Charlotte (NC) — On Tuesday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced midfielder Derek Gebhard has signed for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 24-year-old, winger was loaned to the Independence from El Paso Locomotive FC in 2018.

“It’s certainly great to have Derek back,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “As an attacking guy with a lot of pace, he brings a dynamic ability to stretch opposing defenses and that's something we saw when he was here a couple years ago. The familiarity he has with our system is definitely a positive.”

Most recently, the Blue Hill, Maine native played a partial season for USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC after being acquired from El Paso Locomotive FC in August. Combined from the two teams, Gebhard totaled two goals, one assist and 24 appearances during the 2019 season. While on loan to the Independence the season prior, he appeared in six games and scored a goal.

From 2015-2018, Gebhard played with North American Soccer League side Jacksonville Armada making 60 appearances and scoring six goals. Before turning pro, Gebhard played one season with Jacksonville United FC and one season with Florida Gulf Coast University. In 2013 he was selected to the U.S Soccer Region III Olympic Development Program.

Gebhard marks the 15th 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 Gebhard marks the seventh new signing as the team prepares for the first preseason match on Wednesday, February 12th.

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

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

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland, Duke Lacroix

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.