PHOTO/CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Charlotte Independence center back Mechack Jerome has boosted the team's defense since his arrival in May.

Playing every minute of every game since his arrival, center back Mechack Jerome has become a key defensive component for the Charlotte Independence.

That’s 450 minutes in five United Soccer League matches with five starts.

“People think I can’t go high, but I go high,” the 5-foot-10 defender said with a laugh. “I love it. I love when I go high and challenge someone [in the air].” Charlotte announced the signing of Jerome on May 1.

At 4-4-3 in the USL and 3-0 in the Lamar Hunt Open Cup, Charlotte has allowed fewer USL goals since Jerome’s arrival (eight in matches without him; seven with him).

“He’s been fantastic,” said Independence coach Mike Jeffries. “He’s helped sure up the defense a great deal since he’s come on. Two things: One the athleticism and good defensive qualities, and then he’s kind of been composed playing out of the back and giving us some options. He’s been huge for us.”

As a defender, Jerome isn’t a notorious goal scorer, but his quiet consistency has been apparent in an improving Independence, which is 2-2-1 since his arrival.

“We play off each other well,” said fellow center back Bilal Duckett. “He’s a bit shorter [and] stockier than I am—I’m a little bit taller [6-foot-2], but we understand each other well. We play together well. He’s strong—sees the field well, sees the game early. Unless it’s weird goals, I don’t think we’re going to give up a whole lot.”

Jerome’s first touch and ability to remain composed under pressure give the Independence the opportunity to build out of the back and create bursting counter attacks.

“If we attack we have to be aware of where the forward is,” he said. “If we lose the ball, and they can get the quick [counter attack] we have to organize. Everywhere we have to organize.”

Rather than vocally demand more from his teammates than he’s willing to give, Jerome lets his actions on the pitch do the talking.

“His athleticism, his intellect, and his strength,” said Duckett. “He puts himself in good spots, and he’s strong enough to hold people off to where you can’t really get around him.”

In addition to the Independence, Jerome plays for the Haitian national team, which will compete in the Gold Cup in the United States next month. He plays center and right back.

“I prefer center,” he said.

Haiti, playing in Group A, will face Panama at Toyota Stadium in Dallas, Texas on July 7, the U.S. on July 10 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and Honduras at Sporting Park in Kansas City on July 13. Should Haiti advance beyond the group stage, the Independence will have to a bit of juggling to do at center back.

“He’s headed to the Gold Cup, so we’ll have to deal without him,” Jeffries said.

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