Since June 2020, Matt has been a key component to the professionalism and standards of the Girls program. Within the past year, 7 goalkeepers have committed to play at the college level, the 2005 goalkeeper was selected to go the National Selection game, and the 2007 goalkeeper was selected to the United States Youth National Team. From a personal standpoint, Matt was selected as Assistant Coach for the ECNL National Selection game and was the W-League Assistant/Goalkeepers Coach. In his new role, Matt will be positioned to positively impact the development of the club’s goalkeepers and staff.
Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Promotes Matt Brown Director of Goalkeeping
February 24, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NC – February 17th, 2022 - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) has named Matt Brown Director of Goalkeeping. As Director of Goalkeeping, Matt will be responsible for the oversight and development of boys and girls goalkeepers throughout the club. As the Girls Goalkeeping Director, Matt has made significant contributions to the culture of goalkeeping at the club and will only further build on that foundation.
“Matt is an excellent Goalkeeping Director, one of the finest in the country. His experience and professionalism will provide our club with continued success for our GK’s”, said Chief Executive Officer Thomas Finlay. “The structure he has created with promoting Coach Robyn and Coach Blake is a strong example of his analytical and leadership skills in molding the GK program”.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled for this tremendous opportunity to head the goalkeeping department at such a fantastic club. First, I want to thank the leadership at the club for investing in such a pivotal position in the game,” said Matt Brown. “As a staff, we have put in a lot of time and effort to really solidify the Goalkeeper program as one of the top programs in the country and will continue to do so. We will push the boundaries when it comes to goalkeeper development on and off the field.” With Matt’s promotion, Robyn Horner, newly appointed Head Coach of the Charlotte Independence USL W League team, will be the Girls Goalkeeping Director. Blake Ellis has been promoted as the Boys Goalkeeping Director.
“Robyn has been instrumental in the development of the girls goalkeeper program over the past two years. She brings passion and experience from all levels of play. This experience will allow her to relate to the girls on a different level. I am really looking forward to seeing her influence on the players within the program,” said Matt. On the appointment of Blake to lead the boys goalkeepers, Matt said, “Blake has played a huge role in the success of the program during his time with the club. He brings great energy and dedication to his coaching. His knowledge of the game gives him the ability to really educate all of the players he meets. I am extremely excited to have him in this role at the club and look forward to seeing him take the boys program to an even higher level.”
The strength and commitment of these leaders will solidify the CISC goalkeeper culture. Sharing in this appointment, are Matt’s wife Brittany and 4 children, Lydia (9), Lila (6), Liam (5) and Liza (3).
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April 17th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Brian Udy to Director of Boys Regional Academy South. “I am very excited to accept the Director Boys Regional Academy South position,” said Brian Udy. I look forward to playing a larger role for Charlotte Independence Soccer Club as we migrate to MLS NEXT and the National Premier League, and all that goes with making such a great move for our players and their development.” Brian joined Independence Soccer back in 2024 where he started to make an impact within the Boys York County Youth Academy. During the 2024/2025 season, he coached the 2025 the York County Youth Academy and the 2015 York County Blue. Brian was also involved with the Boys 2011 ECNL Regional South team, which will be rebranded as the Boys Regional Academy South program starting this fall. “Brian has been exceptional on and off the field since he started with us. He is a strong professional who is dedicated to player development and really takes the time to make sure his players and families enjoy their experience at our club,” said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “I am very confident that he will lead the Boys Regional Academy South in a very positive and productive manner. We are excited to benefit from Brian’s leadership!” The Boys Regional Academy South program will participate in the National Premier League (NPL). The leagues schedule benefits Independence Soccer players who live in South Carolina. Players will now be able to participate in High School Soccer without conflict from club soccer. More information regarding the Boys Regional Academy South can be found below.
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April 10th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) and the entire Independence community extend our deepest thanks to John Tart for his unwavering commitment to our players and the club over the past 17 years, as he enters retirement following the 2024–2025 season
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