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Charlotte Independence and Novant Health Renew Partnership as Club’s Official Healthcare Provider

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.

Midfielder Luis Alvarez Returns to Charlotte Independence

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.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

Wake Forest Alum Mike DeShields Signs with Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Signs Mike DeShields

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.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

Charlotte Independence Transfer Midfielder Rayan Djedje to Sacramento Republic FC

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.

About Charlotte Independence:

Charlotte Independence Add Goalkeeper Drew Romig for 2025 Season

Charlotte Independence Sign Goalkeeper Drew Romig

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.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

Jacks Ink Youngster Rafael Jauregui To Deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 6, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Rafael Jauregui for the 2025 season. Jauregui has spent the past five seasons with USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC.

“We are excited to add a promising, young attacker to our group. Rafael possesses creativity and great instincts in the final third, along with a great work ethic and strong engine,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries.

In 2020, Jauregui signed a USL Academy contract with Sacramento at age 15, making him eligible for USL Championship matches. Over his five seasons with Sacramento, Jauregui made 54 appearances, scoring one goal with three assists. In 2024, Jauregui made the most appearances of his professional career, playing in 26 games.

“I’m very excited to be joining Charlotte Independence,” expressed Jauregui. “Looking forward to getting to work, connecting with the fans, and pushing for a successful season.”

Jauregui joined Sacramento’s academy system in 2017. Jauregui represented the United States on their U15 team in 2019, earning five caps and scoring two goals.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

Charlotte Independence Sign USL Championship Veteran Jon Bakero

Spanish attacker has recorded 12 goals and 14 assists in 90 appearances across the USL Championship

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 4, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today Spanish attacker Jon Bakero will join the club’s 2025 roster. The seven year veteran and Wake Forest University alum has played professionally in the MLS, USL Championship, Bulgaria and Spain.

“In Jon, we are signing a quality player and person as well as a proven goal scorer,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Though he last played in Memphis, Jon brings significant international experience to our squad – he is both a very clean technical player and possesses a high soccer IQ which fits well with our style of play. Most importantly, he is clever in the final third – able to make plays in front of goal. Having finished his college career at Wake Forest, we are excited to have him back in North Carolina.”

USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC most recently signed Bakero to a short term contract in July 2024. He totals 12 goals, 14 assists and 90 appearances most of which come from his time with Phoenix Rising from 2018-2021.

“Coming back to North Carolina feels like coming home, and I’m so excited to join the Charlotte Independence,” expressed Bakero. “I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to getting to work with the team and building something special together.”

From 2022-2024, Bakero had stops at first tier Bulgarian league side Slavia Sofia before playing with Spanish clubs Pontevedra CF and Club Lleida Esportiu.

Bakero was selected 5th overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire SC, making his professional debut that April. In July, he was traded to Toronto FC who then loaned Bakero to Phoenix Rising FC. After the 2018 season, he signed a permanent contract with the USL Championship club.

Before becoming a professional, Bakero was one of the most decorated athletes in Wake Forest University men’s soccer history. He was the third-ever Demon Deacon to win the MAC Hermann Trophy. Bakero was the fourth player to reach the 100-point mark in his career, also finishing fourth all-time with 37 goals and sixth all-time with 26 assists. Additional accolades include Senior CLASS Award, First Team All-American, ACC Offensive Player of the Year and two National Player of the Week honors.

Bakero – who won the MAC Hermann Trophy at Wake Forest in 2017 as the nation’s top collegiate soccer player – will become the first Hermann Trophy winner to play in USL League One. In Charlotte, Bakero will be coached by Mike Jeffries who won the Hermann Trophy at Duke University in 1983.

Bakero will be the fourth Hermann Trophy winner Mike Jeffries has led as a head coach, joining Andrew Gutman in Charlotte (2019) and Ali Curtis and Chris Gbandi in Dallas (2003). Among former Hermann Trophy winners who went on to become head coaches in outdoor professional soccer, the only other such instance of a winner coaching a winner was Brad Friedel coaching Teal Bunbury at the New England Revolution between 2017-19.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

Midfielder Bachir Ndiaye Returns to Charlotte Independence For Third Season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 31, 2025) – Charlotte Independence announced today midfielder Bachir Ndiaye will return for a third consecutive season. In 2024, Ndiaye started 14 games and played in 19 games total, tallying one goal and one assist.

”Being able to bring back Bachir is a huge coup for us. His defensive presence and ability to break up opponents’ plays are vital to us,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “He is excellent at starting attacking transition moments and has shown great consistency and increased range in his passing. Most importantly, he brings a competitive mentality every day and is able to raise the level of the group when he is on the field.”

Ndiaye joined the Jacks in 2023, marking the first season of his senior career. In an injury-riddled season, Ndiaye played in 16 games, starting six games and totaling 822 minutes.

“I’m very happy to be back for another season with this great organization! I look forward to our growth and our quest for success,” expressed Ndiaye.

Ndiaye was drafted by Inter Miami CF in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. Ndiaye played one year of college soccer at Louisburg College before transferring to UNC Wilmington for three seasons, earning United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic First Team Notice and CAA Championship All-Tournament team honors in his senior season.

Ndiaye was born in Dakar, Senegal and moved to Jacksonville, N.C. in 2016. Ndiaye played high school soccer at Northside High School in Roanoke County, Virginia.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

17-Year-Old Midfielder Nathan Gray Returns to Charlotte for Third Season

Charlotte, N.C. (January 29, 2025) – Charlotte Independence today announced their youngest signing in club history, Nathan Gray, will return for his third season with the Jacks. The now 17-year-old made his professional debut on September 21, 2024 during an away match at South Georgia Tormenta FC.

“I look forward to seeing Nate continue developing. His confidence and impact in training grew exponentially last year, and the expectation is for him to be a big contributor to the team this season,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “He displays composure on the ball as well as the ability to make plays on his own and has a physical profile which will make him a strong two way midfielder.”

Gray first signed with the Jacks in 2023 at just 15 years old.

“I’m thrilled to re-sign with Charlotte Independence and continue this incredible journey with the team,” expressed Gray. “I look forward to building on our successes and giving our fans even more to cheer about in the upcoming season.”

The Grayson, Georgia native came to Charlotte following stints with the Atlanta United U16, U17, and U19 teams. He scored nine goals and notched 14 assists in 2023 for Atlanta United Academy sides. Gray helped lead the U16 squad to the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs with a first-place finish in group play during the MLS NEXT Flex Tournament.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

Cameroonian International Fabrice Ngah Returns to Charlotte Independence

Charlotte, N.C. (January 27, 2025) – Charlotte Independence today announced Cameroonian International Fabrice Ngah will return for his third consecutive season with the Jacks. In 2024, he recorded 19 games played with 11 starts adding one goal and two assists from the left back position.

“Fabrice has the potential to be a top left sided player in USL League One,” shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “He is powerful defensively and matches up well physically with most anyone in the league. He is an excellent passer from the back and is able to make runs and plays in the final third.”

The year prior, Ngah played in 23 matches with five starts. His long pass success rate was among the best on the team in 2023, the same year he scored his first goal with the Independence.

“I am very happy and pleased to be back with the Charlotte Independence family. My teammates and I thank the technical staff and the club’s managers for their confidence in me as a person, and I promise the supporters to give everything this season and why not win the USL League One title. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon,” expressed Ngah.

Before Charlotte, Ngah played for Canon Yaoundé in the top flight of Cameroonian soccer. He also had a previous stop at Cleopatra FC in the Egyptian Premier League and multiple teams in Morocco from 2017-2020.

Ngah appeared in 30 games and earned one goal with four assists for Difaâ El Jadida followed by 53 appearances two goals and two assists for Raja Club Athletic. He started his professional career in Cameroon with Les Astres FC in 2013.

In 2014, Ngah received his first call up to the Cameroonian National Team and has since appeared in four games. He last appeared for the national team in 2021 as a starter against Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.

About Charlotte Independence:

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