USL Charlotte Independence

Independence Bolsters Midfield with Signing of Michael Bustamante

Published on July 30, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Michael Bustamante with the New York Red Bulls
Michael Bustamante with the New York Red Bulls
(Charlotte Independence)

CHARLOTTE, NC (July 30, 2015) - The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of midfielder Michael Bustamante, bringing the USL club's roster to 29 players. Bustamante had been training with the Independence for a couple weeks before the two sides agreed to a contract.

"Bustamante gives us another excellent, technical soccer player with MLS experience and a great background in the game," Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. "He has a little bit different qualities than some of the other guys that play in the midfield in his ability to play and move and get balls, and his ability to strike long balls and change the point of attack. He also has some clever ideas in front of goal."

The 25-year-old midfielder originally was drafted in the first round (13th overall) of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft by the New York Red Bulls. He made his MLS debut on July 13, 2013 in the final minutes of a 4-0 win versus the Montreal Impact. Bustamante went on to appear in three more regular-season matches, including one start, and contributed an assist. He also appeared in 11 of 12 reserve games, making nine starts, and finished third on the team with three goals, adding one assist.

Bustamante did not make an MLS regular-season appearance in 2014, as he underwent season-ending surgery on August 20, 2014 to repair a torn right ACL. He was waived by the Red Bulls in March 2015.

"It's a nice addition for us at this point in the season," Jeffries said. "For him, it's kind of working back into fitness from time off from injury, so it's a work in progress a little bit in terms of him getting on the field with our group. But it certainly gives us another guy that's a really good two-way soccer player, in terms of his mentality on both sides of the ball."

Bustamante played collegiate soccer at Boston University (2008-12). In four seasons with the Terries - he redshirted the 2011 season due to injury - the midfielder appeared in 69 matches, scored nine goals and recorded 27 assists. He was a four-time All-Northeast Region and All-America East Conference selection. In 2008, Bustamante was named America East Midfielder of the Year and conference Rookie of the Year. While in college, Bustamante also played for USL PDL club Worcester Hydra during their 2012 season.

The Independence (5-6-5) is currently fighting for a playoff spot with 12 regular-season matches left. The club is just five points out of contention and faces the top-seeded Rochester Rhinos (12-0-7) on Saturday, Aug. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm at Ramblewood Stadium.

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Michael Bustamante with the New York Red Bulls
Michael Bustamante with the New York Red Bulls
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 30, 2015


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