USL League One News

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

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

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 17, 2025) – The Charlotte Independence announced today assistant coach Dave Dixon has accepted the vacant head coaching job with fellow USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC.

“I want to thank everyone at Charlotte Independence for an amazing experience over the last few years,” shared Dixon. “It is a great club and has helped me grow as both a coach and person.”

“Starting at the top, Charlotte is a great club. I can’t express how much I appreciate both owners Dan DiMicco and Jim McPhilliamy. They both believed in me as a coach and have helped me shape my career. I was lucky to work with one of the best in the game in Mike Jeffries. I have learned a lot from Mike over the years and will be forever grateful for that experience, mentorship, and friendship.”

Dixon spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Independence assisting Jeffries. After leaving to serve as the Director of Soccer for FC Carolinas in Waxhaw, Dixon returned to the Independence technical staff in 2024 and has served as an integral piece to the club’s playoff run in 2024 and the ongoing six-year playoff streak.

“I am excited for Dave to move up the ladder and take the Greenville position,” shared Jeffries. “Dave’s character, work ethic, soccer acumen, and positive personality were large contributors to our program’s successes over the last couple of years. While we will miss him in the locker room, Dave is ready for the challenge of managing his own group. I wish him well and look forward to competing against him and Greenville in 2026.”

Dixon will return to the Queen City when the Independence takes on Triumph SC in the Prinx Tires USL Cup on June 24.

The Charlotte Independence wishes Dave all the best as he embarks on his new journey with Greenville.

---

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 (December 16, 2025) – USL League One announced today the full 2026 league schedule, along with matchups for the Prinx Tires USL Cup.

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2026 USL League One season on Saturday, March 14, on the road at Westchester SC. The Jacks return to Charlotte for their home opener on Friday, March 27, when they host Spokane Velocity.

The Jacks will host the 2025 USL Championship winners Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC as part of the Prinx Tires USL Cup. Charlotte will close its regular-season home slate on October 10 with another marquee matchup against historic club New York Cosmos.

Across league play and the Prinx Tires USL Cup, the Independence will host 19 matches in 2026, split between American Legion Memorial Stadium and the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews. Official locations for games besides the home opener will be announced at a later date.

Season Ticket Deposits for the 2026 season are now available. Deposits start at just $26 per seat (before taxes and fees) and include a FREE Charlotte Independence hat.

To celebrate the home opener on March 27, fans can also take advantage of a mystery ticket bundle, receiving a piece of exclusive merchandise with the purchase of a match ticket.

Scroll below for an in-depth look at the schedule.

---

Battles with New Clubs

Plenty of marquee matchups catch the eye when scanning over the slate of games, including matches against new clubs within the league.

Prinx Tires USL Cup

The Independence will play four group-stage matches in the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup. Drawn into Group 6, the Jacks will compete with Charleston Battery, Greenville Triumph SC, Loudoun United FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and Richmond Kickers.

• April 25 – at Richmond Kickers
• May 15 – vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
• June 24 – vs. Greenville Triumph SC
• July 11 – at Charleston Battery

Head-to-Head with the Winners

The Independence will take on the 2025 USL League One champions One Knoxville SC twice. The Jacks will travel to Knoxville for their fifth game of the league season on April 18, before hosting the Tennessee side on August 1.

Days of the Week Breakdown

• Wednesdays: 8 matches (5 home)
• Fridays: 2 matches (The home opener vs. Spokane is the lone home Friday match)
• Saturdays: 26 matches (12 home)
• Sundays: 2 matches (1 home vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC on April 12)

---

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.

Tickets for the home opener are now available

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 11, 2025) – USL League One announced today the full slate of home openers for the 2026 season, confirming that the Charlotte Independence will return to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026, to host Spokane Velocity FC in their first home match of the campaign.

Tickets for the home opener are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Charlotte and Spokane met twice during the 2025 season. The sides battled to a 1–1 draw in Spokane on June 11 before the Velocity edged the Jacks 1–0 in Charlotte on October 3.

In addition to their own opener, the Independence will feature in a landmark moment for the league, serving as the opponent for Fort Wayne FC’s inaugural home match on May 2.

Meeting for the first time, two other USL League One newcomers will square off in their debuts as Sarasota Paradise plays host to Athletic Club Boise at the Premier Sports Campus.

Other notable home openers include the League One debut of the New York Cosmos against Portland Hearts of Pine at Hinchliffe Stadium on Saturday, March 14, the opening of Athletic Club Boise’s 7,050-seat home at Expo Idaho against Spokane Velocity FC on Saturday, April 5, and Corpus Christi FC’s first home opener in the professional ranks against Spokane Velocity FC, both on Saturday, May 2.

A full 2026 Charlotte Independence schedule, including promotional nights, broadcast information, and single-match ticket links, will be released at a later date.

---

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.

First Round Set for March 17-19; 32 Open Division/Amateur Clubs and 48 Pro Sides to Compete for the 111th edition of the U.S. Open Cup

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 4, 2025) – U.S. Soccer today confirmed that the Charlotte Independence will compete in the First Round of the 111th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, releasing full details on the tournament’s format and schedule.

U.S. Soccer’s historic national club championship, that celebrates elite amateur and pro soccer in communities across the country, begins in mid-March and will conclude with a showpiece final on October 21.

A field of 80 teams will contest for a $1 million purse with a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup also up for grabs. CBS Sports will return as the multi-media rights partner for the 2026 competition.

The U.S. Open Cup format will feature seven rounds – one fewer than recent editions – to avoid overlap with the FIFA Men’s World CupTM calendar. Because the competition features one fewer round than recent editions, the field of professional teams has been reduced from 64 to 48, with slots for each professional division allocated as evenly as possible. League standings will serve as qualifying criteria to determine which professional teams are eligible, therefore all teams participating in 2026 U.S. Open Cup must have played a league season in 2025.

In addition to the qualifying criteria for the professional divisions, the competition has adjusted two rules to align with the current ecosystem for professional and amateur clubs. First, a one-club, one-entry rule applies to all divisions. Under this rule, a professional club must enter its highest-level professional team. For the Open Division, the National League qualifying track was eliminated and all amateur teams are entered directly via U.S. Soccer. Second, all numerical limits to the number of players that can be eligible for a competition roster have been removed across all divisions. All players from a club are eligible to participate, and players can be added up to one day prior to a match — subject to league and U.S. Soccer player registration regulations as well as competition eligibility rules related to cup-ties, length of loan and disciplinary action.

The First Round will be played on March 17, 18 & 19 and will continue its format of 32 matches featuring teams from the Open Division facing off against a professional opponent. The amateurs will face off against one of 17 professional teams from Division II or 15 professional teams from Division III. The 32 winners from the First Round will then face off in a Second-Round matchup on March 31 or April 1.

Each of the 16 teams that advance from the Second Round will face one of the 16 Division I professional teams from Major League Soccer in the Round of 32 on April 14 or 15. Eight of the MLS teams will be seeded as home, and eight will be seeded as away ahead of this draw based on the qualifying criteria.

The final 32 teams will play down to a field of four semifinalists in May before the competition breaks until the semifinals on September 15 or 16. The final match is slated for Wednesday, October 21.

2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
First Round: Tuesday, March 17 – Thursday, March 19
Second Round: Tuesday, March 31 – Wednesday, April 1
Round of 32: Tuesday, April 14 – Wednesday, April 15
Round of 16: Tuesday, April 28 – Wednesday, April 29
Quarterfinals: Tuesday, May 19 – Wednesday, May 20
Semifinals: Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Wednesday, Sept. 16
Final: Wednesday, October 21

First and Second Round draws and schedule will be announced by U.S. Soccer in January. The first live draw will be held Tuesday, April 2, when the Round of 32 and subsequent round pairings will be determined.

The overall format, draw groups and pairings will be based on geography, along with the basic mathematic principles of a single-elimination competition. Random selection will be used to solve a lack of logical geographic fit. Draw groups may be created to account for venue availability in any round, based on the league schedule of competing teams or other conditions per tournament regulations.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is U.S. Soccer’s Club Championship and has crowned a Champion annually since 1914 (with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19). The historic tournament is conducted on a single-game, knockout basis and open to all professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the longest running national soccer competition in the United States and the world’s third longest continuously run national cup tournament. It is the only competition in USA-based team sports where amateurs have the chance to play professionals in direct competition.

Division I – 16 Teams entering in the Round of 32
Major League Soccer
Qualifying Criteria:

Teams participating in Concacaf Champions Cup are excluded from the Open Cup
Teams not participating in the 2026 Leagues Cup qualify for the Open Cup.
The top four teams from this list from each conference will be seeded as home teams based on 2025 league standings for the Round of 32 draw (pending venue availability at a primary or approved secondary venue).

The next best teams in the Supporters’ Shield Standings that are not in the Concacaf Champions Cup will enter the Open Cup.

Atlanta United
Austin FC
Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC
Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew
D.C. United
Houston Dynamo FC
Minnesota United FC
New England Revolution
New York City FC
Orlando City SC
Red Bull New York
San Jose Earthquakes
St. Louis CITY SC
Sporting Kansas City

Division II – 17 teams entering in First Round
USL Championship
Qualifying Criteria:

2025 League Standings will be used to determine Open Cup qualifiers. Positions allocated evenly between East & West Conferences based on conference standing, with total points serving as a tiebreaker in the case of an odd number of teams.

Charleston Battery
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Detroit City FC
El Paso Locomotive FC
FC Tulsa
Hartford Athletic
Indy Eleven
Lexington SC
Loudoun United FC
Louisville City FC
New Mexico United
Orange County SC
Phoenix Rising FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Rhode Island FC
Sacramento Republic FC
San Antonio FC

Division III – 15 teams entering in the First Round
MLS NEXT Pro
Note: Players from 15 MLS NEXT Pro teams affiliated with Division I entrants may appear in the competition for their MLS Division I affiliate in the Round of 32 (subject to competition roster regulations).

Qualifying Criteria:

MLS NEXT Pro teams that are part of a club that plays in Division I Major League Soccer are not eligible based on the one club, one entry principle.
Because fewer than 16 teams participating in 2026 Division III leagues have results in the 2025 League Standings, all returning, eligible teams will qualify.

Carolina Core FC
Chattanooga FC

USL League One
Qualifying Criteria:

Because fewer than 16 teams participating in 2026 Division III leagues have results in the 2025 League Standings, all returning, eligible teams will qualify.

AV ALTA FC
Charlotte Independence
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
FC Naples
Forward Madison FC
Greenville Triumph SC
One Knoxville SC
Portland Hearts of Pine
Richmond Kickers
South Georgia Tormenta FC
Spokane Velocity FC
Union Omaha
Westchester SC

Open Division/Amateur
32 teams entering in the First Round
Qualifying Criteria:

Half of the Open Division slots have been allocated to teams advancing from the Qualifying Rounds played in Fall 2025.
Half of the Open Division slots have been filled with teams awarded byes into the First Round based on strong performance in 2025 competitions.

2026 Qualifying Rounds Participants (16)

ASC New Stars (Houston, Texas; Houston Football Association)
Azteca FC (Denver, Colo.; Colorado Premier League)
Badgers FC (Boynton Beach, Fla.; UPSL)
BOHFS St. Louis (Saint Louis, Mo.; Midwest Premier League)
CD Faialense (Winthrop, Mass.; Bay State Soccer League)
FC America CFL Spurs (Orlando, Fla.; UPSL)
Kalonji Pro-Profile (Dacula, Ga.; UPSL)
Laguna United FC (Laguna Niguel, Calif.; UPSL)
NY Renegades FC (Jericho, N.Y.; UPSL)
Red Force (Miami, Fla.; Premier Futbol League)
San Ramon FC (San Ramon, Calif.; The League for Clubs)
SC Vistula Garfield (Garfield, N.J.; APSL)
Southern Indiana FC (Corydon, Ind.; UPSL)
Steel City FC (Pittsburgh, Pa.; USL League Two)
Valley 559 FC (Fresno, Calif.; UPSL)
Virginia Dream FC (Arlington, Va.; UPSL)
Earned Byes to First Round via League/Competition Play (16)
Asheville City SC (Asheville, N.C.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Des Moines Menace (Des Moines, Iowa) – USL League Two Qualifier
El Farolito (NPSL – San Francisco, Calif.) – 2025 John Motta Trophy Winner
FC Motown (Morristown, N.J.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Flint City Bucks (Flint, Mich.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Flower City Union (Rochester, N.Y.) – NPSL Qualifier
Hickory FC (Hickory, N.C.) – NPSL Qualifier
Laredo Heat SC (Laredo, Texas) – USL League Two Qualifier
Little Rock Rangers (Little Rock, Ark.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Michigan Rangers (Hudsonville, Mich.) – NPSL Qualifier
Northern Virginia FC (Leesburg, Va.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Ristozi FC (Baltimore, Md.) – NPSL Qualifier
Tennessee Tempo FC (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) – UPSL Spring Champion
Ventura County Fusion (Ventura, Calif.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Vermont Green FC (Burlington, Vt.) – USL League Two Qualifier
West Chester United SC (West Chester, Pa.; United Soccer Leage of Pennsylvania) – 2025 USASA National Amateur Cup Champion

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.

About the U.S. Soccer Federation
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused in three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and pro leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.

About the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has crowned U.S. Soccer’s national champion since 1914. The history-filled tournament is conducted on a single-game-knockout basis and is open to professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. In 1999, the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S. was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt. The 2026 U.S. Open Cup winner will earn a berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup and have its name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy – one of the oldest nationally contested trophies in American team sports – now on permanent display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas. Nashville SC of MLS is the defending U.S. Open Cup Champion. The 110th edition of the tournament concluded on October 1, 2025, with NSC defeating Austin FC to claim the Tennessee club’s first piece of major silverware. The official website of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is ussoccer.com/us-open-cup. Fans can also follow the competition on X/Twitter and Instagram @OpenCup and Facebook @OfficialOpenCup.

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 20, 2025) – The Charlotte Independence today announced the first round of roster decisions ahead of the 2026 season. 

The following players have had options not exercised: Amal Knight, Omar Ciss, Nathan Gray, Juan David Moreno, Paolo Alcocer, Rafael Jauregui, Tumi Moshobane, Djibril Faye, Mike DeShields, Tresor Mbuyu, and Christian Chaney.

The Charlotte Independence wish all departing players the best of luck as they take the next step in their careers, both on and off the pitch.

---

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 (November 6, 2025) – USL League One announced today that Charlotte Independence midfielder Bachir Ndiaye has been named to the All-League Second Team.

This marks the first All-League selection of Ndiaye’s USL League One career.

In his third season with the Jacks, Ndiaye anchored the midfield, leading all outfield players with 201 duels won (54.9%). He recorded a personal-best four goals, ranking fourth on the team. Ndiaye added 17 chances created, 121 recoveries, 18 interceptions, and 27 tackles won at a 60% success rate. The 26-year-old finished the season with an 84.6% passing accuracy and a league-best +5.04 Goals Added rating among central midfielders.

“I am proud of Bachir,” said Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He was fantastic for us this year. Bachir has a tremendous engine and work rate. He has been a consistent ball winner for us throughout the years. He has worked hard to develop his game in possession, making effective runs out of midfield, and making plays in the final third.”

---

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.

KNOXVILLE, TN (November 2, 2025) – The Charlotte Independence’s 2025 season came to a close Sunday evening, falling to One Knox 2-1 in the league quarterfinals.

The match came down to finishing chances. The Independence played an exceptional match against the regular season champions, outshooting One Knox 17-10. However, One Knoxville made due with their opportunities on target, finishing two of their four.

Goalkeeper #1 Sean Lewis was fantastic for One Knox, making five saves on the evening, including multiple reactionary stops on the doorstep.

---

It was the exact kind of start Charlotte was looking for as the road underdog and they nearly struck gold in the 13th minute. Off the re-cross from a corner, #99 Christian Chaney struck the woodwork.

One minute later and it was #26 Souaibou Marou who just missed. It was an excellent save from Lewis, who reacted very well to Marou’s close-range header.

Just after Charlotte couldn’t finish those chances, One Knox took theirs. #3 Sivert Haugli nodded home a corner kick to put the Players’ Shield winners ahead in the 17th minute.

Lewis was One Knox’s best player in the first 20 minutes as Charlotte continued to create grade-A chances. Again, his reactions were excellent, denying Marou’s volley from in-close in the 21st minute.

One Knox had a glorious opportunity to double the advantage in the 43rd minute, but goalkeeper #31 Amal Knight was up for the task. He robbed #21 Stavros Zarokostas with a diving stop to keep Charlotte within striking distance.

Despite the strong half from Charlotte, the scoreboard read 1-0 One Knox heading to the second half and a big last 45 needed for the Independence to extend their season.

With expected urgency, the Jacks came flying out of the blocks to begin the second half. Lewis made a strong near-post stop on #9 Jon Bakero in the 49th minute. The flurry continued five minutes later as Chaney’s free header in the 54th minute off a Bakero corner bounced over the bar.

Knoxville showed how lethal they can be on the counter and got their insurance goal in the 64th minute. Zarokostas showed off his speed, got in behind, and buried it into the side netting.

Finally in the 77th minute, Charlotte got their goal. Chaney finished off a lovely counter, knocking in a cross from #13 Anthony Sorenson and declaring “game on” for the final 12 minutes.

In stoppage time, Knoxville masterfully salted time away, shielding in the Jacks’ corner. Once Charlotte finally worked it out of their end, no time was left for an attack and the hosts held on to advance to the semifinals, ending Charlotte’s season.

POST-GAME QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries sums up the match:

“I thought we came out really brightly and pushed the game. I think we made them adjust to us in the first 15 minutes and we had a few good looks, hitting the post but we weren’t able to score. Conceding on a set piece was really, really frustrating. I felt like we continued to push the game the first half and create chances. We started on the front foot in the second half. The second goal was a a back breaker, which comes off a mistake playing the ball out. I thought we still bounced back and made the game interesting at the end with a really good goal. Unfortunately, we couldn’t quite push enough to get chances once we got to 2-1.”

Jeffries on the heart of his squad:

“Our league is an even league and Knoville deserves all the credit for making it through the season and winning the Players’ Shield and they’re a hard team to play at home, but I also thought our group was fully up for the challenge. We definitely showed a belief that we could end up with the win.”

Clay Dimick on the effort:

“I was proud of the way the team approached the game and came out on the front foot. We had chances to place our stake in the game early. Despite giving up two frustrating goals, we never stopped fighting and put everything we had into this game.”

Christian Chaney on the game and the season:

“We’re gutted. We thought going into the game and even at the start of the game after I hit the post, we had them and I think that we took the game to them. I think it’s one of our better performances that we’ve had of the year honestly. If we put our chances away, things are different, but that’s part of the game. I’m really proud of what we accomplished, all the ups and downs that we had this year. We stayed together as a group and we stuck together to our game plan.”