Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced midfielder Brunallergene Junior Etou has signed for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 25-year-old, center midfielder most recently played for Ligue 2 (France) side AS Béziers.

“Junior is a really sound technical player and provides a strong defensive presence for our midfield, as well as, being a player we can build through”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Establishing a strong center of midfield has been a priority this offseason, and he is going to be a big part of that.”

Born in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Etou began his youth career for French fourth division side J.A. Drancy in 2012. He stayed with the club for five years prior to the 2017-18 season when he joined Monts d'Or Azergues. The following season, Etou made his professional debut for AS Béziers in the second division, making 17 appearances. In March of 2019, Etou earned his first call up to the Republic of Congo National Team for an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match.

Etou marks the 9th 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 Etou makes the first new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th.

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez

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

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

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.