Expectations were understandably high for the Charlotte Independence in the 2017 season. The team returned a large percentage of their roster from a successful playoff team in 2016 that competed for a top four finish in the USL Eastern Conference, so the expectation was that this year’s version would be an upgrade on the 2016 team.

What transpired was almost too similar in the end, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t fun. Let’s dive right in to the first month.

APRIL

Record: 1–2–2 (W-L-T)

The Jacks got off to a slow start in 2017 showing many of the problems that came back to haunt them late in the season. The team showed that they were going to establish tempo and control the ball, but they struggled to create chances in the final third.

Part of the problem was Enzo Martinez. The forward was suspended and injured to start the season, so it took him a few weeks to fully integrate in the team, but he showed his quality in the team’s first win against St. Louis scoring a brace and winning goal of the week.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

This month also saw Charlotte’s worst loss in USL play, a 4–0 thumping delivered by the Rochester Rhinos just days after it seemed like Charlotte had turned a corner. If there is one thing to expect in 2018, it’s that a bad result is likely coming when the Jacks play at Capelli Sport Stadium. That loss ended the team’s first month and they sat in dead last in the East after five games played.

Highlights

Lewis Hilton opens the scoring for the Jacks in 2017:

Enzo Martinez’ Goal of the Week against St. Louis:

MAY

Record: 3–1–0

Charlotte only played two league games in May, but it was still one of the most exciting months for the team in all of 2017.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

The Independence opened May with a 5–1 thumping of the defending USL Cup champion New York Red Bulls II. This was tied for the Jacks best win of the season.

Also of note, Donnie Smith arrived on loan from the New England Revolution for his first appearance as an Independence player in this game. They defeated Orlando City B almost three weeks later by a score of 3–1 and gave us some of the season’s best plays in that game.

The Independence’s US Open Cup run also began in May, with a thrilling 3–2 victory over a Charlotte Eagles team that eventually won the PDL Championship.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Unfortunately, the Cup run ended in May as well… at the hands of the soccer team formerly known as the Carolina Railhawks, North Carolina FC. NCFC won 4–1 in a game that was closer than the scoreline made it look, and I’m excited to see this rivalry flourish next season as the Dead Whales enter the USL.

Highlights

Callum Ross scores his first professional goal to put the Jacks ahead for good:

Jaime Siaj scores his first professional goal on his professional debut!

Enzo Martinez comes on in the 72nd minute and records a brace to complete the Jacks’ comeback against the Charlotte Eagles in USOC action:

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

JUNE

Record: 2–1–2

After being bounced from the US Open Cup, the Independence found their identity as a team. The Jacks finally found their best attacking and midfield combination during this stretch and they began to gel and play excellent soccer with mixed results at home and on the road.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

On June 17th, the Jacks finally opened up the Matthews SportsPlex in front of a sell-out crowd. Convincing wins against lower-table sides Harrisburg and Richmond helped launch what would come to be known as “#beatless 2.0.”

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Highlights

Dennis Castillo records the first goal of his career and then grabs the brace:

Cody Mizell makes the “Wells Fargo Save of the Year” against FC Cincinnati:

Jorge Herrera scores the first EVER goal at the ‘Plex:

JULY

Record: 5–0–2

July was the pinnacle of the season for the Jacks. The majority of #beatless happened here and there are way too many highlights to include in this article.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Charlotte opened the month where they left off in June, recording four straight wins to break a club record for consecutive wins with six. After a couple of draws that could have been wins, the Jacks closed out the month with a 4–0 drubbing of Bethlehem Steel on the road.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

It was a career month for Jorge Herrera, who was given USL Player of the Month honors for his efforts. He recorded the club’s first ever hat trick, scored an “olympico,” and had eight goals and two assists in the month. Herrera also netted his 50th USL goal, only the second player in league history to achieve that mark. Watching Jorge perform at that high of a level was an honor and a pleasure.

We also launched our Charlotte Independence podast “Talkin’ Jacks” in July… so it was definitely a month to remember!

Highlights

Jorge’s Olympico:

Jorge Herrera completes the first hat-trick in club history:

Bilal Duckett scores his only goal of the season; a gorgeous one at that:

Jorge Herrera’s 50th USL goal:

AUGUST

Record: 2–2–2

August began on the highest note and ended on one of the lowest notes; it was a true microcosm of Charlotte’s season.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

A 3–1 win over then-first-place Louisville City FC put the Independence at the top of the table in the Eastern Conference for the first time ever.

Enzo Martinez bagged a hat-trick and was subsequently sent off having been given a second yellow card for “excessive celebration” in the aftermath of his third goal. Donnie Smith made the save of the year with an overhead clearance off the line to preserve the win. It was electric.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Charlotte tied a club record of 13 straight games unbeaten in Toronto with a 2–2 draw and then unfortunately saw #beatless come to an end with a 3–1 loss at the Ottawa Fury. And then things kind of fell apart… a 1–1 draw against OCB saw the Jacks drop two crucial points at home and the worst loss of the season, a 2–3 loss at the hands of Toronto FC II, was costly in more ways than one.

Highlights

Enzo Martinez celebrates a hat-trick with Jack’s Militia and QC Royals:

Jaime Siaj finishes a wonderful pass from Henry Kalungi against TFC2:

Enzo scores a great goal against TFC2:

SEPTEMBER

Record: 1–3–1

September was the part of the roller-coaster ride when all the riders could tell that the ride was nearing its end. A thrilling 3–0 win against the Kickers on September 2nd was the Jacks’ final win of 2017. A disappointing draw was followed by three straight losses and three consecutive games without scoring a goal. Alex Martinez’s suspension really hurt the team during this stretch as did injuries to Jun Marques Davidson and Caleb Calvert.

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

There were moments in the Tampa Bay and Cincinnati games that gave fans hope though. The Jacks played well in both games despite losing 1–0. Caleb Calvert technically made his return against Richmond, but was unable to actually play until the September finale against FCC.

Highlights

Jaime Siaj scores against Richmond:

Enzo Martinez ties for the lead in the Golden Boot race:

Lewis Hilton scores a late equalizer against Ottawa to keep the Jacks in the race for a home playoff game:

OCTOBER

Sigh.

October saw the end of the 2017 ride for the Jacks… and it was an absolutely brutal end. The Independence dropped their final trip to Louisville City 2–1 but not without Caleb Calvert scoring a golazo! A tough 0–1 loss to the Charleston Battery closed out the regular season and sealed Charlotte’s playoff position at 5th place, just on the outside looking in for a home playoff game.

The playoffs then saw Charlotte travel to a familiar destination after stumbling down the stretch: Rochester. The game was intense, choppy and contained a moment of brilliance for the Jacks, but ultimately ended in heartbreak. It was a very similar result to the Louisville game and, perhaps, another microcosm of the entire season. Charlotte fell to Rochester in overtime, and the 2017 USL season was complete.

Highlights

Caleb Calvert’s wonderstrike:

Enzo Martinez’s goal that was nominated for goal of the playoffs:

Superlatives

The Independence had their own awards, the nominees and results can be found on their website. These are just some of the awards that I wanted to give out, our Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea/Talkin’ Jacks Superlatives for 2017.

Best Awkward Photo: David Estrada

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Best Goal Celebration: Alex Martinez

Best Shirt: Coach Jefferies

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Best Fan GIF: Ben Goshorn

Best Beard: Enzo Martinez

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Best Smile: EVERYONE

Best 2018 Season Ticket Perk: Jorge Herrera Bobble Heads

Epilogue

This season was a blast to cover. I’m so thankful to all of you who took the time to read any of my pieces throughout the season, and I look forward to covering the 2018 season here at SNST. COME ON YOU JACKS!