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Year in Review: Charlotte Independence

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 11/18/16, 1:04PM EST

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Entertaining attack and solid defense led Independence to first postseason berth


Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence

The Charlotte Independence took a big step forward in their second season in the USL, as a stylish, attacking side claimed the club’s first berth in the USL Cup Playoffs comfortably and saw its midfield general, Enzo Martinez, nominated for the USL Most Valuable Player award.

Under the leadership of Coach Mike Jeffries, the side showed impressive balance as five players scored at least six goals, while defensively the club held opponents to a sub-1 goals-against average. Should the side continue its progression, success in the postseason could be just around the corner in 2017.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 14-8-8, 50pts
Place: Fifth in the Eastern Conference
Goals For: 48
Goals Against: 29
USL Cup Playoffs: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals (L 3-1 at Rochester Rhinos)

2016 leaders: Enzo Martinez (9 goals, 5 assists), Brian Brown (9 goals, 5 assists), John Berner (51 saves) 

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Independence saw significant improvement in the attacking third, with the addition of Brian Brown proving a big boost to the side’s attack. The Jamaican finished level with Martinez with nine goals and five assists for the team-high. Defensively, the side conceded fewer goals as John Berner’s second season on loan from the Colorado Rapids saw his continued growth behind a strong back line.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The Independence were solidly in the playoff positions for most of the season, but will want to eliminate some of the careless home defeats that saw the side miss the chance to press teams higher in the standings. Results such as losses to non-playoff sides Bethlehem and Wilmington at Ramblewood Stadium ended up sending Charlotte on the road to open the postseason, where they fell to defending champions the Rochester Rhinos in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

USL Most Valuable Player finalist Enzo Martinez was a driving force all season for the Independence, and he provided the side with some spectacular strikes such as this one against the Richmond Kickers.

Caleb Calvert joined the Independence on loan from the Colorado Rapids, and finishes such as this header against the Harrisburg City Islanders highlighted a year in which he was also named in the USL’s 20 Under 20.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

John Berner started in two-thirds of Charlotte’s contest on loan from Colorado, and made his biggest save of the season in stoppage time against FC Cincinnati to preserve a 3-2 victory.

Cody Mizell proved more than adequate backup to Berner, and pulled off an outstanding save in the Independence’s opening game of the season against Louisville City FC.

HE SAID IT

“We all defined and bought into a team identity. It’s great to do that for one season, but it’s even better to carry that on for season to come. We want this to be Charlotte’s team. We have a group of guys who are committed to being a part of the city and not just playing in it.” – Charlotte Independence defender Bilal Duckett

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