CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence announced on Friday the club had signed defender Ashani Fairclough, pending league and federation approval. The Portmore, Jamaica native last played in 2016 for Wilmington Hammerheads FC. In league play last season, the 24-year-old recorded 2,133 minutes played, five goals, and one assist in 24 appearances.

“I jumped at the opportunity to play for Charlotte, so I'm excited to be here,” said Fairclough. “I've played against the Independence a few times, so I know a few guys on the team.”

Fairclough says his extended offseason gave him time to rest up and reenergize for the upcoming season, but knows coming into the team late means he has additional work to do.

"It's always going to take some time to get your feet underneath you and get going again, but you have to be ready to play when you're called upon," said Fairclough. "With the way [Coach Jeffries] likes to play out of the back with athletic defenders, I think I'll fit in with this team."

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Fairclough has spent the past three seasons in the USL, both with the Hammerheads and with Seattle Sounders FC 2. A 2013 MLS SuperDraft selection of the Sounders, Fairclough was named to the USL All-League Team in 2014 for the Hammerheads.

Prior to turning professional, Fairclough was the captain of the 2007-08 Jamaican U-17 team, Fairclough competed in CONCACAF U17 Championship in 2008. He was also member of the Jamaican U20 National Team.

Fairclough graduated high school at 15-years-old, and attended college at the University of South Florida when he was 16-years-old, playing collegiately from 2009-12. In a four-year career, Fairclough appeared in 73 games and totaled two goals and 10 assists for the Bulls.  During his college career, Fairclough also competed in the Premier Development League in 2011.