Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced goalkeeper Austin Pack has signed for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 25-year-old, UNC Charlotte alumni most recently played for USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

“It’s a big plus to get a player who has local ties coming from a top program at UNC Charlotte”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Austin is a guy who has a good amount of experience at the professional level and we’re excited to bring him into the group.”

From 2012-2015, the Atlanta, Georgia native played at UNC Charlotte, starting 39 games and posting a 0.81 goals-against average with the 49ers. In the summer of 2015, Pack joined USL League 2 side Carolina Dynamo where he made eight appearances.

Following his collegiate career, Pack signed with North American Soccer League side Puerto Rico FC where he spent two years. In 2018, he moved to the USL Championship suiting up Portland Timbers 2. Pack made two starts, including the nod for the Western Conference Quarterfinal match against Phoenix Rising FC. Last season, Pack joined Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC where he made six starts with two shutouts.

Pack marks the 14th player added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and Pack marks the sixth new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th.

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou, Oscar Ramsay

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland, Duke Lacroix

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller, Austin Pack

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.