This offseason for the Charlotte Independence has been filled with an unusual amount of turnover compared to previous seasons. Initially the only news coming from the team was players leaving. My immediate reaction was confusion mixed with worry topped off with fear.

But those feelings were assuaged as the coaching staff managed to retain a good core of players from the 2017 roster: Jorge Herrera, Alex Martinez, Joel Johnson, Bilal Duckett, Yann Ekra, and Donnie Smith will all be playing in blue and parchment in 2018.

The Ageless Wonder

Yes, the patron saint of Charlotte soccer is returning for another year in the USL. Jorge Herrera will enter the season at the age of 37. His 2017 campaign was one to remember.

The legend of the ageless wonder grew as he surpassed the 50 goal mark in USL regular season play. Eight of his 12 goals came in July, when he — unsurprisingly — won USL Player of the Month. The departure of Enzo Martinez means the team will rely more heavily on Herrera to produce goals and assists… That is, if we don’t get a certain striker from Colorado. (Hint hint, bring Caleb Calvert back to Charlotte.)

Fiery and feisty

Don’t call him the other Martinez brother. Alex Martinez would probably take offense to that. The left midfielder is the definition of feisty and fiery, averaging six-and-a-half duels per 90 minutes in 2017. The passion he plays with is easily noticeable but also gets him in some trouble with the referees.

I would consider him one of the team’s more prolific dribblers. He adds a certain zest to the team that is sure to annoy opposing fans. Nevertheless, I’m a big fan of his game and will expect even bigger things from Alex this season.

Model of consistency

Get you a full back who can do everything. The Independence have just that in Joel Johnson, who is as flashy as his hairstyle would suggest. Johnson provides remarkable quickness, knows where to be and what to do, and can even send in a killer cross or ground pass when needed.

Charlotte’s right back was a model of consistency in 2017. During the 33-game schedule in 2017, he appeared in 31 games and started in 30. The only other player to start in 30 or more games was goalkeeper Cody Mizell. His talents are near top of the league for his position and I believe he will continue to be noticed league-wide in 2018.

O Duckett! My Duckett!

Having a smart center back that isn’t afraid to be vocal is paramount. Bilal Duckett, captain of the team in 2017, is just that and so much more. Having to replace him would have been a hefty task considering the intangibles he brings to the team. Luckily, we don’t have to worry about that.

Swiss Army Yann

Going into 2017, fans were asking themselves one question: Who is our center forward? The answer wasn’t easy to find. Anyone who saw Yann Ekra patrol the midfield in 2016 knew one thing: That dude can hold onto the ball.

As the 2017 season started, an experiment began. Coach Mike Jeffries had Ekra playing in a more attacking position than in 2016. The departure of Enzo Martinez, as well as a lack of true center forward again, means that we might see Ekra as a more attacking player again.

I might be in the minority in thinking this, but I believe he showed promise in that position. Some undeniable hiccups were painfully present: I would much prefer him to be in the central midfield rather than being relied on to score goals. But whatever position he is utilized in, I’m excited to see Swiss Army Yann play another year for the Independence.

Local talent comes home

When I first saw Austin Yearwood leave for Richmond I mildly panicked. He was a promising young talent that consistently impressed. It turns out that the coaching staff had a plan all along: Donnie Smith.

The Matthews native couldn’t pass up a chance to both play at home and be a part of the attacking style Jeffries prefers. In 2017 he appeared in 10 games for the Independence on loan from the New England Revolution. The left back compliments Johnson exquisitely and I’m expecting numerous assists — maybe a few goals — from him in 2018.

In conclusion: Trust the Jeffries

There is no denying that I’ll miss some players that won’t be returning this year. Losing back-to-back USL MVP finalist Enzo Martinez, leading key passes contributor Lewis Hilton, and one of the best keepers in the league in Cody Mizell won’t be easy.

The turnover has been mildly alarming, but the fact remains that the Independence coaching staff has consistently brought in talented players. Sure, we’ve lost some talented players but I’m happy with who we were able to bring back. I will also endlessly be an Independence optimist.

Stay tuned for our next article reviewing all the new players the Independence have signed sometime later this week.