Belmar is a former MLS Draft Pick and Grenada international player
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 13, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of Kharlton Belmar for the 2024 season. Belmar, a seasoned veteran, brings experience in Major League Soccer, USL Championship, and USL League One.
“We are excited to add Kharlton Belmar to our roster,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries commented. “Kharlton adds a box presence from the wings for us – he provides pace and strength in the attack, and his movement will help unlock defenses and will help us create chances.”
The list of accolades is extensive for Belmar, the 34th pick in the 2015 MLS Draft. After being selected by the Portland Timbers, Belmar became an integral part of the Portland Timbers 2 squad, winning 2015 USL Championship Rookie of the Year. The winger played 4,000 minutes for Timbers 2, logging 15 goals and three assists.
Ahead of the 2017 season, Belmar made the move to Kansas City where he won the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Sporting Kansas City. He also made 54 appearances for Sporting Kansas City II, formerly known as Swope Park Rangers, scoring 25 goals with 10 assists in two seasons.
Belmar made 200 appearances in USL Championship throughout his time with Portland Timbers 2, Sporting Kansas City II, Nashville SC, Sacramento Republic, and Colorado Springs Switchbacks. In total, he scored 44 goals and logged 26 assists.
In FIFA World Cup qualifying, CONCACAF Nations League, and friendlies, Belmar has nine caps with the Grenada Men’s National Team. Belmar received his first call-up in 2021 and started on his debut. During the 2022 Nations League, he started against the United States. Most recently, he was part of the squad for the 2023 Nations League.
Belmar joins the Independence from fellow USL League One side, the Richmond Kickers, where he scored two goals and added two assists in 21 appearances.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Independence for the 2024 season,” Belmar expressed. “It’s a group with a lot of experience, quality, and a history of winning! I am looking forward to getting the ball rolling and helping the squad bring a championship back to the city!”
The 2024 season begins on Saturday, March 16 as the Charlotte Independence face One Knoxville SC in the Home Opener. Season tickets for the Charlotte Independence 10th Anniversary season are on sale now with packages as low as $5 per game in the Supporters Section. To see all exclusive Season Ticket Member benefits and purchase your tickets today, visit charlotteindependence.com/seasontickets.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team celebrating a decade of competitive soccer in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2024. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and reached its first league final in club history at the end of the 2023 season. The Independence plays all home games at the historic 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.
