Charlotte Independence, Hugh Roberts agree to deal

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Hugh Roberts, a Charlotte Independence defender from 2019-21, returns to the Jacks after two seasons with Monterey Bay FC.

The Charlotte Independence is bringing back one of its most popular players after a three-year separation.

Defender Hugh Roberts, who played with the Jacks from 2019-21, has signed for the 2024 season. Roberts returns to Charlotte after playing with USL Championship side Monterey Bay FC, where he was a captain. Charlotte is a USL League One squad.

Roberts is the fifth defender announced for 2024 along with Denzel Akyeampong, Clay Dimick, Shalom Dutey and Nick Spielman.

“I’m very excited to be returning to the pitch where my heart belongs,” Roberts said in a statement. “[Charlotte coach Mike] Jeffries and the Independence have always made me feel at home which was important for my family. I want a championship more than ever, and I’m determined to bring one to the Queen City. This is going to be an exciting year. I can't wait!”

Roberts signed with Monterey Bay ahead of the club’s inaugural season in 2022 and played in 62 games over two seasons, scoring four goals, including the game-winning goal in the franchise’s inaugural victory. In 2023, Roberts was seventh in USL Championship with 144 clearances and led Monterey Bay in clearances, blocks, interceptions, and aerial duels won.

“I am excited to welcome Hugh Roberts back to Charlotte,” Jacks coach Mike Jeffries said in a statement. “Hugh was a mainstay of our back line for some of our best seasons – he not only brings athleticism and strong defensive qualities to the group, but his experience will bolster our defensive organization and his composure in possession will aid in our build up play.”

Roberts played in 82 games for Charlotte and scored six goals while leading the Jacks in minutes played with 2,990, passing accuracy (89.1%), clearances (129), and blocks (24) in 2021. In 2020, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he played every minute of all 17 matches, including the playoffs and led the Jacks in clearances, blocks, and aerial duels won in 2020 and 2019.

Before his first stint in Charlotte, Roberts played in 29 games with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, where he scored an extra time goal of the 2018 USL playoffs. He played with Bethlehem Steel FC in 2017, appearing in 26 games, scoring a goal, and ranking second on the squad in minutes played with 2,091.

Roberts started his professional career with Richmond Kickers, where he made 84 appearances from 2014-2016. In his final season in Richmond, Roberts earned USL All-League first team and was a finalist for Defender of the Year.

The Independence open their season begins March 16 against One Knoxville SC at Memorial Stadium.

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