Independence Complete Loan Deal for Midfielder Marcelo Palomino
March 3, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) - Charlotte Independence announced today the acquisition of midfielder Marcelo Palomino on a season-long loan from Houston Dynamo FC, pending league and federation approval.
"We are really excited to have a top, young talent in Marcelo join us for the season," said Charlotte Independence General Manager and Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "His abilities will mesh well with our style of play and I expect him to be a solid contributor in our attack. I greatly appreciate the efforts Tab Ramos and Matt Jordan made to make this loan happen and for showing the confidence they have in the Independence."
Palomino, 19, began his professional career with Houston Dynamo FC where he signed a Homegrown Player contract on Jan. 6, 2020. After earning Dynamo Academy Player of the Year honors three times from 2014-2018, Palomino made his professional debut on Oct. 14, 2020 as a second-half substitute against Sporting Kansas City. The midfielder earned three appearances in his rookie season.
Prior to signing a Homegrown Player contract, the Houston native was selected by current Dynamo head coach Tab Ramos to the U-18 U.S. Men's National Team in 2018 and won the International Youth Tournament of Vaclav Jezek after a penalty shootout. The Dynamo Academy product, who was a regular in the youth national team pool for the U-15-U-19 squads after earning his first invitation to camp in 2014, spent two seasons with Houston's USL League Two affiliate Brazos Valley Cavalry. He scored seven goals in eight appearances with the League Two side, helping them to the Mid-South Division title in 2018.
"I'm thankful to the Charlotte Independence staff and the entire club for the opportunity," said Palomino. "I can't wait to get started and earn meaningful minutes this season. I've heard great things about the Queen City and I look forward to being there soon. I know that everyone wants to accomplish big goals with the club this season and I'm excited to do my part on the field."
Palomino joins Jake Areman, Clay Dimick, Junior Etou, Enzo Martinez, Brandon Miller, Hugh Roberts, 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.
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Marcelo Palomino
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: May 21, 2001 (age: 19)
Birthplace: Houston, TX
Height: 5-5
CURRENT 2021 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE ROSTER
Goalkeeper - Brandon Miller
Defender - Clay Dimick, Hugh Roberts
Midfielder - Jake Areman, Junior Etou, Enzo Martinez, Marcelo Palomino, Valentin Sabella
Forward -
The Independence will make the 2021 campaign its first season at the brand new American Legion Memorial Stadium. The $40 million entire rebuild of the historic venue which began last September is close to completion and is set to open a new chapter for the Jacks.
Located in Uptown Charlotte, the new venue will have a capacity of 10,500 including standing area, and the type of amenities that have become standard at new venues across the Championship in recent years. Among them, a first for the Independence, will be a full video scoreboard and views of the surrounding city skyline that will make for a memorable experience on game-nights and at other events.
Season tickets will go on sale in select seating areas on March 12 at www.charlotteindependence.com.
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