skip navigation

Ekra Re-Signs with Independence

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 02/14/18, 12:22PM EST

Share

Dubose added to Rising FC squad, SAFC makes Academy addition


Photo courtesy Zach Bland / Charleston Battery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence announced on Wednesday it had re-signed midfielder Yann Ekra for a third season with the club, pending league and federation approval. Ekra enters his seventh season in the USL and 11th season as a professional.

“Yann has a fantastic character,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “It's nice to be able to bring him back because he knows the expectations here. He's been a guy we've been able to count on in various situations.”

“I enjoy being here with all the boys,” said Ekra. “I know most of the guys and I have a good relationship with the coaches, too. It was great to hear the interest to have me back.”

The Independence also announced the signing of Cameroonian 18-year-old Calvin Doum, pending league and federation approval and receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, and 18-year-old local standout Daniel Steedman to an Academy contract, pending league and federation approval.

Steedman joins goalkeeper Brandon Miller and UNC Charlotte soccer alumni Donnie Smith as the third Charlotte Soccer Academy product to sign with the Independence this offseason.

“We've had Daniel in at various times over the past couple of years and we've always enjoyed working with him,” said Jeffries. “He really has a good mentality for the game and a good attitude. Coming in, he fits how we play and what we do.”

RISING FC RECRUITS DUBOSE: Phoenix Rising FC announced it had signed former OKC Energy FC defender Devante Dubose, who had been in training with the club this preseason. Previously selected with the 66th pick of the 2014 MLS SuperDraftt by the San Jose Earthquakes, the 25-year-old had also appeared previously for the Energy FC U23 side in the Premier Development League during the 2016 season.

“It’s been quite the journey since 2015 and I’m just happy to be a part of this franchise,” said Dubose. “I am looking forward to playing in front of the great fans in Phoenix.”

Dubose appeared in Rising FC’s 3-2 defeat to the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night, playing the second half at right back as Phoenix opened its preseason schedule in the 2018 Mobile Mini Sun Cup.

SAFC ADDS ACADEMY SIGNING: San Antonio FC announced it had signed 16-year-old Ethan Bryant to an Academy contract, making the youngster the first in club history to sign such a deal. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Bryant was invited to train with SAFC throughout the 2017 USL season, and has been participating in the club’s preseason as the it approaches the start of the 2018 campaign. Prior to joining the club’s Elite Training Program, Bryant played his club soccer with Classic Elite Soccer Club in San Antonio while also participating in the 2015 U.S. Soccer Futures Camp.

“We are excited for Ethan to join us on a full-time basis,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “He has shown well over the last year both in our Elite Training Program and in our first team sessions, so this is the next logical progression for him. There are many more steps he needs to take, but we are excited that he is the first player that has come through the identification process with SAFC Pro Academy Director Nick Evans and his staff.”

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos