The editor-in-chief of Charlotte Agenda, Andrew Dunn, wrote an interesting piece about Charlotte’s MLS bid this week and it got a decent amount of attention, with over 2,300 views. I won’t go into detail on the piece but one sentence jumped right off the page to me.

“Don’t be surprised to be rooting for a local pro soccer franchise sooner than you’d expect.”

He’s exactly right. In fact, you can be rooting for a local soccer franchise tonight when the Charlotte Independence host the Harrisburg City Islanders. Ben’s preview from yesterday gives an excellent look at how the teams match up on the field.

Most of you reading this already know it, but our very own professional soccer team is opening up a brand spanking new stadium in Matthews tonight. According to the team, the game sold out yesterday, and that’s news that should have soccer fans in Charlotte rejoicing!

They’re also kicking off the first night of “A Celebration of Soccer” with music, food trucks and fireworks! More on that here.

Moving to the suburbs is often met with disdain from friends and family, as it is often a sign that your “fun” days are over. In the case of a professional sports team though, it really isn’t that uncommon.

#MovingToMatthews is exactly what the Independence needs. It provides a stable home stadium with a better parking situation and ample pre- and post- game spots close by for eating and grabbing a beer or two.

It may not be uptown, but it’s ours and we’re going to make it home.

This is our opportunity to create a soccer culture in Charlotte. Some soccer fans are foaming at the mouth at the idea of an MLS team, and while that would be great, it looks like that might not be happening. It’s time to forget about future prospects and focus on what we have here now. Let’s get behind the Independence and show them the support that they deserve! We don’t need MLS to make a great atmosphere and a place where soccer fans can all gather and support the hometown team.

Forget the past, forget the future: the Charlotte Independence are here right now and they should have your support. Don’t wait for something better, make what we have the best it can be! Come On You Jacks!