Charlotte, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence signed Trinidad and Tobago national team player Kevan George to the 2018 roster on Monday, pending league and federation approval.

“I was blessed to play on the national team and play against great competition,” said George. “Being at the international level, having that experience, maybe it'll make some guys feel more comfortable and the younger guys will look to me at times for guidance or direction and I will embrace that roll.”

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The Roxborough, Trinidad and Tobago native has appeared in 23 games for his national team since 2013. George brings a veteran presences to the Independence midfield after logging playing time for Columbus Crew SC (Major League Soccer) from 2012-15 and Jacksonville Armada (North American Soccer League) the last two seasons.

“There we are a lot of reasons to come to Charlotte," said the 27 year-old, George. “Most importantly on the football side, I know there's a very good coach in Mike Jeffries.”

“Signing Kevan is huge for us,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He provides a strong defensive anchor for our midfield as well as being a player we can build through. Our priority in the offseason has been the center of midfield and establishing a strong presence there, which Kevan allows us to do.”

A perfect match for Jeffries’ possession oriented, attacking style, George ranked eighth for most passes completed in the NASL last season. One of the most accurate passers for the Armada, George logged an 87.3% completion rate in 2017, which would have only be topped by Jun Marques-Davidson among Charlotte Independence starters last season.

The addition of George puts the Independence’s roster now at six players under contract including Matthews native and UNC Charlotte soccer alumni Donnie Smith. The Independence will kickoff the 2018 season at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, March 17th versus Ottawa Fury FC. 2018 Season Memberships are available online and by calling 704-206-1515. For details on the full 2018 USL regular season schedule, please visit charlotteindependence.com.