Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the USL Championship all-time leading goal scorer and 2017 Golden Boot winner Dane Kelly has signed for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval. The 28-year-old, forward most recently played for USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

“Dane is one of the premier goal scorers in the league and he has a tremendous acumen to create chances”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He gives our offense a ton of flexibility because not only can he be the focal point but his pace allows to stretch opponents and give a little bit of a different look.”

As the marquee scorer of the USL Championship, Kelly holds the regular-season scoring record with 77 goals, and an additional five post-season goals. Three times he has earned All-League selections and posted six seasons with a double-digit goal total. In 2017, Kelly claimed both the league MVP award and the Championship Golden Boot with an 18 goals season.

Following his record-setting season with Reno 1868, Kelly earned a MLS contract with D.C. United and received his first call up to the Jamacian National team. Since 2018, the Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica native has capped four times for the Reggae Boyz, scoring two goals.

Kelly began his career with Jamaican side Tivoli Gardens in 2010, but joined the Charleston Battery to begin the 2011 season and would stay with the club for five years. The following season, he signed with Swope Park Rangers. Most recently, Kelly spearheaded the Indy Eleven attack, posting ten goals in 32 games, en route to an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kelly marks the 12th 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 have made four new signings. The team began preparation for the 2020 preseason with the first day of training today.

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

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

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

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.