CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 11^th, 2022) - The Charlotte Independence USL League Two Team announced today that they have added Midfielders Christian Thomas, Rob Tomlin, Goalkeepers Bryce Jones, Haruki Yamashita, and Forward Jalen Anderson for the 2022 USL League Two season. 

“We are eager to get these guys into training and preparing for our first league match on May 15^th. Bryce and Haruki will certainly give us strong depth and increase the training environment atmosphere within our GK union,” said Head Coach Daniel Ridenhour. “Rob can play in slot in multiple slots and really is another good leadership piece to the group with his playing background already with USL 2 experience. Christian and Jalen are dynamic attacking players who have pace and creativity. They both are always trying to get forward and attack which is one of our guiding principles as a club. 

I would be remiss not to thank Aidan Heaney, Eric Aslop, Brian McMahon, and Manbi Nyepon for their relationships they have built over time with the club staff here and encouraging their college players to be with us here at the Independence 2.”

Christian currently plays at Greensboro College where he helped lead the to conference tournament champions in Spring 2021 as Captain. Beforehand, he played with Queen City FC (UPSL 2022), Carolina Dynamo (2018), Carolina Rapids (2017).

“I am excited to get out every day and push myself to get better with the other great players on the team for the summer,” said Christian Thomas. 

Rob’s hometown is Aylesbury, England. He currently plays for Palm Beach Atlantic University Men’s Soccer Team. Most recently, he played for Lionsbridge FC & Des Moines Menace. 

“Very excited to get going. Charlotte is a great area, and the Independence is a widely respected team with great coaches,” said Rob Tomlin. “I saw it as the perfect place to spend the USL League Two season, to continue my development with a clear pathway to the professional level.”

Bryce is entering his second year with the Charlotte Independence USL League Two team. His first year was when he was attending Rock Hill High School. He currently attends Limestone University where he plays on the Men’s Soccer Team. 

“I love playing for this club and get to do it all over again,” said Bryce Jones. “The experience has helped my development as a player and look forward in meeting the rest of the team.”

Haruki was born in Kawasaki, Japan and went to Mallard Creek High School in North Carolina. He is a goalie for the University of North Carolina Wilmington Men’s Soccer Team. “I am very excited to play for this team,” said Haruki Yamashita. The ability to help the team have a great success this summer is something I look forward too.” Haruki is teammates with Jalen who is originally from Connecticut. Before heading to UNCW, Jalen spent the last few years of high school in Houston, Texas where he played for the Houston Dynamo Academy. “I’m extremely excited to work with a great group of players and coaches,” said Jalen Anderson. “Everyone shows the dedication and passion to the game.”

The Charlotte Independence Second Team kickoff their 2022 season on Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Charlotte Eagles at Manchester Meadows.