Independence Add Physical Defender Alec Bartlett to 2016 Roster
March 23, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of physical defender Alec Bartlett. He is the eighth new player to reach agreement with the USL club this offseason and brings the current roster up to 17.
Bartlett, who checks in at 6'4, is a 2015 graduate of Drake University. He started 78 games in his career as a Bulldog, recording six goals and three assists while anchoring a defensive unit that posted 19 shutouts in four years. Bartlett was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team selection and two-time NSCAA All-Midwest Region Second Team selection.
Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries previously worked with Bartlett at the Des Moines Menace. The 22-year-old Bartlett played three seasons with the PDL club, two of which were coached by Jeffries. The defender was a standout in 2014, going all 90 minutes in his 12 appearances for the Regular-Season Champions. Bartlett's unit allowed only seven goals all season, tied for best the league that year.
"Alec is a good, hard defender that gives us a physical presence at the back," said Jeffries. "He plays quickly and simply as he plays out of the back, so he fits what we want to do an has slightly different qualities than a couple of the other guys that are here, with his strength and physicality. He gives us a good option defensively in the air as well."
The Independence open the 2016 season this Saturday, March 26, with a home match against Louisville City FC at Ramblewood Stadium. Kickoff is schedule for 7:00pm ET. Tickets are available at www.charlotteindependence.com/tickets or by calling 704-206-1515.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 23, 2016
- San Antonio FC Partners with Ticket 760 to Produce Saturday Radio Show - San Antonio FC
- Arizona United SC Signs Three More Players Ahead of Season Opener - Phoenix Rising FC
- Orlando City B Opens Inaugural 2016 USL Season on Saturday against Wilmington - Orlando City B
- Charlotte, Cincinnati USL Clubs Introduce Queen City Cup Challenge - Charlotte Independence
- Mayor Cranley Introduces Queen City Cup Challenge; FC Cincinnati Partners for Local Youth - FC Cincinnati
- LA Galaxy II Announce Roster for 2016 USL Season - LA Galaxy II
- Independence Add Physical Defender Alec Bartlett to 2016 Roster - Charlotte Independence
- Sacramento Republic FC Sign Midfielder JJ Koval - Sacramento Republic FC
- USL Announces Competitions Rules for 2016 - USL
- San Antonio FC Signs Bobby Moseley on Loan from Stoke City FC - San Antonio FC
- City Islanders, Head Coach Bill Becher Unveil 2016 USL Roster - Penn FC
- Roughnecks Matches to Again Air on AM 1300 - FC Tulsa
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
