Nathan Gray returns for another campaign with the Jacks

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Fabrice Ngah shows off a Charlotte Independence jersey that marks the franchise's 10-year anniversary, which includes a nod to the Carolina Lightnin', Charlotte's first professional soccer franchise.

Midfielder Nathan Gray is returning to the Charlotte Independence for the 2024 season.

Gray, 16, the youngest professional to sign in franchise history, joined the Independence midseason of the 2023 campaign after stints with Atlanta United’s U16, U17, and U19 teams. The Grayson, Ga., native scored nine goals and added 14 assists in 2023 for Atlanta United Academy sides.

“I’m super excited to be back with the Independence this year,” Gray said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to an amazing season and helping the team win the championship this year.”

Gray, who helped lead the U16 squad to the 2023 MLS Next Cup playoffs with a first-place finish in group play during the MLS Next Flex tournament, adds depth to the midfield.

“After a strong developmental year, Nathan rejoins us for the 2024 campaign,” Independence coach Mike Jeffries said in a statement. “We believe Nathan has the tools and athleticism to develop into a top central midfield player; though he did not see game action in 2023, we expect him to continue his strong developmental curve this year and to contribute on the field in 2024.”

Anton Sorenson joins the squad

Left back Anton Sorenson has joined the Independence from Philadelphia Union II.

Sorenson joined the Philadelphia Union Academy in 2019 on the U17 squad and signed a homegrown contract with the Union’s first team in 2022. He played for Philadelphia Union II in the USL Championship in 2020, with more than 1,000 minutes played over 12 matches.

“Anton is a dynamic left sided player,” Jeffries said. “He impresses with his final third ability as well as his pace to get up and down the left side of the field. Having developed in Philadelphia, he brings strong defensive qualities to the role as well as a solid mentality. As another young addition, Anton has a significant developmental upside and competes very well within our system.”

When Philadelphia Union II transitioned to MLS Next Pro, Sorenson was a mainstay in the lineup in 2022 and 2023 with 45 appearances that included 90-minute outings in a pair of playoff games.

Sorenson, a native of Haiti, was selected for multiple US Youth National Team rosters. He received his first call-up in 2017 to a U14 training camp squad. He earned three call-ups for the U16 side, debuting in 2018. Sorenson was on the 2018 U16 team that finished third in the Torneo Delle Naizoni in Italy.

The Jacks’ new kits

The Independence unveiled new kits to commemorate the team’s 10-year anniversary.

One of the jerseys include a tribute to the Carolina Lightnin’, Charlotte’s first professional team, while others incorporate elements from past jerseys, including silhouettes of the James Jack logo riding a horse at full gallop.

Charlotte’s season opener is March 16 against One Knoxville SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

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