Independence Signs German Striker Christopher Hellmann

Published on March 2, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Independence today officially announced the signing of German forward Christopher Hellmann for the 2016 season, pending approval of a P1 Visa. He is the fifth new player to reach an agreement with the Independence this offseason and brings the current roster of contracted players to 12.

Hellmann is a two-time Division II South Region Player of the Year, two-time Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year and two-time Sunshine State Offensive Player of the Year. The Lynn University product in 2015 led the SSC and South Region in goals (17) and points (47). In 2014, Hellmann led all NCAA Division II players with 28 goals and helped the Fighting Knights win their second National Championship in three seasons. The forward has a career total of 49 goals and 29 assists in 45 appearances for Lynn, becoming just the fifth player in program history to reach the 100-point club.

The 23-year-old Hellmann originally was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the second round (29th overall) of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. However, Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries had knowledge of Hellmann from their time together at PDL club Des Moines Menace. Hellmann was a finalist for the league's Most Valuable Player honors in 2014, when he scored nine goals and seven assists for the Jeffries-coached Menace.

"Having worked with Chris in Des Moines, I am excited to have him now join the Independence," said Jeffries. "Chris has great attacking qualities - he is very good in and around the goal, able to make clever, penetrating passes and finish plays on his own. His ability to combine and to play off other players fits our style of play. Though he is in his first year out of college, Chris displays the savvy of a veteran player in his ability to create space for himself."

A native of Cologne, Germany, Hellmann played for FC Astoria Waldorf in Germany's Oberliga Baden-Wüttemberg, scoring one goal in 34 appearances during the 2012-13 season.

Hellmann will have plenty of time to build chemistry with his new teammates, as the Independence is in the midst of training camp with one preseason scrimmage complete and five still to be played. Additional player signings are expected to occur throughout training camp.

The Independence's 2016 season opener will take place at Charlotte's Ramblewood Stadium on Saturday, March 26. The club will face Louisville City FC at 7:00pm ET. Tickets are available online at www.charlotteindependence.com/tickets or by phone at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte Independence Signee, German Striker Christopher Hellmann (Joel Auerbach)

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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.

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