PHOTO | TROY HULL

The Charlotte Independence, who moved to Memorial Stadium and won their first USL Championship playoff game in 2021, are moving down to USL League One, the third rung on U.S. soccer's ladder.

The Charlotte Independence are moving down U.S. soccer’s ladder.

The franchise announced Thursday it intent to relegate to USL League One for the 2022 season, a response based on economics as well as the debut of Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. Moving down from USL Championship allows the Jacks to focus more on its local player development model as well as reduce travel costs by renewing rivalries with North Carolina FC and the Richmond Kickers, which preceded them to League One, as well as franchises in South Georgia, Greenville, South Carolina and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“We believe the Independence can better serve the Charlotte soccer community by increasing our focus on developing up-and-coming soccer players as they hone their talents,” Independence CEO Jim McPhilliamy said in a statement. “Having our men’s professional team compete in USL League One provides an excellent opportunity to field even more players with Queen City roots. We love the Charlotte soccer community and want it to succeed at all levels.”

The Jacks closed their six-year run in USL Championship with a history-making final season. They moved to Memorial Stadium – fulfilling a promise McPhilliamy made when the team took over the USL Championship market previously held by the Charlotte Eagles, which relegated to League Two. They also earned a postseason berth for the second straight season and with the help of three Charlotte FC players on loan, their first playoff game. Since debuting in 2015, the Independence have an 85-65-59 record all-time.

“We love our new home in American Legion Memorial Stadium” principal team owner Dan DiMicco said. “Our team loved playing there this season, and we were able to build on winning our 2020 USL Championship Group last season by delivering our first-ever, home playoff match victory in 2021. “We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s team and its run at the championship this season.”

With MLS locating a franchise in Charlotte, speculation on the Independence’s fate focused on selling the franchise, moving to a new market or self-relegation. The latter allows the Jacks to maintain relationships in the Charlotte soccer community for player development. The team launched a youth academy in 2020 and announced a women’s franchise that debuts next year.

“Charlotte is a key market for the USL and American Legion Memorial Stadium is a great place to experience a game. We are excited to see the Independence join League One and the W League in 2022.” said USL President Jake Edwards. “The Independence and their academy deliver a robust and successful example of USL’s player pathways. We look forward to working with the Independence to continue to deliver exceptional player development and attractive soccer on the field.”

Said Independence president and chief operating officer Tim Schuldt: “For our local soccer fans, the on-the-field product will remain a highly competitive professional level of men’s soccer – and at a very affordable price point. This move will allow us to work and collaborate more closely with our leading youth academy on the development of local and regional talent.

“Coupled with the announcement of our USL W-League team starting next year, we will deliver the best youth-to-pro development platform for both boys and girls in our region.”

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