USL W League

Alexander plays collegiate soccer at College of Charleston and is a former member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 16, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team announced today the signing of Forward Mary Alexander. Alexander is a Freshman at College of Charleston where she plays on the women’s soccer team. She is a former member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s Girls’ ECNL program.

“Mary is another player who has spent her entire club career with the Independence youth system,” explained Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team. “She’s a dynamic attacking player that can play anywhere in the midfield or upfront. She has the ability to break down defenders in 1v1 situations. Having experienced a season of college soccer, Mary will be a great addition to our attacking options this Summer.”

Alexander started in 13 of 16 appearances last Fall with the Cougars and tallied two points on two assists for the season with nine shots on goal.

In 2021, Alexander graduated from Davidson Day School after breaking the program’s scoring record with 134 career goals. She played six seasons on the Varsity soccer team and was named All-State five times. 

“I am so excited to be signing with the Charlotte Independence USL W League team this Summer,” stated Alexander. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to play with some former teammates and to be involved with the club again.”

Alexander led her team to the State Semifinals as a Sophomore and the State Quarterfinals as a Senior.
The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/schedule-uslw.

Appalachian State University commit is also a member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 14, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the signing of Forward Michaela Deas for the 2022 season. She plays ECNL soccer for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club and recently committed to play Division I collegiate soccer at Appalachian State University.

“Michaela has demonstrated her ability to score goals at every level she has played,” explained Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team. “She is capable of creating opportunities for herself with her runs off the ball and also provides high quality finishing when presented with opportunities for her teammates. We look forward to seeing her be a goal scoring threat this Summer.”

Deas plays for the ‘04 Charlotte Independence Girls ECNL team which competes in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. Previously, she spent seven years with the Lake Norman Soccer Club who won back to back North Carolina State Championships in 2018 and 2019.

As a Junior Deas led the Community of School of Davidson to a 2021 State Championship. She was named MVP, Player of the Year, All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State after scoring 30 goals and notching 18 assists. Deas was also named All-Conference and All-Region with the Lady Spartans as a Freshman in 2019. 

When asked what she’s looking forward to most about joining the USL W League team, Deas stated, “I’m excited to play in the W League this Summer. This experience will definitely help prepare me for the collegiate level!”

From September 2017 to March 2018, Deas attended three U.S. National ID Camps in addition to other U.S. Market Training opportunities.

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/schedule-uslw.

Thillet was called up to the Puerto Rico National Team in 2017 and 2019.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 2, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team announced today that they have signed defender, Mia Thillet, for the club’s inaugural 2022 season. Thillet played with Puerto Rico National Team in 2017 and 2019 and won the 2017 US Youth Soccer Championship with the ‘98 Charlotte Independence South club team.

“We are excited to have Mia back this Summer. She will be another core contributor to the veterans of our squad this season with deep roots in the Independence youth system,” explained Charlotte Independence Women’s Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “She is a great local talent that grew up in our club and continues to produce positive results for the various teams she has played for. Mia is another perfect example of our women’s player pathway to the semi-pro level. She will provide us with experience and stability on defense, and we will look to her local and international experience to lead us through our first season.”

Thillet recently graduated from NC State University where she competed on the women’s soccer team from 2018-2021. She appeared in 31 games for the Wolfpack, tallied three assists and recorded 1,072 minutes played. At NC State University, Thillet was a two-time Top Ten CAT Scholar Athlete.

“I am so excited for the chance to continue playing soccer after my collegiate career has ended,” explained Thillet. “I am looking forward to getting to know all the talented and hardworking women who are on the roster this season. I cannot wait to see what this team accomplishes this Summer!”

Thillet, who was born in Puerto Rico, was first called up to the National Team in 2017. She was called up for a second time in 2019 where she joined a pool of 22 players on a 9 day tour involving training and friendlies.

Additionally, Thillet led the Charlotte Independence to two consecutive US Youth Soccer Regional Championship titles in 2016 and 2017. The team won the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Championship. In 2015, Thillet went to Costa Rica with the Region Three ODP Team and won the International Cup.

Before college, Thillet attended Providence High School in Charlotte, N.C. In 2017, she earned 4A All-State honors and was named Conference Player of the Year. Thillet was a three-time All-Conference selection who led the Panthers to a 2016 State Championship and a 2015 Runner-Up finish.

“The chance to provide a hometown opportunity to Mia Thillet is so good to see,” stated Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “It’s what we hoped the W League would do for us, provide more opportunities for women to chase their dreams on and off the field. We welcome Mia home and to the Charlotte Independence W League team!”

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/schedule-uslw.

Flanders was a two-time Captain of the Charlotte Independence WPSL team.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 1, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team today announced the signing of their first player, Kelly Flanders, ahead of the inaugural 2022 season. Flanders competed with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club as a youth player and was a two-time captain of the Charlotte Independence WPSL squad where she competed from 2016-2021.

“We are thrilled to have Kelly sign with us again. She is a veteran within our club and will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to our team as we head into our first season with the W League,” explained Charlotte Independence Women’s Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “Having grown up in the club, and having played with us for the past few Summers in our semi-pro leagues, she understands the values of the club and the level of play that is required to be competitive. Having a player like Kelly will help us tremendously as we look to set positive examples, not only for our team standards, but to also show a strong example of our player pathway from youth to semi-pro to the women of the Charlotte Independence.”

Flanders was a four-year starter at Appalachian State University from 2014-2017. As a Freshman, she started all 19 games at the back line for the Mountaineers and was second on the team in minutes played with 1,702. Flanders started in all 20 games as a defender during her Sophomore campaign and was third on the team in minutes logged (1,775). She was one of only nine players to log more than 1,000 minutes that season.

“It is an honor to represent the Charlotte Independence and my youth club in the W-League this Summer,” said Flanders. “I am thrilled to be a part of the growing opportunities for elite women soccer players. I hope that we will leave a mark on our city, the game, each other, and the many women athletes to come. Let’s get after it! #WeAreCLT #ForTheW”

In her Junior season, Flanders appeared and started in all 20 games and notched one goal and two assists for four points on the season. She was fourth on the team in shots on goal (12). Flanders captained the Mountaineers during her Senior season where she started in 16 of 19 games and logged 1,508 minutes.

Flanders attended Hopewell High School in Charlotte, N.C. where she was a four-year letter winner. She received All-Conference and All-Region honors during her Sophomore and Junior seasons. Flanders concluded her high school career with 45 goals and 13 assists. 

“As we approach the season, we’re excited to share the amazing and talented women who will be representing the Charlotte Independence in the W League,” stated Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “We’re excited that the pathway we are creating is providing new opportunities for our current and former academy players like Kelly Flanders. We’re pumped to see her in action at American Legion Memorial Stadium!”

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/schedule-uslw.

Horner to lead the Independence women during their inaugural season in the USL W League’s South Atlantic Division.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 9, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence and the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club today named Robyn Horner as the Head Coach of the club’s new women’s pre-professional soccer team. Horner will remain the Girls GK Coaching Director for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. She was previously the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Pfeiffer University and competed at both the collegiate and professional levels throughout her career. Play for the USL W League’s South Atlantic Division kicks off this May.

“We’re absolutely delighted to announce Robyn Horner as our first Head Coach of the W league team,” explained Thomas Finlay, CEO of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. “We reviewed 150 resumes from all over the world, but it became very clear that the right person was here within our club. Robyn has been there as a player, and a coach, at this level. Her experience will be invaluable for our pre-professional players. Rooted in our club culture, Coach Robyn will provide the experience and soccer knowledge to help elevate our players to the next level. We simply can’t wait for the start of the season.”

Horner joined the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club in 2019 as the Director of Goalkeeping and Head Coach. In her first year, she coached a U19 girls team to an undefeated season and a State Cup Championship.

“I am so thrilled, and consider myself very fortunate, to be leading our club’s first-ever W-League team in their inaugural season, ” explained Charlotte Independence Women’s Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “I would like to express my gratitude to Thomas Finlay and the entire Charlotte Independence organization for offering me the opportunity to build the foundation of this team alongside the strong women of our club, keeping our core values at the center.” 

Before joining the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, Horner coached at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, N.C. She was the Assistant Coach for two years, during which she helped the Falcons win a Conference Carolinas Championship in 2013. Horner was promoted as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach in 2015. She led the program for four years with an overall record of 39-26-3 which included two Conference Semifinal appearances in 2015 and 2016. 

Horner played for the semi-professional Charlotte Independence North – WPSL team during the Summer of 2021 and was named the All Conference Goalkeeper for the Carolinas Conference North Division. 

Previously, she competed with the Charlotte Lady Eagles and was named Team Captain from 2013-2015. She helped lead her team to two Southeast Conference Championships in 2012 and 2014, the same two years she earned Southeast Goalkeeper of the Year honors. 

Over the course of nine years as a professional soccer player, Horner played with a number of clubs including: New Jersey Wildcats (W-League – Semi-Professional), Philadelphia Independence (WPS), Sky Blue (WPS) and WNY Flash (NWSL – Now NC Courage Franchise). 

Horner played collegiate soccer at Rutgers University from 2003-2005. She still holds a place on the universities’ record list. She then transferred to Franklin & Marshall College where she competed from 2005-2008.

“We’re excited for the W League to start and excited about the fans and corporate partners’ response,” said Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “Robyn is the first of many signings that enable us to provide more opportunities for women on the field and off the field as we grow the game and our organization in the Carolinas.”

Horner is married to her husband Paul. Together, they have a son Ben (5), a daughter Charlotte (almost 2) and one baby girl on the way who is due in late March.

“I’m honored to be a part of the newest installment of the USL W League and their commitment to the advancement of the women’s game across the nation,” stated Horner. “Having been involved in the previous installment of the W League for seven years as a player, I know firsthand what it means to be fully invested in the growth of the women’s game, and couldn’t be more proud of the partnership our club has fostered with the USL in that endeavor.”

The Charlotte Independence women will open their inaugural season with a home match vs. Greenville Triumph SC on Sunday, May 15 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM. Purchase USL W League Season Tickets at charlotteindependence.com/uslw-season-tickets.

Women’s pre-professional team to play four games at American Legion Memorial Stadium including two double-headers with League One men’s team

*Match times are subject to change.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 3, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the 2022 schedule for the club’s new USL W League pre-professional women’s soccer team, the highest level of women’s competitive soccer in the region. The Independence women will play four home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Two of those matches will be played as double-headers with the professional men’s USL League One team. The remaining two home games will be played in Huntersville, N.C. at Community School of Davidson – SPARTAN ATHLETIC COMPLEX & PARK.

 The team’s inaugural season includes six home games and six away games, facing five South Atlantic Division opponents: Asheville City SC, Greenville Triumph SC, NC Courage, NC Fusion and Wake FC. The full schedule and start times can be found here.

 **May 15 – Charlotte Independence vs. Greenville Triumph SC (HOME)
**May 18 – Charlotte Independence vs. NC Fusion (HOME)
May 21 – Charlotte Independence at Wake FC (AWAY)
May 28 – Charlotte Independence at NC Courage (AWAY)

 June 11 – Charlotte Independence at Greenville Triumph SC (AWAY)
June 14 – Charlotte Independence vs. NC Courage (HOME)
*June 18 – Charlotte Independence vs. Asheville City SC (HOME)
June 21 – Charlotte Independence at Asheville City SC (AWAY)
*June 25 – Charlotte Independence vs. Wake FC (HOME)
June 30 – Charlotte Independence at NC Fusion (AWAY)

July 2 – Charlotte Independence vs. Greenville Triumph SC (HOME)
July 5 – Charlotte Independence at NC Courage (AWAY)

*American Legion Memorial Stadium stand-alone games.
**Double headers at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

 A Charlotte Independence USL W League season ticket package includes all 6 home games, plus two USL League One men’s professional games, and is available for purchase at charlotteindependence.com/uslw-season-tickets. USL W League games will also be live streamed for fans. More details coming soon.

 Keep up with the Charlotte Independence women’s team online at charlotteindependence.com/uslw and on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

43 teams will compete in the League’s inaugural season

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) today confirmed 43 clubs set to compete in the W League’s inaugural 2022 season. The elite pre-professional league will begin play this May with seven divisions comprised of teams from 20 different states.

The USL launched the W League on June 8, 2021 with eight initial members and has since welcomed 35 additional clubs. The W League’s founding membership includes four clubs from the USL Championship, five clubs from USL League One, 24 clubs from USL League Two, and 10 new USL expansion markets.

“When we set out to build the W League, we made it a focus to involve key stakeholders who have been driving the women’s game forward both inside and outside the USL. That sense of community laid the foundation that these clubs are building upon,” said Joel Nash, Vice President of Youth and Pre-Professional. “There are ample stories that have already been told to this point, but players showcasing their talent to thousands of fans across the country and world will be the story we can all celebrate in 2022.”

The clubs will be arranged into seven divisions for the 2022 season – the Deep South, Great Lakes, Heartland, Metropolitan, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Southeast. Full membership for six of the divisions is outlined below, while the league is continuing to finalize the Mid-Atlantic. For more information on each team, visit uslwleague.com/league-teams.

“The past year has been an incredible period of growth for the women’s game and the USL W League, and we could not be more appreciative of the investment and dedication our clubs have shown to providing more opportunities for players, fans, and executives in women’s soccer,” said Betsy Haugh, USL Director of Women’s Soccer Operations. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our inaugural season in more than 40 communities around the country and look forward to kicking off in May.”

The USL W League will release its inaugural season schedule on Thursday, February 3. For more information about the USL W League, visit uslwleague.com and follow the W League on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

2022 USL W League Clubs

Deep South

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Tennessee Soccer Club (Franklin, Tenn.)
Peachtree City MOBA (Peachtree, Ga,)
South Carolina United Bantams (Columbia, S.C.)
South Georgia Tormenta FC (Statesboro, Ga.)
Southern Soccer Academy (Marietta, Ga.)

Great Lakes

AFC Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Detroit City FC (Detroit, Mich.)
Flint City AFC (Flint, Mich.)
Indy Eleven (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Kalamazoo FC (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
Kings Hammer FC (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Midwest United FC (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Racing Louisville FC (Louisville, Ky.)

Heartland

Chicago City SC (Chicago, Ill.)
Chicago Dutch Lions FC (Chicago, Ill.)
Green Bay Glory (Green Bay, Wis.)
Minnesota Aurora FC (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Kaw Valley FC (Lawrence, Kan.)
St. Louis Lions (St. Louis, Mo.)

Metropolitan

AC Connecticut (Newtown, Conn.)
Cedar Stars (Teaneck, N.J.)
FA Euro New York (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Long Island Rough Riders (Long Island, N.Y.)
Manhattan SC (Manhattan, N.Y.)
Morris Elite SC (Morris County, N.J.)
Queensboro FC (Queens, N.Y.)
Westchester Flames (Westchester, N.Y.)

Mid-Atlantic* (additional club(s) to be announced)

Christos FC (Baltimore, Md.)
Eagle FC (Mechanicsburg, Pa.)
Northern Virginia FC (Leesburg, Va.)
Patuxent Football Athletics (Patuxent, Md.)

South Atlantic

Asheville City SC (Asheville, N.C.)
Charlotte Independence (Charlotte, N.C.)
Greenville Triumph SC (Greenville, S.C.)
North Carolina Courage U23s (Cary, N.C.)
North Carolina Fusion (Greensboro, N.C.)
Wake FC (Holly Springs, N.C.)

Southeast

Caledonia SC (Lakeland, Fla.)
Florida Elite Soccer Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Miami AC (Miami, Fla.)
FC Miami City (Miami, Fla.)
Tampa Bay United (Tampa, Fla.)

Note: Due to stadium construction timelines, the USL W League club in Spokane, Wash. will begin play in 2024.