MANCHESTER UNITED

Will Vint, who spent time in Manchester United's youth system, has signed with USL League One club Charlotte Independence ahead of the team's April 8 season opener.

A week before the season opener, Charlotte Independence is putting the final touches on its roster.

The USL League One club added midfielder Will Vint, who spent three seasons in USL Championship. The Arizona native grew up playing for top-level youth clubs, including Manchester United of the English Premier League. Vint, 20, who grew up in Colorado, played youth soccer for Pride Soccer and Real Colorado before signing a homegrown player contract with the Colorado Rapids in 2020 after acquiring his rights from Atlanta United’s academy. He was loaned to USL Championship club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

“I'm excited to play in Charlotte this year with a great group of guys,” Vint said in a statement. “We’ve been working hard through preseason and look forward to showing what we can do on the field this season.”

The Charlotte Independence open the season on April 8 at 7 p.m. against Central Valley Fuego FC at Memorial Stadium.

Vint, who joined Atlanta United’s Academy in 2018 after returning home from a year overseas with Manchester United, made 16 appearances and scored one goal for Atlanta United 2 during the 2019 USL Championship season.

“We are excited to bring another young, very technical player into our team in Will Vint,” Independence head coach Mike Jeffries said. “Will’s ability to find and make the right pass from midfield is excellent; he will aid us greatly in playing from the back. Equally importantly, Will’s work rate and engine will prove valuable in recovering the ball defensively.”

TV partnership
The Independence will also be on television more often starting this season.

Through a partnership with Charlotte-based Bahakel Sports, all 15 road games will be broadcast on WCCB as well as increased digital access and live streaming all six Independence USL W League home games.

“We’re excited to partner with Bahakel Sports and WCCB Charlotte to broadcast our away games to fans in the greater Charlotte region,” Independence President and COO Tim Schuldt said. “We are working diligently with the station to implement long-form show opportunities and other media projects throughout the season.”

Bahakel has sports connections in Charlotte. The company’s founder, Cy Bahakel, was a member of the investment group that backed the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and professional soccer gives the company another outlet to grow its audience.

“Bahakel Sports/WCCB is pleased to join the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club as its official broadcast and streaming partner,” said Beverly Bahakel, president and CEO of Bahakel Communications. “The growth of soccer in our area, along with the launch of Bahakel Sports makes this partnership a natural fit for us. We look forward to bringing exciting men's and women's soccer to fans across our viewing area.”

Comments