Charlotte Independence home debut against Spokane

FILE PHOTO

Charlotte Independence kicks off their American Legion Memorial Stadium debut March 27 against Spokane Velocity in a USL League One match.

Charlotte Independence is looking for its first win at their home opener.

The Jacks (0-0-1) take on Spokane Velocity (2-0) at American Legion Memorial Stadium today at 7:30 p.m. Charlotte drew 1-1 at Westchester SC in the USL League One opener on March 14 before topping Ristozi FC 4-1 March 19 in their U.S. Open Cup debut in Matthews. The Jacks, who are 11th on the table with 1 point, close their three-game home stand March 31 against Charleson Battery in Matthews before a four-match road trip. 

“I thought we had decent control of the game and created enough chances, Independence coach Mike Jeffries said. “We got the early goal, and then we could never really push to get another one in the first half. Walking in at 1-1 at halftime was disappointing in that I think they really had one shot on goal in the first half and converted. The guys upped their level in the second half, and I think our quality showed through along with Ristozi starting to fatigue.”

Here’s what to look for when the Independence and Velocity kick off:

How Charlotte handles their Memorial Stadium debut. The Jacks are playing in Charlotte for the first time in 2026, with their previous Mecklenburg County game at the Sportsplex in Matthews. Spokane, which is second on the table at 6 points, is 2-0 at home, but taking to the road for the first time.

Get some shots up. The Independence peppered Westchester with 12 shots (four on goal) in their USL 1 opener, yielding one goal. Spokane, which advanced to the title game last season, averages eight shots per outing (3.5 on goal).

A familiar face on the opposing bench. Nick Spielman, who spent the last three years with the Independence, returns to Charlotte on the Velocity roster. In 109 appearances for Charlotte, Spielman scored four goals and earned League One All-League second team in 2024 

Comments