Defender Clay Dimick Returning to Independence for Third Straight Season
February 2, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) - Charlotte Independence announced today that defender Clay Dimick has signed a new contract and will be returning to the club for the 2021 season, pending league and federation approval.
Dimick, 26, has appeared in 20 career matches with the Independence across all competitions, starting 11 times and playing 1,190 minutes. In 2020, the defender saw action in 13 USL Championship regular-season matches, seven of which came as starts, and helped the Independence host its first home playoff match in club history.
"I'm so excited to be back and stay in Charlotte which is a city that now feels like home to me," said Dimick. "Playing for a coaching staff that has seen me develop over the past two seasons and believes in me goes a long way. I just want to do whatever it takes to help the club win games and a championship."
Following an impressive three-month trial, Dimick signed with the Independence on June 20, 2019 and would go on to make his professional debut for the Jacks on September 7, 2019, appearing as an 83rd-minute substitute against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
"We are very excited to have Clay back in the squad for another year," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "His versatility allows us to play in a couple of different systems, has a great work rate, and has made tremendous improvements since he got into our environment. He just has a winning mentality that makes himself better and the team better."
A two-sport athlete out of high school, Dimick played four seasons at Belmont Abbey College where he led the Crusaders in goals scored for three consecutive seasons. Upon graduating from Belmont Abbey, Dimick moved to Australia to appear for both Westgate Sindjelic and Geelong in 2017.
Prior to joining the Independence, Dimick was a standout for USL League 2 sides Charlotte Eagles and West Virginia Alliance FC. In 2018, the Atlanta, Ga. native registered one goal in 14 games started for the Eagles.
"It's a dream to be able to play next season at American Legion Memorial Stadium," added Dimick. "To be able to play in front of an incredible atmosphere in the heart of the city is definitely something I am looking forward to. As a player, you can't really ask for much more than that."
Dimick joins Jake Areman, Junior Etou, Enzo Martinez, Brandon Miller, and Valentin Sabella (currently loaned to Cancun FC) on the list of players confirmed for the 2021 season, as the club continues to negotiate with additional players.
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