USL Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Seal Signing of Christian Dean

Published on April 24, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) - Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of defender Christian Dean for the 2021 season, pending league and federation approval.

The 28-year-old joins the Independence after three seasons with Chicago Fire FC of MLS - which included 5 appearances for the left-footed central defender.

"I'm excited to be here and back playing the game again after taking two years off," said Dean. "The Independence have a great locker room of players and coaches. I'm ready to get going."

Dean was born in East Palo Alto, California and was originally drafted by Vancouver Whitecaps FC as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. He made his professional debut as a second half substitute in Whitecaps FC's 1-1 draw at Chivas USA on March 16, 2014.

Outside of MLS, Dean played 10 games in 2015 for Whitecaps FC 2 in USL Championship play, scoring one goal. He also featured for the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team, scoring a goal against Mexico's U-23 side in April 2015.

Dean played collegiately for the California Golden Bears from 2011-13, starting 55 games during his collegiate career. Dean earned All-Pac12 and NSCAA Far West Region first team honors his junior season, while also helping lead the Bears to an Elite Eight finish in the NCAA Division I Soccer tournament in 2013.

"I'm excited to be a part of the club's first season at American Legion Memorial Stadium," added Dean. "It will definitely be really nice to have fans back in a brand-new stadium."

Dean joins Jake Areman, Brandt Bronico (on loan from Charlotte FC), Clay Dimick, Shalom Dutey, Junior Etou, Joel Johnson, Enzo Martinez, Tresor Mbuyu, Brandon Miller, Austin Pack, Marcelo Palomino (on loan from Houston Dynamo FC), Noah Paravicini, Irvin Parra, Hugh Roberts, Kevin Riascos, Valentin Sabella (currently loaned to Cancun FC), and Thomas de Villardi on the list of players confirmed for the 2021 season, as the club continues to negotiate with additional players.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Christian Dean

Position: Defender

Birthdate: March 14, 1993 (age: 28)

Birthplace: East Palo Alto, California

Height: 6' 3"

CURRENT 2021 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE ROSTER

Goalkeeper - Brandon Miller, Austin Pack

Defender - Christian Dean, Clay Dimick, Shalom Dutey, Joel Johnson, Kevin Riascos, Hugh Roberts, Thomas de Villardi

Midfielder - Jake Areman, Brandt Bronico, Junior Etou, Enzo Martinez, Marcelo Palomino, Noah Paravicini, Valentin Sabella

Forward - Tresor Mbuyu, Irvin Parra

The Independence will make the 2021 campaign its first season at the brand new American Legion Memorial Stadium. The $40 million entire rebuild of the historic venue which began last September is close to completion and is set to open a new chapter for the Jacks.

Located in Uptown Charlotte, the new venue will have a capacity of 10,500 including standing area, and the type of amenities that have become standard at new venues across the Championship in recent years. Among them, a first for the Independence, will be a full video scoreboard and views of the surrounding city skyline that will make for a memorable experience on game-nights and at other events.

Check out the Charlotte Independence Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 24, 2021


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