News

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 21, 2025) – Round of 32 matchups for the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were announced today. The Charlotte Independence will host MLS NEXT Pro side Carolina Core FC on Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, NC.

The Jacks reached the second round in dramatic fashion Thursday night, defeating the Long Island Rough Riders 2-3 in extra time. Rafael Jauregui netted his first two goals in the win, including a go-ahead goal in the 107th minute.

Carolina Core FC currently sit in 9th place in the MLS NEXT Pro standings. Carolina Core defeated Soda City FC in their first round matchup 4-2 on Thursday night. Carolina Core made it to the third round of the tournament in 2024, ultimately falling to North Carolina FC.

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The 2025 USL League One Season continues on Friday, March 28 for the Jacks as they host Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CharlotteIndependence.com for ticket information. 

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 all 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 (March 15, 2025) – #13 Anthony Sorenson’s 50th minute goal and a five-save clean sheet from goalkeeper #28 Matt Levy helped the Charlotte Independence defeat the Richmond Strikers 1-0 in their 2025 Season Opener at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

The Jacks had the lion share of opportunities in the first half, outshooting Richmond 10-4. However, Richmond goalkeeper #35 James Sneddon was up to the task.

Charlotte’s best chance of the half came in the 21st minute, when midfielder #7 Luis Alvarez played a gorgeous outside of the boot cross to the back post, where #15 Rafael Jauregui met the cross with his head inside the six-yard box but Sneddon made an excellent leaping save to keep the game scoreless.

Levy didn’t face much in the opening stanza, but he was called into action abruptly in the 37th minute. A loose ball on the edge of the penalty box fell onto the foot of Richmond striker #32 Emiliano Terzaghi. Terzaghi unleashed a howitzer heading to the roof of the net, but Levy reacted well and made a terrific save to push it over the crossbar.

It did not take long for the Independence to break through. A gorgeous curling cross from Alvarez found first half substitute Sorenson, who cooly finished in the corner to give the Jacks a 1-0 lead.

Richmond was awarded a penalty in the 55th minute. #2 Fabrice Ngah’s outstretched hand touched the ball just inside the penalty area. Terzaghi proceeded to blast the penalty over the crossbar to maintain a 1-0 Charlotte advantage.

Levy was fantastic when it mattered late. A giveaway at the back in the 80th minute from the Jacks left Levy in a 1-on-1 situation and Levy aggressively came out, shut down the angle, and made two brilliant saves. He finished the game off with strong hands on a sharp angle shot in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

One game in the books for the 2025 USL League One season and the Jacks collect the maximum three points in their home opener.

QUOTES:

Coach Mike Jeffries on his team’s performance:

“Credit to the guys to come in at halftime, regroup, and still push the tempo of the game. Nice to get the goal obviously in the second half and then we hung on a bit to be fair.”

Jeffries on Levy’s clean sheet:

“He made some huge plays. He comes off his line on the 1v1. Matt has worked hard. We came into the off-season with the belief that he was ready and I think he’s going to go out and do the best he can to prove that he’s ready and more than capable to be a #1 in our league.”

Anthony Sorenson on contributing with the game-winner:

“It means a lot to start off 2025 with the first goal and my first goal in a while. I’m grateful. And we just got to keep it going. Good start for us going into next week.”

Matt Levy on his clean sheet:

“It’s just a great way to start the season for the guys. This is what we wanted to do, set the tone for the beginning of the season. To start the season with a clean sheet and three points at home, I couldn’t be happier.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 14, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today that young players Ivan Bonus, Matthew Arango, and Adrian Renteria have been signed to academy contracts. The contracts allow the players to retain their college eligibility, but also have the same capabilities of playing with the first team this season. 

“Adding players from our academy program is always a priority for us.  Matt enters his 2^nd year with our first team – his technical ability and speed of play has ramped up since last year and we believe he has the potential to be another academy contributor.  Ivan is also in his 2^nd year with us – in addition to technical quality, he possesses tenacious defensive qualities and intensity which he brings every day and he is comfortable in a number of positions,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries.

Bonus spent 2024 with the Independence on an academy contract. Bonus did not appear in any games with the first team. The 19-year-old joined the academy after playing with River Plate’s U20 team in Argentina.

“I’m excited for another year with the Independence. We have a great squad coming into this year and I’m looking to keep learning and developing for another year with the team,” expressed Bonus.

Arango, an expected 2026 high school graduate, is stepping into his second year with the first team. The 17-year-old played for Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, N.C. in 2024, where he helped lead his team to a 19-3-1 record. Arango did not appear in any games with the Independence in 2024. 

“I just wanna say I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m really looking forward to the possibilities ahead of me. I’m very grateful to my family and my coaches as it wouldn’t be possible without them. I’m excited to get this season started,” expressed Arango.

This will be Renteria’s first year in the Charlotte Independence system. The 18-year-old midfielder used to play in the Charlotte FC academy and was once called into the USA U-15 national team.

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information. 

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 all 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.

The forward joins Charlotte Independence for the second time in his career.

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 12, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of journeyman striker Christian Chaney, pending league and federation approval. Chaney joins the Jacks after two successful seasons with USL League One side Forward Madison FC, scoring 23 goals in 62 appearances across all competitions.

Chaney will wear #99 for the Jacks.

“We are excited to add one of the top League One strikers over the past several seasons.  Christian provides us a box presence as well as an ability to hold the ball and aid in our build up play,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries.  “His strength and pace  will help open the game for us; with his competitiveness and physicality, he is the type of striker defenders do not like matching up with.”

Prior to joining FMFC, Chaney signed for former USL League One side Central Valley Fuego FC before the 2022 season, scoring 11 goals in 29 total games and finishing 9th in the league in scoring. The Fresno, CA native bounced around before landing in Central Valley, appearing in seven games for both the Jacks in 2020 and Maltan club Mosta FC in 2019.

“I’m really excited. I played here before back in 2020 when COVID ended. It was a good city and great time for me, working under Coach Mike Jeffries,” expressed Chaney. “I am excited to come and bring a trophy to Charlotte. This club has always been a solid top-flight club and I’m here to give all I can and score as many goals as possible and give Charlotte something to look forward to.”

Chaney’s goal scoring record first became evident with former USL Championship side Fresno FC in 2018-19. Over 51 total appearances, the striker scored 12 goals.He appeared in 12 matches with USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC in 2017 after starting his career with Ararat FC of the Armenian Premier League the year prior. 

Chaney played collegiate soccer with the Fresno City Rams from 2011-2014.

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information. 

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 all 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 (March 12, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today defender Pele Ousmanou is joining the team on a season-long loan from USL Championship side Hartford Athletic. The 20-year-old played 45 minutes in Hartford’s 2024 season.

Ousmanou will wear #3 for the Jacks.

“I want to thank Brendan Burke and Hartford Athletic for working with us to bring Pele here.  The loan benefits us greatly and allows us to work with a top young prospect,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Pele is an exciting player with a tremendous athletic ceiling and powerful defensive qualities.   His ability on the ball suits our style of play; in addition, he brings a smile and positive mentality to the group.”

Prior to signing a long-term contract with Hartford before the 2024 season, Ousmanou played with Elite Falcons FC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Football Association in 2023. Ousmanou appeared in 13 games, playing 1,130 total minutes and scoring one goal. 

“I personally am excited to be able to offer the club the best professional service possible to allow the club to win a lot of titles and finish at the top of the podium and I am seriously excited to start the season,” expressed Ousmanou. 

Ousmanou was born and raised in Cameroon. 

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information. 

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 all 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, N.C. (March 6, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today the renewal of its partnership with Novant Health as the Official Healthcare Provider of the Charlotte Independence.

“The Charlotte Independence bring a special energy to the Charlotte sports landscape and Novant Health is thrilled to continue supporting the health and wellbeing of the athletes so they can compete at their best,” said Dr. Sid Fletcher, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Charlotte region. “The Charlotte Independence has been an incredible partner over the years, and we take great pride in continuing our impactful work in the community together both on and off the field.”

Novant Health will serve as the Primary Front of Kit Sponsor of the Charlotte Independence Home and Away Jerseys for the 2025 season. Additionally, Novant Health will remain the title sponsor of two Independence home games in 2025.

“The Charlotte Independence are excited to welcome back Novant Health as our Official Healthcare Provider for the 2025 season,” expressed Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “They continue to provide remarkable care for our athletes and we look forward to another year together, making Charlotte a better place to live through sports.”

Novant Health will continue to help expand the team’s impact within the Charlotte community by sponsoring the One Club, One Love Community Clinics and hosting players for hospital visits with the patients of Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. 

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information. 

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 all 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.

About Novant Health: 
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 40,000 team members along with more than 8,500 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2023, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 25, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today midfielder Luis Alvarez will return for the 2025 season. Alvarez has spent the past two seasons with the Jacks and has scored 10 goals in 66 appearances.

“Having Luis back with us for another season is extremely important and exciting.  His energy, cleverness on the ball, and ability to make plays in the final third impacted our team greatly,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I look forward to seeing him continue his development with us and making a further mark in League One.  He is a joy to work with – always with a smile, and a tremendous passion for the game.”

Alvarez started 20 matches in league play in 2024, scoring four goals and two assists. His four goals in the league ranked second on the Jacks. The 22-year-old Honduran earned eight USL League One Team of the Week honors in 2024 and was named USL League One Player of the Week in Week Four. 

“I am very happy to return to the team for my third year. We are working hard to make this year better than the previous two. I am very happy for the trust that the coach has given me and I hope to do things in the best way,” expressed Alvarez.

Alvarez joined Charlotte as a 19-year-old ahead of the 2023 season and helped the club to its first-ever league final appearance, assisting Charlotte’s lone goal in the game. 

Alvarez made his professional debut in Honduras’ top-flight league in 2021 with Lobos UPNFM. He played college soccer at Instituto España Jesús Milla Selvain in Honduras.

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information. 

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 all 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, N.C. (February 20, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of 26-year-old defender Mike DeShields. The Wake Forest University alum spent the 2024 season with USL Championship side Hartford Athletic. 

“In Mike, we are signing an experienced, quality central defender. Mike provides solid defensive qualities, athleticism, and leadership ability. In addition, his ability to comfortably play out of the back fits well with our style of play,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. 

DeShields joins the Jacks after appearing in 10 games with Hartford in 2024, totaling 20 blocks and 14 interceptions. In 2023, DeShields appeared in 16 games for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the USL Championship. 

DeShields was selected fifth overall in the 2021 MLS Draft by D.C. United and was loaned to USL Championship side Loudon United. The Baltimore, Maryland native appeared in 14 matches for Loudon before joining New England Revolution II of MLS Next Pro, playing in 17 games.

“I am extremely excited and grateful for this opportunity to return to North Carolina and be a part of Charlotte Independence. I’m prepared to fill whatever role asked of me, giving my all in hopes of a memorable season,” expressed DeShields. 

DeShields joined the Demon Deacons in 2016, redshirting his freshman year. The next three seasons, DeShields totaled 60 appearances, earning All-ACC tournament honors in 2017 and Second Team All-South Region honors in 2019. 

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

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 all 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, N.C. (January 17, 2025) – Charlotte Independence today announced the club has transferred midfielder Rayan Djedje to USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC. 

The Jacks will receive a transfer fee from Sacramento in exchange for Djedje. 

Djedje played a vital role for the Jacks in 2024 sharing shifts between midfield and defense throughout the season. He competed in 20 games with 17 starts for a total of 1,529 minutes. Djedje led the Jacks in interceptions with 30 adding 79 clearances, 27 tackles won and 16 blocks. 

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 
Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

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 all 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, N.C. (February 7, 2024) – Charlotte Independence announced today goalkeeper Drew Romig will join the club’s 2025 roster. The Virginia native spent last season with USL League One side South Georgia Tormenta FC. 

“We are excited to add Drew to our goalkeeping corps. Drew is an ambitious, young goalkeeper with strong experience in both the Championship and League One,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Most importantly, his technical abilities fit with our style of play and he is a quality character and positive locker room influence.”

Romig started in six games for South Georgia in 2023, finishing 12th in the league in saves with 31. Prior to joining South Georgia, Romig spent two seasons with USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC, recording six clean sheets and making 24 starts. 

”I’m beyond excited to join Charlotte Independence this year. It’s a privilege to be part of this incredible organization, and I’m ready for the challenge of contributing to the team’s success this season,” expressed Romig. “I can’t wait to meet all the amazing fans, call the great city of Charlotte home, and help bring a championship to this community. I’m looking forward to competing every day in training, meeting my teammates, and getting to work!”

In the summer of 2021, Romig joined South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 in the USL League Two. Romig had a sterling record of 12-1-2 with seven clean sheets, earning USL League Two National Team of the Year and USL League Two Southern Conference Team of the Year honors. 

Romig finished his college career at Belmont University, winning a combined 18 games during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Romig earned SoCon All-Tournament Team honors twice and made the NCAA D1 Men’s South All-Region First Team. In 2021, Romig won SoCon Defensive Player of the month twice.

Romig started his college career with the Tar Heels from 2016-2019. Romig appeared in eight games as a Tar Heel, including two ACC Championships and NCAA College Cup appearances.  

The 2025 USL League One Season begins on Saturday, March 15 for the Jacks as they host long-time rivals Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100. 

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information. 

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 all 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.