Charlotte Independence returns experienced core

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Midfielder Omar Ciss, a two-time USL League One Young Player of the Year finalist, returns to the Charlotte Independence for his fourth season with the Jacks.

The Charlotte Independence is gearing up for a new season with some familiar faces.

The Independence, who reached the Jägermeister Cup semifinals and USL League One playoffs in 2024, return captain Clay Dimick, the USL League One comeback player of the year, for a seventh season. Dimick, the first professional athlete to return to the pitch after a two-level cervical artificial disc replacement, played every minute of the 2024 season.

“I am grateful to be back for 2025,” Dimick said in a statement. “The goal of bringing a trophy to the fans, club, and city remains the top priority. I am excited to do whatever I can to help our team achieve this.”

Dimick, who has played in 124 matches for the Independence across all competitions since joining the team in 2019, scored two goals and recorded 42 clearances with an 84.8% passing accuracy last year.

“Coming off a season in which he played every minute, Clay has been a rock on the right side for us, providing both stability and quality,” shared Charlotte coach Mike Jeffries said in a statement. “Equally importantly, his leadership as captain has been a strong guiding force and will be called upon with a new group in 2025.”

Charlotte re-signed goalkeeper Matt Levy to a new contract. Levy earned League One player of the week in October 2024 after stopping a season-best nine saves in his first professional start, a 1-0 win at Richmond. He is the second player in league history to record nine or more saves in their first professional start.

“I couldn’t be happier to re-sign with Charlotte. I’ve been with the club for a year and a half now and it’s been a great experience working with the coaches and being a part of the team,” Levy said. “Definitely looking forward to coming back, meeting the new guys and getting back in the swing of things because we have very big goals for this upcoming season.”

Before signing his first professional contract with the Independence in 2023, Levy played with the Charlotte Eagles in USL League Two.

“Matt has developed in his two years with Charlotte and has shown the confidence and poise to take over the goalkeeping mantle,” Jeffries said. “His character and work rate are unmatched. With his athleticism, I believe he can develop into a goalkeeper able to move up the ranks.”

Among the returning players are:

• Two-time USL League One Young Player of the Year finalist Omar Ciss is back for a fourth season in Charlotte. Ciss, who appeared in 21 games in 2024 with 18 starts, scored a goal and recorded a 84.2% passing accuracy.

“I couldn’t be more excited to run it back in 2025 and fight for trophies in front of the best fans in the league,” he said. “Charlotte is, and has been, home since the first day I stepped foot in this city.”

Said Jeffries: “Omar has been a consistent first or second team All-League central midfielder with strengths on both sides of the ball and an uber competitive nature. His tenacious defending and athleticism force midfield turnovers; in the attack, he is able to find key passes and can finish from outside the box.”

• Midfielder Nathan Gray, the youngest signee in Independence history, will return for his third season as a 17-year-old. Gray, who made his professional debut on Sept. 21, 2024, signed with Charlotte when he was 15.

“I look forward to seeing Nate continue developing,” Jeffries said. “His confidence and impact in training grew exponentially last year, and the expectation is for him to be a big contributor to the team this season. He displays composure on the ball as well as the ability to make plays on his own and has a physical profile which will make him a strong two-way midfielder.”

• Midfielder Bachir Ndiaye, who will return for a third season, started 14 of 19 games played in 2024. He tallied a goal and an assist.

“Being able to bring back Bachir is a huge coup for us. His defensive presence and ability to break up opponents’ plays are vital to us,” Jeffries said. “He is excellent at starting attacking transition moments and has shown great consistency and increased range in his passing. Most importantly, he brings a competitive mentality every day and is able to raise the level of the group when he is on the field.”

• Philadelphia Union Homegrown Player Anthony Sorenson re-signed with the Jacks for a second season. Sorenson played in 20 games with 15 starts for Charlotte at left wing in 2024, recording three assists with 44 clearances, 26 tackles won, 24 interceptions and two blocks.

“He brings pace, energy, and quality to the attack with strong final third ability,” Jeffries said. “Anton is another young player I believe has a strong upside as he continues to develop.”

Charlotte opens the season March 15 against Richmond at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

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