes later and Hearts had their first opportunity. Matteo Kidd was sprung behind the Charlotte defense and was suddenly one-on-one with Matt Levy. Kevin Riascos did brilliantly to recover into position as Kidd deliberated in front of the Jacks goalkeeper and got just a piece of Kidd’s strike to send it wide.

Portland came out strong to begin the second half and grabbed an equalizer in the 59th minute. Straight on the pitch as a substitute, Aboubacar Camara drove the end line and fired a low cross across the frame. Kidd got a touch on it to create space before slotting past Levy to make it 1-1.

The momentum continued for the Hearts and they earned a penalty three minutes later as Levy took down Ollie Wright. The Englishman stepped up to take, but Levy made the save. Michel Poon-Angeron reacted first, retrieving the rebound and depositing to give Hearts a sudden lead.

Charlotte began their charge to level it, beginning to dominate possession in Portland territory. Dimick nearly had his second assist of the night in the 76th minute as his near-post ball found Souaibou Marou. His flick-on was saved brilliantly by Morse, throwing his hand up quickly to make the stop.

Two minutes later, Christy Manzinga drove the end line and found Pinho, who steered on target but Morse got down to rob again.

As the clock entered seven minutes of stoppage time, Bakero bent a set piece to the back post onto Javen Romero’s head, but once again, Morse was excellent, getting down on the goal line to knock it away. Shortly after, the midfielder looped a fabulous ball that evaded everyone except Marou, who touched it by Morse but just past the post.

The moment finally came for Charlotte in the 96th minute. After Manzinga pushed Javen Romero down to the end line, the defender played an out-swinger to the top of the six-yard box. Pinho threw his leg at it and proceeded to place a sidewinding scissor kick off the post and in to tie the game.

Time remained for one more opportunity and against all odds, Charlotte completed an unfathomable comeback. Bakero was given space to place one more cross. His ball nicked off Reudd Manin’s head and struck the in-step of Pinho – who in a matter of two minutes had his first two goals for the club in stunning fashion.

The Independence somehow found a way to grab all three points and now ride incredible momentum into the biggest game of the USL League One – a top of the table clash at Union Omaha Saturday night.

POST-GAME QUOTES

Head Coach Mike Jeffries on the group’s resolve at the end:

”I’ve talked about the group’s character all year, but just the character — they keep pushing, they keep fighting. You know, it’s obviously nice to be at home, and then to get two goals at the death in stoppage time is unbelievable.”

Jeffries on Pinho’s heroics in stoppage time:

”The first goal is a ridiculous finish, right? Pinho, we see that in training, but that’s just a great finish. Javen did ridiculously well to get to the ball and keep it in. And then just to pull off and hit a finish like that is incredible.

And then on the second one — again, we felt like, ‘Hey, we’ve got them. Let’s keep pushing.’ And to get the second one was, you know, obviously just a striker — right spot, right time.”

Stefano Pinho on what the moment means to him and the celebration:

”I was waiting for this moment. I was trying so hard to get my goal, so today was a gift from God. Nothing is finished yet. We have to keep it going with three points next week.

”They’ve made coming here easy. For me, it’s a good environment and I feel like family here already.”

Clay Dimick on reaching 200 club appearances:

”Thankful to God for His plan, getting me here for 200 games, because at a point we didn’t think it was possible. So, thankful to Him first and foremost. Thankful to the staff and the owners and everybody believing in me for this long.”

PREVIEW: Charlotte Looks to Extend Unbeaten Run to Seven against Portland

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence face Portland Hearts of Pine for the first time this season in Matthews on Wednesday night. Here is all you need to know prior.

MATCH DETAILS:

Date: Wednesday, September 2
Time: 7:30 PM
Who: Portland Hearts of Pine
Where: Sportsplex at Matthews (Charlotte, NC)
What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their Homage Kit.
Watch: ESPN+, WCCB Charlotte

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SEASON STANDING

  • Charlotte Independence
    • USL League One: 14-4-4 (1st Place – 46 points)
    • Last Time Out: 5-0 win vs AV Alta on Aug. 28
    • Recent Form: WWWDW
  • Portland Hearts of Pine
    • USL League One: 5-10-8 (14th Place – 23 points)
    • Last Time Out: 4-1 loss vs Fort Wayne on Aug. 29
    • Recent Form: LLDDL

ALL-TIME SERIES

While the Jacks have not faced Portland yet this season, the two clubs met twice last year in the Hearts’ inaugural USL League One campaign. The two sides split the points in the first meeting on July 19, 2025, a 1-1 draw in Charlotte. Fabrice Ngah got things started for Charlotte in the 10th minute, but a 69′ Nathan Messer goal cancelled it out to nab a point for the visitors.

The return trip was more fruitful for the Maine side, as a three-goal outburst in the second half broke a 1-1 deadlock at the break. A 90+5′ Juan Moreno goal pulled one back for the Jacks, but a 4-2 scoreline went in favor of the hosts.

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN

The Independence look to make it seven matches unbeaten in the league when the Hearts come to town on Wednesday, with the streak dating back to a 3-1 home win against Richmond on July 25th. Since then, Charlotte defeated Knoxville 3-1 (8/1), Greenville 1-0 (8/8), Sarasota 3-1 (8/15), drew with Forward Madison 1-1 (8/22), then returned home for a 5-0 thrashing of AV Alta last Friday.

KEEPING IT 200

Jacks skipper Clay Dimick is in line to make his 200th appearance for the club on Wednesday night. Dimick currently sits second all-time in Charlotte club history, trailing only Joel Johnson (220).

BAKERO’S RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE

Jon Bakero had himself a day last time out in Matthews, recording five goal contributions in a 5-0 drubbing of AV Alta. Bakero opened the scoring in the 9′ with a beautiful free kick from a tight angle, before netting another free kick in the 45+3′. He also recorded a hat-trick of assists, with the helpers coming in the 14′, 45′, and 81′. His five goal contributions are a new single-game record in USL League One history.

PORTLAND’S POOR RUN OF FORM

Portland has been struggling as of late, having not recorded a win in the league since a 3-2 away win at FC Naples made it two-straight victories for the Hearts back on July 3. Portland has posted an 0-5-3 record in an 8-match span since that trip to Florida. Portland has only scored multiple goals once in that stretch: a 3-3 draw in Greenville where a 90+3′ goal by the Triumph snatched a victory from the hands of the visitors.

Ollie Wright has been the danger man for the Hearts this season, recording 13 goal contributions (6 goals, 7 assists) in 19 matches. He lit up the Jacks in the August 30 matchup in Maine last season, recording a goal and two assists in the 4-2 win for the hosts.

Wright is currently the joint top scorer on the team with Aboubacar Camara and Diego Gonzalez, who have also notched six goals apiece. Gonzalez has been one of the few bright spots on the recent skid for Portland, recording three goals and an assist in that span despite coming off the bench in the last two matches.

HISPANIC HERITAGE NIGHT
SEPTEMBER 12 | AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL STADIUM

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