Charlotte Independence try to break 2-game losing streak

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Charlotte Independence forward Souaibou Marou, whose eight goals and four assists trail only teammate Luis Alvarez, will shoulder more of the attack while Alvarez returns to fitness.

The Charlotte Independence need relief from a two-match losing streak.

The Jacks, who lost 3-0 at Spokane Velocity on Wednesday, play Richmond Kickers in a USL League One match today at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m. The Independence won the most recent match between the clubs 2-1 on April 25 in the Prinx Tires USL Cup. Charlotte leads the all-time series 15-5-7.

Richmond hasn’t posted a win since May 9. Charlotte is 9-1-1 at home in all competitions in 2026.

The second half has proved problematic for Independence during the losing streak. After conceding four post-intermission goals against Chattanooga Red Wolves, the Jacks conceded three to Spokane in the final 45 minutes. Charlotte (9-4-3, 30 points), which leads League One with 36 goals, was shorthanded against Spokane with Christopher Jaime and Joey Skinner out of the lineup while Golden Boot leader Luis Alvarez works back to fitness.

Alvarez, a midfielder, has nine goals in league play and 10 overall along with six assists. Forward Souaibou Marou is close behind with eight goals and four assists.
Charlotte is third in League One, five points behind Union Omaha and three adrift of One Knoxville. 

Jaylen Orr promoted to first team

Independence signed midfielder Jaylen Orr, 22, to a 25-day contract.

Orr, a Gastonia native, joined the Jacks from the Independence’s USL League Two side, which he helping to the USL League Two playoffs.

“I’m super grateful and blessed to be able to get the opportunity to sign my first professional contract here in Charlotte,” he said in a statement. “It has always been a dream of mine since joining the academy to sign for the first team. I can’t wait to help the team continue to win games and chase trophies.”

Orr played collegiately at Gardner-Webb, where he scored 13 goals in 56 career appearances and helped the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament in 2024. Before college, Orr developed with the Charlotte Independence Academy.

“Jaylen has all the qualities needed to take the next step in his career,” Independence USL2 coach Nick Fusco said. “His mentality sets him apart. He’s a relentless worker who approaches every training session and match with professionalism and a desire to improve. On the field, his versatility and technical ability allow him to excel in multiple positions and adapt to different systems of play.”

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