Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has loaned goalkeeper Matt Lampson to the Charlotte Independence of the USL for six matches. Lampson is slated to join the Independence beginning with this Saturday's home contest against Saint Louis FC through Charlotte's match on Wednesday, August 5 against New York Red Bulls II. Following the loan period, Lampson is scheduled to return to Columbus on a full-time basis.

“This is another opportunity for Matt to gain valuable playing time this summer in a competitive environment,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “During this busy stretch of matches for Charlotte over the next month, we are confident that this game action allows Matt to continue his overall development and we look forward to monitoring his progress while with the Independence.”

Lampson has appeared in 16 contests for Crew SC since he signed as a Homegrown Player on December 15, 2011. Over that span, the former Ohio State Buckeye has made 50 saves with five clean sheets, a 1.44 goals-against average and a record of 9-6-0. He previously joined USL's Pittsburgh on loan for one match this season, on June 13.

While at Ohio State, Lampson appeared in 56 matches, starting 55, with an impressive goals-against average of 0.86. He notched 24 shutouts as a Buckeye.

A survivor of Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Lampson has since been a strong community advocate for cancer research through his LampStrong Foundation. The Foundation is set to host the first-ever LampStrong Foundation Kick Cancer Cup, a charity soccer game at MAPFRE Stadium, on Sunday, August 23.

The Black & Gold return to MAPFRE Stadium tomorrow, July 4, for a regular-season clash against the New York Red Bulls (7:30 p.m. ET / Time Warner Cable SportsChannel, CD102.5 FM, 103.1 FM La Mega). The match is Military Night presented by Heartland Bank and is followed by Post-Match Fireworks presented by EAS.