Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced midfielder Rey Ortiz has been loaned from Major League Soccer (MLS) side FC Cincinnati for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 23-year-old winger was selected 29th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Portland.

“In the short time Rey has been in with the group, his constant smile and positive attitude has been very apparent,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He’s a super quick wide player that can play either side, which gives some flexibility and allows us to break down defenses. He’s got one vs one ability and he’s excellent with the final ball.”

In four seasons at the University of Portland, Ortiz accumulated 64 appearances, 50 starts, 14 goals and 26 assists. In 2019, Ortiz was named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team. The season prior, he was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.

A native of Acapulco, Mexico, Ortiz previously featured for the U-15 U.S. Boy’s National Team. A product of the LA Galaxy Youth Academy, Ortiz appeared in two games for Los Dos during the 2015 USL Championship season. From 2017-19, Ortiz competed for USL League 2 side Portland Timber U-23 making 18 appearances and adding one goal and four assists.

Ortiz marks the 18th players added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players, made seven new signings, added two academy contract players, and received one player on loan as the team prepares for the last preseason match on Saturday, February 29th.

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou, Oscar Ramsay, Derek Gebhard, Rey Ortiz

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland, Duke Lacroix, Owen Barber, Joey Skinner

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.