USL League One News

Both players competed for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s U19 Pro Academy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 29, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that they have signed Midfielders, Jefferson Amaya and Brayden Keenan to a pair of Academy Contracts for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. Both players competed for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s U19 Pro Academy during the 2021-22 season. Amaya and Keenan are the first two Academy contracts since the Jacks signed Blake Pope ahead of the 2021 season showcasing a true pathway to the pros for aspiring soccer players in Charlotte.

“We are excited to add top Academy players to our roster and to start the process of promoting Academy players to the first team,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Jefferson is a very technical central midfielder who showed the ability to play at speed during our preseason. Brayden is a dynamic, unpredictable wide player with clever ideas in front of goal. We look forward to both players competing for playing time and contributing during the season.”

Amaya was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States when he was young. He came to Charlotte from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania at 15 years old and joined the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s U19 Pro Academy. Amaya captained his team to the 2021 ECNL National Championship. Following the 2020-21 season, he earned Boys ECNL Mid-Atlantic All Conference 2nd Team. 

“We are extremely excited to have two more players sign Academy contracts with our Pro team,” said Jeff Bilyk, Academy Director for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. “Brayden and Jeff have worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity, and it is a well deserved achievement for both of them. This continues to be an exciting time for our club and Academy players, as there is a real youth to pro pathway, where playing at the next level can become a reality for them.”

Amaya has committed to play collegiate soccer at High Point University and will join the Panthers this fall to continue his athletic and academic career.

“I am super excited to sign with the Charlotte Independence,” stated Amaya. “I am looking forward to learning from the senior players on the team and taking my game to the next level. I can’t wait to play in front of all the fans and to win many games with this club!”

Keenan, a junior in high school, competed with the Charlotte FC Academy during the 2020-21 season before joining the Charlotte Independence U19 Pro Academy. He was the first Charlotte FC Academy player to score a game winning goal at Bank of America Stadium in a 3-2 win over Atlanta United. 

“Congratulations to both Jefferson and Brayden. We are excited to see how they both adapt to this next step in their development,” explained Dave Carton, Technical Director of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. “We are proud as a club to be able to offer this pathway for our players, and we are confident that both Jefferson and Brayden will be the first of many to take this step soon.” 

Keenan saw minutes with Charleston Battery in the 2022 Carolina Challenge Cup which featured three MLS teams: Inter Miami FC, Columbus Crew and Charlotte FC. At the age of 13 he played in the MIC Cup in Spain, an international youth soccer tournament that brings together some of the best academies in the world. Keenan is committed to play collegiate soccer at the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and this next chapter in my life,” stated Keenan. “I’ve been watching the Independence first team play for years now and I can’t wait to get out on the field.”

The Charlotte Independence kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

For a canned food donation fans can watch the Jacks face North Carolina Fusion U23 (USL L2) at American Legion Memorial Stadium

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 25, 2022) – U.S. Soccer’s 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup comes to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, April 5. The Charlotte Independence are set to host North Carolina Fusion U23 (USL L2) after a South Carolina United FC forfeit on Wednesday night which was officially recorded as a 1-0 win for the Fusion. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).  

The Jacks will host a food drive that evening benefitting the Camino “Food Farmacy”, a bilingual and multicultural center which helps alleviate food insecurity in the Charlotte community. Admission to the match is free of charge and fans are encouraged to donate canned/perishable goods upon entry to the stadium.

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The Charlotte Independence home opener presented by Chick-Fil-A takes place just three days later on Friday, April 8. The Jacks play host to Central Valley Fuego FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET). To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

Meyer joins the Jacks from USL Championship Club Loudoun United

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of Goalkeeper Keegan Meyer for the 2022 season. Meyer spent last year with USL Championship Club Loudoun United and competed for New England Revolution II in 2020. He is the first goalkeeper signing for the Jacks this season.

“We are excited to add Keegan to our roster. With experience in both League One and the Championship, Keegan has shown himself a good shot stopper and presence in goal,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Throughout preseason, Keegan has shown a strong mentality and has been solid in his build up play, characteristics we will count on during the season.”

Meyer signed with Loudoun United just over a year ago. During his 2021 campaign, he appeared in three games for 270 minutes and recorded six saves. 

The New England Revolution selected Meyer as the 43rd overall pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and later signed for the club’s USL League One affiliate, New England Revolution II. He made his professional debut on August 21, 2020.

After redshirting his Freshman year at High Point University, Meyer went on to play as a four-year starter for the Panthers. He was named All-Big South First Team for three consecutive seasons (2017 – 2019). Meyer concluded his time at High Point as the school’s all-time leader in career shutouts (27).

“I’m excited for the opportunity to play in Charlotte this season,” stated Meyer. “Preseason has been great so far. All the guys are putting in the work and I’m looking forward to getting on the field and bringing home some wins for the Jacks!”

While in college, Meyer also played in USL League Two with Tormenta FC, Des Moines Menace and Ocean City Nor’easters.

The Charlotte Independence are scheduled to kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

Barone spent three years playing professional soccer in Italy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 16, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today an addition to their attack with the signing of Midfielder Giuseppe Barone. Barone played professional soccer in Italy for three years. He is the seventh signing for the Jacks with less than one month until their first match.

“Giuseppe is a clever flank midfielder who’s capable of beating players 1 v. 1 and is excellent in combination with his teammates,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “With his high soccer IQ and clever ideas in the final third, we look forward to Giuseppe contributing to our attack this season.”

Barone moved to Italy in 2019 after signing with AC Perugia Calcio. He spent the 2020-21 season with US Salernitana 1919 who competed in the Italy Cup, an annual knockout competition in Italian fútbol. Last season, he joined Ascoli Calcio. Each of these teams competes in Serie B, the second-highest division in the Italian fútbol league system.

“I’m really excited to join the team and start with them in the new league,” stated Barone. “I look forward to playing in front of our fans at home. We will give it everything we have every game, and I can’t wait to make great memories together this season!”

Before his move overseas, Barone competed with the New York Cosmos in two tournaments. First was the U.S. Open Cup where he recorded a full 90 minutes. Second, was the NPSL Members Cup where he made two appearances and helped lead the team to a Runner Up Finish.

The Charlotte Independence are scheduled to kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule/.

25 year old with top tier experience in Peru and Colombia

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 3, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that they have signed Colombian Forward Iván Luquetta for the 2022 season. Luquetta, born in Texas, returns to the United States after three years of high-level professional soccer competition in Peru and Colombia. Luquetta is the sixth signing for the Charlotte Independence and joins Clay Dimick, Héctor Acosta, Tresor Mbuyu, Shalom Dutey and Ayrton Páez ahead of the club’s USL League One debut.

“With his experience in First Division Peru and Colombia, Iván adds a new dimension to our attack,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Jeffries. “He has a strong ability to connect and combine with teammates, with excellent qualities around the goal. We are fortunate to bring him back to the States and look forward to his contributions in front of goal this season.”

Luquetta played his 2021 season with Academia Deportiva Cantolao, a Peruvian fútbol club, where he appeared in 13 games for 643 minutes and scored one goal.

The previous year Luquetta made four appearances for Boyacá Patriotas FC, also known as Patriotas, a professional Colombian fútbol team located in Tunja. 

“I am very excited to join the Charlotte Independence, and I am thankful to the organization for giving me this opportunity,” stated Luquetta. “I’m excited to help the team win and to score goals.”

In 2019, he competed for both Barranquilla FC and Junior FC, the main Caribbean team in the top flight of Colombian fútbol. Luquetta began his professional soccer career in 2017 with LD Alajuelense (La Liga) who competes in the top tier of the Costa Rican fútbol league.

“Mike has found another gem in Iván! His international experience in South America has prepared him for this next step, and we’re thrilled to have him in Charlotte this season,” explained Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “Our attack, with Iván and Tresor, is shaping up to be very dynamic. We’re excited to see Iván and his teammates at our home opener presented by Chick-fil-A on Friday, April 8th.”

The Charlotte Independence are scheduled to kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

Three matches to be played at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 24, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today a five game preseason schedule as the club prepares for their USL League One debut. Three matches will be played at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Preseason matches hosted at the Sportsplex are open to fans with free admission. Seating is limited.

The Jacks begin preseason with a friendly at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) on Saturday, March 5. The following weekend they host Columbus Crew 2, an Ohio based MLS NEXT Pro developmental team, at the Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex.  

Two USL League One teams, Greenville Triumph SC and North Carolina FC, will travel to the Queen City to face the Independence on Saturday, March 19 and Saturday, March 26 respectively. 

The final preseason match will see the Jacks take on High Point University at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, April 2.

Full Preseason Schedule:

Saturday, March 5 – Time TBD
Charlotte Independence at UNCC

Saturday, March 12 – 11:00 AM
Charlotte Independence vs. Columbus Crew 2, Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex

Saturday, March 19 – 2:00 PM
Charlotte Independence vs. Greenville Triumph SC – Sportsplex at Matthews (Field 10)

Saturday, March 26 – 2:00 PM
Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC – Sportsplex at Matthews (Field 10)

Saturday, April 2 – 11:00 AM
Charlotte Independence vs. High Point University – Sportsplex at Matthews (Field 10)

The Charlotte Independence officially open the 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET). Tickets are available at https://www.charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

Páez to bring top-level experience after competing in Spain and Venezuela’s First Division.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that they have signed Venezuelan midfielder Ayrton Páez. Páez joins the Jacks after playing three seasons with Estudiantes de Mérida, a professional fútbol club in the Venezuelan League, who in 2019 earned a Runner Up title in the Primera Division.

“We are excited to bring Ayrton to Charlotte,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Jeffries. “I expect him to continue the tradition of strong two way midfielders with the Independence. Ayrton is clever and composed in possession, with the ability to make plays in the final third. In addition, Ayrton will provide leadership to our group with the experience of playing in Spain and First Division Venezuela.”

During his time at Estudiantes de Mérida, Páez recorded 2,208 minutes in 49 appearances and scored six goals. 

Páez spent a short stint with Monaga at the start of 2018, a Venezuelan professional fútbol team who competes at the top level, Primera División Venezolana. Later that year, he signed with Spanish fourth division team, Loja. There he tallied an impressive 2,508 minutes in 31 appearances and scored six goals.

“Personally, I’m very happy to join the Charlotte Independence because I know the good fútbol it develops,” stated Páez. “Charlotte Independence is a great team where I know that I will be able to achieve important things at the group and individual levels. When the opportunity came, I had no doubts about joining the team. I’m eager to put all my fútbol at the service of the team, and I want to aim as high as possible and that is to win the championship.”

Early in his career, Páez competed for a number of Spanish fútbol clubs including: Mallorca (2014-2015), Atletico Malagueno (2015-2016), Sabadell (2016), Numancia B (2017) and Atarfe Industrial (2017-2018).

“Mike continues to assemble an exciting roster,” explained Charlotte Independence President & COO, Tim Schuldt. “With some seasoned returning players and an infusion of very talented new players like Ayrton Páez, we’re excited for our fans and the entertaining brand of soccer the Independence will play this year at American Legion Memorial Stadium!”

The Charlotte Independence are scheduled to kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

Dutey to command the back line in his third year with the Jacks.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 17, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that they have re-signed defender Shalom Dutey for the 2022 season. Dutey enters his third season with the Jacks. He made his professional soccer debut on May 1, 2021 during the team’s season opener last year.

“Shalom is a physical, athletic presence at the back. He’s very strong and wins challenges in the air and on the ground,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Jeffries. “Over the last two years, Shalom has worked incredibly hard, and with a positive mentality he’s sharpened his craft. I look forward to him showing those efforts on the field this year.”

Dutey first signed with the Charlotte Independence in 2020. He played collegiate soccer at Liberty University from 2016-2019. Over the course of his four years, Dutey made 36 starts in 55 appearances for the Flames and scored two goals.

“I am excited to be back with the Independence this season,” said Dutey. “I am ready to make new memories with the new team, and build off the playoff run we had last year.”

While in college, Dutey also played in USL League Two with the Tri-Cities Otters and Charlotte Eagles where he earned All-Southern team honors. He recorded a combined 7 goals in 23 appearances.

“We’re ecstatic that we have been able to keep Shalom in the Independence family! This is a player that’s going to help us on the field and one who models our values in the community every day,” stated Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “We look forward to his contributions on and off the field this year!”

The Charlotte Independence are scheduled to kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

Mbuyu looks for big break in his third year with the Jacks.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 16, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that forward Tresor Mbuyu has re-signed for the 2022 season. Mbuyu enters his third season with the Jacks. In 2021, he recorded 112 minutes in 11 appearances and had one assist.

“I am expecting a breakout season from Tresor this year,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Jeffries. “Tresor has developed his game the last two seasons and shown his ability to beat players 1 v. 1 and find opportunities in front of goal.”

Mbuyu first signed with the Independence in 2020. Previously, he played one season for Orlando City B (2019), where he made 19 appearances and scored one goal.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to stay in Charlotte this season,” stated Mbuyu. “I’m ready to get back on the pitch with the boys and bring home some wins for the Jacks.”

Mbuyu played college soccer for Liberty University from 2016-2018. He notched 33 goals and 17 assists in 40 appearances. In the Summer of 2018, the forward joined USL League Two side North Carolina FC U23 where he scored four goals in nine appearances.

“Tresor has incredible acceleration and speed. Our fans are going to see an exciting brand of soccer with Tresor on the field,” explained Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “We look forward to his success on the field and his tremendous work and dedication in the community that he’s always delivered. The Jacks got better today!”

The Charlotte Independence are scheduled to kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.