Going into the 2017 season, few things changed with numerous players returning to the club to continue their careers in Charlotte. Coming into 2018, it’s clear that things will be different, with changes coming both on and off the field.

One of the biggest changes comes in the form of new primary owner Dan DiMicco. Will he provide an influx of cash and be the much-needed push to Memorial Stadium? Both of those things are yet to be determined, but money has hampered Charlotte’s USL team in the past, and more of it can only help.

Here’s what else is changing for the Independence this season:

Departures

Coach Mike Jeffries faces a tough challenge this season with numerous key contributors from last year needing to be replaced. Thus far, five players have left for other clubs: perennial starters Cody Mizell, Callum Ross, Lewis Hilton, and Austin Yearwood, along with youngster Jaime Siaj. If only those were the only players the team had to replace… Jun Marques Davidson retired and David Estrada returned home to California.

Both of those final two will leave significant holes in their respective positions. I’ll admit — after each of the changes, I became more and more worried. The Eastern Conference seems to only get stronger, and the Independence were seemingly becoming weaker.

Additions

As of today, the team has signed 12 players to the 2018 roster. Five of those players will be new to Charlotte, bringing varying levels of experience. The other seven are presumed starters: Enzo Martinez (CAM), Alex Martinez (LM), Jorge Herrera (CM), Yann Ekra (CDM), Donnie Smith (LB), Bilal Duckett (CB), and Joel Johnson (RB).

Three of the five new additions — Kevan George (CDM), Brandon Miller (GK), and yesterday’s big signing Jung-Soo Lee (CB) — will fit in nicely to the starting 11 as well.

The two remaining additions are both 18-year-old development players. Midfielder Daniel Steedman previously trained with the team and has committed to the University of Virginia. Centerback Calvin Doum is being described as a project player that Jeffries scouted in an offseason trip to Cameroon.

Charlotte Rapids?

Did I mention that Enzo Martinez has been trialing for the Rapids? Both Enzo and Johnson were given the opportunity to practice with the Rapids, a recurring trend for the Independence. Johnson has since returned to Charlotte to begin practice with the team.

Enzo has stuck with Colorado for the entire preseason and appears to be close to a contract with the MLS squad. He has played in every preseason match the Rapids have played thus far, including the full 90 against the USL’s Phoenix Rising FC on Valentine’s Day.

So where does that leave Charlotte?

A Charlotte Independence season without Enzo is something that I thought I’d never see, to be honest, but I couldn’t be more proud/excited to see him potentially get the chance to play in MLS again.

The question now is, how does Charlotte fill a Enzo-sized hole in the attacking midfield?

There’s no easy answer, other than to continue to make quality signings. In order for the team to compete with the ever-improving Eastern Conference, the Independence need to make two key signings at right midfield and forward before the season begins.

As worried and borderline-pessimistic as I’ve been this offseason, I do believe that now is the time to Trust the Jeffries. This coaching staff has proven that they have the ability to bring together quality teams to compete in the USL.

We’ll keep you posted on any moves they make before the season starts on Mar. 17 against the Ottawa Fury. Ticket information is available on the Charlotte Independence site, here.

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