CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence announced on Wednesday the signing of former Charlotte Eagles defender Jared Odenbeck. The signing is pending USL and US Soccer approval.

Odenbeck made 17 appearances for the Eagles in the Premier Development League over the past two seasons, helping the side claim back-to-back South Atlantic Division titles. Also a former member of Wake Forest University, the 22-year-old is looking forward to his rookie season.

“I really like the group,” Odenbeck said. “One of the big things for me was having veteran guys on the team that I can learn from and ask questions.”

Odenbeck appeared in 13 games last season for the Demon Deacons and was part of a defensive unit that allowed just 12 goals during the 25-game season. The team also recorded a program-best with 855+ consecutive shutout minutes. Wake Forest later went on to advance to the semifinals of the Division I NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament.

“Playing at Wake Forest means that he's been in a good environment for a number of years,” Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “It means that he's competed for NCAA Championships and that's a plus. We continue to push local guys as well and he's a Charlotte guy.” 

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A Charlotte native, Odenbeck played for the Charlotte Soccer Academy and was an alumnus of Charlotte Christian High School prior to competing in the PDL for the Eagles.

“It's really a special opportunity to play in the place that you grew up,” Odenbeck said. “It was always something that was in the back of my mind when I was playing, but when I got the offer, it is something I couldn't really turn down.”