USL Charlotte Independence

Independence Attack Boosted by Signing of David Estrada

Published on February 3, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Charlotte Independence Signee, Midfielder/Forward David Estrada
Charlotte Independence Signee, Midfielder/Forward David Estrada
(Charlotte Independence)

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Independence today announced the club has signed midfielder/forward David Estrada, who will bring five years of MLS experience to the Queen City. He is the fourth new player to reach a contract agreement with the Independence this offseason.

Estrada, who will turn 28 on Feb. 4, spent the 2015 season in USL, splitting time between Sacramento Republic FC and the Orange County Blues. In 18 matches with Republic, Estrada tallied three goals and three assists. He notched another three assists in seven matches with the Blues.

"I expect David to have a big impact on our attack," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "He can play anywhere in the front four. In addition to MLS experience and success, he offers creativity and the ability to make plays in front of goal. Equally important is that his commitment, work rate and desire mesh with the Independence profile."

Originally drafted in the first round (11th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by Seattle Sounders FC, Estrada played in a combined six games in 2010 and 2011 before a breakout campaign in 2012. That season he appeared in 17 games, including 12 starts, and was the Sounders' third-leading scorer with five goals. Estrada tallied another 17 regular-season appearances with the Sounders in 2013, but was traded to DC United in August 2014. He helped DC United finish first in the Eastern Conference by assisting on two goals in nine appearances after the trade.

Born in Mexico and raised in California, Estrada played four years of soccer at UCLA, where he morphed from a walk on to Soccer America's 2006 National Freshman of the Year. That season he set a freshman record of 12 goals while helping lead the Bruins to the National Championship game. Estrada finished his collegiate career as a four-time All Pac-10 honoree with 22 goals and 14 assists.

The signing of Estrada brings the Independence's preseason roster to 10 contracted players. Additional player signings will be announced in the coming weeks as the Independence receives registration approval from US Soccer. Training camp will begin Feb. 22, following an Open Tryout on Feb. 18-19. The Independence regular season will kick off on March 26, with a 7:00pm match against Louisville City at Ramblewood Stadium in Charlotte.

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Charlotte Independence Signee, Midfielder/Forward David Estrada
Charlotte Independence Signee, Midfielder/Forward David Estrada
   



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