USL League One News

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 4, 2024) – The Honduras Men’s National Team announced that Charlotte Independence forward J.C. Obregón Jr. was called up for the Concacaf Nations League matches set to take place during the September international window.

This is Obregón Jr.’s first senior national team call up after he represented Honduras at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the U-23 squad. He scored the first goal in Honduras’ 2-1 win over the United States to qualify for the Olympics, and he netted another in Olympic Group Play against New Zealand in a 3-2 victory.

HONDURAS MATCH SCHEDULE:

Friday, September 6 at 10:00pm (ET) vs. Trinidad and Tobago | Watch on Paramount+

Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00pm (ET) vs. Jamaica | Watch on Paramount+

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.

Corea’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory over Greenville Triumph SC

GREENVILLE, S.C. (August 30, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence won the USL Jägermeister Cup East Group with a 1-0 victory over Greenville Triumph SC on Friday evening at Paladin Stadium. The Jacks are one of four teams to advance to the cup’s knockout round which begins on Wednesday, September 11. Pairings for the semifinals will be confirmed at the conclusion of the weekend.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The first half started mostly calm with neither team threatening until #56 Gabriel Obertan unleashed a shot from inside the penalty area which rattled the right goalpost in the 16th minute. Obertan was heavily involved in the offense on the right side of the Jacks’ attack.

With two first-half yellow cards shown to Greenville’s #29 Rodrigo Robles, the Independence held a one-player advantage beginning in the 34th minute. Prior to Robles’ dismissal, the Independence had many chances from counter attacks, but Greenville became the team looking for counter attacking opportunities.

Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack was called into action multiple times in the first half, cutting off crosses and saving close-range attempts.

Halftime: Greenville Triumph SC 0, Charlotte Independence 0.

In the 52nd minute, #13 Anthony Sorenson received his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a 10v10 showdown for a spot in the USL Jägermeister Cup knockout round.

Similar to the first half, neither team was dangerous on the attack to open the second half. There was not a shot on target until #21 Dustin Corea put the Jacks in the lead in the 76th minute. #4 Nick Spielman sent a long ball up the pitch which bounced awkwardly off a Greenville defender. The ball fell into the path of #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. who managed to slot a pass through to Corea who scored while falling to the ground.

After Charlotte took the lead, Greenville pressured more on offense knowing that a goal was needed to keep the Triumph’s hopes alive in the cup competition. The Independence held strong on defense to earn a clean sheet and maintain the unbeaten streak.

Fulltime: Greenville Triumph SC 0, Charlotte Independence 1.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• This was the first win against Greenville Triumph on the road in club history.
• The Jacks are undefeated in the last 10 games across all competitions for the first time since 2017. 
• #21 Dustin Corea scored his second goal for the Independence. Both goals were scored against Greenville Triumph in the USL Jägermeister Cup.
• #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. recorded his third assist of the season. All three have occurred in the USL Jägermeister Cup. 

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On how the team battled for a result
“Tonight was a crazy night. You don’t get too many games with two sendoffs and the momentum going back and forth. I was pleased with the character of the guys for sticking with the game through a hard night, finding a way to get a result and managing the game when it was 1-0 and holding on to a lead.”

On the USL Jägermeister Cup
“It’s an opportunity to win. The guys are motivated by the opportunity to win a trophy, and that’s what it’s about. Credit to the guys for fighting through it and managing it. We’ve had some hard games in the USL Jägermeister Cup, and it’s nice to advance and give ourselves a chance to compete for a trophy.”

#1 Austin Pack

On staying composed and focused
“The team was very disciplined throughout the whole game, and we were able to limit chances. It was an interesting game to navigate, but we did well to stay organized.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE:

The Charlotte Independence face One Knoxville SC on the road in USL League One play on Saturday, September 7 at 4:30 p.m. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

Goals scored by #17 Clay Dimick, #6 Omar Ciss, #29 JC Obregon Jr. and #18 Nelson Pierre.

The Charlotte Independence defeated USL League One opponent Central Valley Fuego FC by a score of 4-0 on Saturday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks remain atop the USL League One Division Standings with 28 points. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Charlotte Independence went on the attack early. It was #27 Bachir Ndiaye who dribbled down the pitch forcing a defender to step and draw the foul. #14 Luis Alvarez took the free kick. A bounce off the Central Valley Fuego goalkeeper left a rebound for #17 Clay Dimick who gave the Jacks an early 1-0 lead. 

In the 28th minute, Charlotte Independence goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack made an huge save for the Jacks. The block came off a Central Valley Feugo free kick that was headed for the upper right corner. 

#6 Omar Ciss scored his first goal of the season in the 30th minute off a cross from the left wing. He took one touch to settle and then volley the left-footed shot into the net. 

Halftime: Charlotte Independence 2 – Central Valley Fuego FC 0

The Jacks went straight back to the attack. In the 53rd minute, #13 Anthony Sorenson made a long run down the pitch. He dribbled passed a couple defenders on his way, then dished a pass off to #8 Joel Johnson. Johnson took a touch, then continued over to #29 JC Obregon Jr who struck the ball first time into the back of the net. Obregon scored his 11th goal of the season and continues to lead USL League One in scoring. 

Fuego FC had another free kick opportunity in the 55th minute, but again it was handled by Pack. 

Charlotte’s final goal of the match came from newcomer #18 Nelson Pierre. He followed up a rebound off a shot from #21 Dustin Correa in stoppage time to claim his first goal with the Jacks. 

Final Score: Charlotte Independence 4 – Central Valley Fuego FC 0

IN THE NUMBERS:

• #6 Omar Ciss scored his first goal of the season
• 11 goals on the season for JC Obregon Jr who leads the league in scoring
• Charlotte Independence remain unbeaten in 9 games
• #18 Nelson Pierre scores his first goal with the Charlotte Independence

QUOTES:

Head Coach, Mike Jeffries

On overall thoughts on the match:

“I thought we started strongly and it was great to get an early goal, it helped with confidence. I thought the first half we weathered some moments when they were pretty effective in building against us, but I thought we had a lot of moments when we were good on the ball and able to create some really good looks. It was great to go into halftime 2-0. I thought we managed the game really well. The early goal in the second half off a counter gave us a little bit of confidence and allowed us to sit in a little bit the rest of the game. From that point we managed it well. To get JC back on the scoresheet is huge for us, and Omar again with a good one, and Clay being alert and following up a set piece and then Nelson to bag his first one here with us is a good plus.”

On Nelson Pierre:

“He’s done well. He’s a very serious player that’s here and wants to improve in his career. He’s worked very hard to get used to the guys, how we play, the types of things that we do and I think as a couple weeks have gone on he’s gained more confidence within the group, and I think was you can tell the guys were pretty excited for him.”

Defender, Clay Dimick

Keys to unbeaten streak success: 

“I think when we went through a little rut in the middle of the season we all were hungry to get out of it, so Mike and the staff did a great job taking us back to what we know how to do which is defend as a group. Once we defend as a group, we have a lot of quality in the attack and that will always be there. We’re going to keep playing to our strengths, defend as a group, and let the guys who are good on the ball do what they do.”

Upcoming road stretch:

“We want to be hard to play against. I think when we go on the road we have that mentality that we want to make ourselves known and steal points on the road every time we go. So if we keep that mentality, believe in ourselves, we know we can do it. 

Midfielder, Omar Ciss

On his first goal of the season:

“It feels really good because I really needed that. It’s my first goal of the season for the club, so let’s keep going and get more goals.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Charlotte Independence are on the road at Greenville Triumph SC on Friday, August 30 for the final USL Jagermeister Cup match of group play. The match will be played at Paladin Stadium and kickoff is set for 7:00 pm.

The expansion side will join USL League One in 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 22, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence congratulates Dave Carton on being named the inaugural Head Coach for Westchester SC, a new expansion club joining USL League One in 2025. Carton spent three years as an assistant coach on Mike Jeffries’ staff in Charlotte. 

“Since our move to USL League One, Dave has been an instrumental member of our staff in Charlotte and a major contributor to the success of the Independence over the past three seasons,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries shared. “He developed a great rapport with the players and his positive outlook was infectious with the group. I will miss his insights into the game and training as he was integral on the soccer side and also his work ethic and willingness to do extra to make the team better. I am excited for him to get an opportunity to get the position in Westchester as a head coach and wish him success in his new role.”

Carton reaches this achievement after years of dedication to the Charlotte soccer community. He began working with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club in 2019 as Technical Director overseeing player development. In 2021, he served as the Head Coach of the Charlotte Independence USL League Two side before making the jump to the professional staff.

“Leaving the Charlotte Independence is a bittersweet moment for me,” Carton expressed. “The club, and so many people associated with the club, have meant so much to me and my family, with many experiences shared over the past three seasons. The Charlotte Independence is a pillar of the community it serves, and this is down to the vision, support, and hard work of great people like Dan DiMicco, Jim McPhilliamy, and of course Mike Jeffries, a figure head in the game in the US, and one of the best coaches in the USL. To Thomas Finlay, a true leader of genuine compassion and character. To Rich Posipanko, a mentor and friend that has supported and guided my career since the beginning. And finally, a special thanks to all the players, it has been an unforgettable journey which I have been very privileged to be a part of.”

With a focus on player development, Carton guided Independence midfielder Omar Ciss to a pair of USL League One Young Player of the Year Finalist recognitions in 2022 and 2023. He also coached five players to USL League One All-League honors in his first two seasons with the club. Carton was a crucial part of the technical staff which reached the 2023 USL League One Final.

The Charlotte Independence is appreciative of Carton’s service to the club and wishes him well in this new opportunity.

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.

Jacks are unbeaten in the last eight matches in all competitions for the first time since 2021

MADISON, Wis. (August 14, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence earned a 0-0 draw on the road against Forward Madison FC on Wednesday evening at Breese Stevens Field. The Jacks are back home on Saturday, August 24 against Central Valley Fuego FC at 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at charlotteindependence.com/tickets. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

#29 J.C. Obregón Jr. was active in the first five minutes, logging a couple blocked shots against the Madison defense.

Overall, the first half did not have many opportunities in front of goal for either side. Much of the action was played in the middle third of the pitch. Forward Madison recorded four shots on target to Charlotte’s one, but the Mingos’ strikes were simple saves for #1 Austin Pack.

The closest chance for either side in the opening period came in the 40th minute as a shot from #14 Luis Álvarez curled just inches outside the left goalpost. 

Halftime: Forward Madison FC 0, Charlotte Independence 0.

After entering as a substitute at halftime, #9 Kharlton Belmar sent a powerful header on target from a cross by #17 Clay Dimick in the 51st minute, but the Madison goalkeeper saved the attempt.

The Jacks continued the offensive pressure with a dangerous corner in the 61st minute sent in by #13 Anthony Sorenson. The cross found #4 Nick Spielman on the back post, but his shot and a subsequent shot by the Independence were blocked. 

Forward Madison thought a breakthrough was found in the 73rd minute with a header by #9 Christian Chaney, but the assistant referee signaled for offside. 

Another quality chance for the Jacks stemmed from a well-placed ball into the penalty area by #2 Fabrice Ngah that found #11 Tresor Mbuyu, but the forward’s shot was saved in the 88th minute.

In his Independence debut, #18 Nelson Pierre had a promising look at goal in second-half stoppage time, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar.

Fulltime: Forward Madison FC 0, Charlotte Independence 0

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• #18 Nelson Pierre, who joined the Independence on loan this week, made his club debut.
• The Independence are unbeaten in eight matches for the first time since September 30-November 6, 2021.
• #1 Austin Pack earned his fourth clean sheet in USL League One play this season.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the match overall
“It was a hard fought point. We had a couple good chances, especially at the end to win the game and take all three points. We played with good intensity and managed the game well defensively against a good team, so I definitely take positives from that. There were times that we had good movement and good plays going forward. We had many good looks where we were unfortunate to not get the goal, but they definitely tested us and pushed us defensively, so credit to the guys for getting the shutout on the road.”

On the offensive substitutions
“The guys did well. Both Nelson and Tresor ended up with good chances at the end, Dustin was impactful with some of his movements finding the ball in good places, and KB, as always, was solid and had a really good chance at the start of the second half and forced a very good save. It gave us energy and a bit of a different look and caused some problems.”

#4 Nick Spielman

On the key to the solid defensive performance
“I think the key was staying compact and helping each other all night. We stayed focused and didn’t switch off at any moment. Madison is a tough place to play, so coming away with a point isn’t the worst result, but we still walk away thinking we could have won it.”

#9 Kharlton Belmar

On the new offensive signings
“The new additions have been great for us going forward and will continue to provide us with some quality depth late in the season when we need it most. Everyone has to play a part and contribute, and we are all confident that they will do just that!”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE:

The Charlotte Independence host Central Valley Fuego FC on Saturday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 14, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of Nelson Pierre on loan from Philadelphia Union, pending league and federation approval. The forward signed a homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union and represents Haiti internationally at the U20 level.

“We are excited to add another young, talented attacking player in Nelson Pierre,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries explained. “Having developed in the Philadelphia Union system, Nelson offers pace, power, the ability to take players on, and finishing quality. We appreciate and thank Ernst Tanner and the Union for loaning Nelson to us and trusting us with his continued development.”

Across the 2022 and 2023 MLS Next Pro seasons, Pierre scored nine goals and tallied six assists for Philadelphia Union II. Pierre was loaned to Skövde AIK in Sweden ahead of the 2024 season where he logged minutes in all three group stage games in the Svenska Cupen.

Pierre competed in the CONCACAF U20 Championship in July, appearing in all three matches for Haiti. 

“I want to show the world why they should take a chance on me,” Pierre said. “My biggest goal for the season is to be proud of the work I put out on the field, score goals, and put smiles on our fans’ faces.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence face Forward Madison FC on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed on CBS Sports Golazo Network.

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.

Charlotte will host Central Valley Fuego FC at 6:00 pm

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 12, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the home match on Saturday, August 24 against Central Valley Fuego FC will now kick off at 6:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

It is Back to School Night presented by Great Clips. There will be a school supply drive benefiting Classroom Central. 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Independence face Forward Madison FC on the road on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. The match can be streamed on ESPN+. 

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.