USL Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Signs Rapids Draftee Brandon Fricke

Published on February 18, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of the sixth player in the USL expansion team's history. Brandon Fricke has agreed to terms and will join the Independence for training camp in Charlotte beginning on February 23.

"I am really excited to join the Independence this season," said Fricke. "I am thankful to the Independence staff and Coach (Mike) Jeffries for making this opportunity possible, as well as all of my coaches, friends and family that have supported and encouraged me throughout the years. I feel that this is a great time to start my professional career in not only the USL, but the U.S. as whole because soccer is becoming more and more popular. I understand that Charlotte has a great soccer fan base and I am looking forward to an exciting, fresh environment."

Fricke is an imposing defender (6'1, 180lbs) who previously played for Jeffries on the Des Moines Menace, a member of the Premier Development League. He served as team captain in 2014 and was the anchor of the Menace defense as a center back, helping the team produce eight shutouts. Fricke has appeared in 48 Menace games over the course of five PDL seasons, tallying 4,219 minutes, four goals, one assist and 30 fouls. In 2013, Fricke earned All-PDL and All-Central Conferences honors, in addition to being named the U.S. Open Cup's Round II Player of the Round for his game-winning goal over Minnesota United FC on May 21.

"Brandon possesses excellent defensive qualities and a high level of composure playing out of the back," said Jeffries. "His character and competitiveness will prove valuable in his making the jump to the pros. As the captain of the Menace for two years, Brandon also showed leadership and a high soccer acumen." Fricke is looking forward to a reunion with his former PDL mentor, saying, "I think Jeffries is a great coach with a composed approach and a good knack for managing players. It adds a nice level of comfort for the transition from the college game to the pro level, too."

A native of Grimes, Iowa, Fricke is a 2014 graduate of Baylor University. He was a four-year starter on the men's soccer team, recording six goals and four assists. Fricke was a cornerstone of the Bulldogs defense, helping to secure seven shutouts during his senior season. He also was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Bert and Iris Wolstein Classic, which was won by Baylor.

The 22-year-old Fricke was the third and final selection (83rd overall) made by the Colorado Rapids in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The Rapids and Independence in September signed a two-year MLS/USL affiliation agreement. Fricke unfortunately suffered an MCL injury while at a combine in December and was unable to attend preseason with the Rapids. However, the healing and rehab process is coming along well and he has started to ease back into training.

"Brandon showed well at our combine in Charlotte," said Rapids Senior Director of Soccer Development Brian Crookham, who also is serving as Independence Technical Director. "His steady presence throughout the event combined with his previous experience with Coach Jeffries led to our decision on draft day. We feel Brandon has a bright future."

Fricke knows there will be an adjustment period as he transitions from college to the professional ranks, but is hoping to make the process as smooth as possible. "As a rookie, I want to take in as much information as possible from the professional environment and learn from the veteran players on the team," he said. "My primary goal as an individual is to challenge for a starting position and to help the team win games. As a team, I would say the main goal is to win a USL Championship and make a run in the U.S. Open Cup."

The Independence roster now includes Fricke, Patrick Slogic, Paolo DelPiccolo, Andrew Ribeiro, Ben Newnam and Jorge Herrera. Two more players are expected to be announced later this week pending approval from U.S. Soccer. "Having played for successful teams under Jeffries before," said Fricke, "I am sure that he is going to assemble a squad that is going to challenge for championships."

The Independence will kick off its inaugural season against local rival the Charleston Battery on Friday, March 27. The match is set for 7:30pm at UNC-Charlotte's Transamerica Field.

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