Independence build attack with midfielders and forwards

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

The Charlotte Independence signed forward Juan David Moreno and defender Javen Romero to the roster.

Charlotte Independence is still building its roster.

The Jacks signed forward Juan David Moreno and defender Javen Romero to contracts. Moreno last played for Cucuta Deportivo in the second highest division of Colombian soccer in 2024. Romero last played for Liga MX side Guadalajara’s U-23 academy team.

Moreno, 23, played 831 total minutes for Colombian side Cucuta in 2024, scoring one goal in all competitions. Moreno joined Cucuta in 2023 and scored four goals over his two seasons with the club.

"Juan David is a dynamic, attacking player with the ability to take players on one vs. one and get behind them with his running.  He is comfortable wide on either side and will provide added flair and quality to our attack,” Independence coach Mike Jeffries said in a statement.

Prior to Cucuta, Moreno spent two seasons with Fortaleza FC in Colombia’s top division. His best season as a professional was in 2021 with four goals in 12 matches.

Moreno joined Fortaleza FC and Cucuta Deportivo while on loan from Millonarios FC’s U-20 team.

Romero, 18, played five matches with Guadalajara’s U-23’s in 2024-25, totaling 416 minutes. 

 “Romero is another young player we believe can mature into a top pro - his passing from central defense is very composed for a player his age – he has a complete range of passing and finds the best options,” Jeffries said. “In addition, he plays with a confidence which belies his 18 years and is powerful physically to match up with the league's strikers.”

Before Guadalajara, Romero played 1,552 minutes in 25 games over two seasons with LAFC 2 in MLS Next Pro. He also started two games for the LAFC first team in U.S. Open Cup during the 2022-23 campaign.
Independence has been busy with additions the last couple of weeks. On March 27, they signed midfielders Christopher Jaime and Alfredo Midence.

Jaime, 21, last played for Los Angeles FC 2 in MLS Next Pro in 2024, where over two seasons he tallied five goals and five assists in 49 matches. Prior to that, Jaime spent time between LAFC’s academy side and USL Championship team Las Vegas Lights FC. Jaime joined Las Vegas in 2021 on an academy contract and eventually signed a professional contract in 2022.

“Though only 20 years old, Jaime plays with the maturity of a seasoned professional - finding the right pass, closing plays defensively, and winning duels,” Jeffries said. ”In addition, he is capable of playing box to box and shows composure and the ability to create in front of goal.  As we move to a younger roster, Jaime has the profile of a player we believe can continue to develop and has higher levels to attain.”

Jaime appeared in 31 games for Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022, scoring a goal.

Midence, 22, was signed on a season-long loan from USL Championship side Lexington SC.

Midence earned the 2024 USL League One Young Player of the Year award in his first professional season with Central Valley Fuego FC, leading the league with eight assists while winning the Golden Playmaker Award and second team all-league.

“We are pumped to bring Alfredo Midence to our team,” Jeffries said.  “Adding the USL Young Player of the Year is a huge coup for our franchise.  Alfredo's playmaking quality will bring creativity to our game in the final third as he not only has the ability to find the killer pass to unlock defenses, but he can create and finish on his own.” 

Midence’s 133 minutes per assist in 2024 is the most in a single regular season in league history among players who played at least 25% of their team’s minutes.

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