Independence's Ben Newnam Signs with Colorado Rapids
March 23, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC (March 23, 2015) - The Charlotte Independence today announced that its MLS affiliate, the Colorado Rapids, have signed defender Ben Newnam. The 23-year-old was one of the first players signed by the USL expansion team in January, but he has been training with the Rapids since preseason. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"First of all, I am real happy for Ben," said Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom. "Ben has worked very hard and has earned this opportunity. I also am happy for Independence players because this validates the relationship between the Rapids and our club. I recognize that it is very difficult to make a MLS roster and that it won't be every day that a player of ours moves up, but we sure are hopeful that this will be the first of many Independence players to move up to the Rapids."
Newnam spent the 2013-14 season with USL PRO side the Charlotte Eagles, where he appeared in 54 matches and tallied four goals. He followed Engstrom from the Eagles to the Independence in early 2015, but was invited to the Rapids training camp before he had a chance to practice with the Independence.
"The advantage of our relationship with the Independence is that all players in the system will have the opportunity to be evaluated on a daily basis and placed in the environment appropriate for their development at that time," said Rapids Senior Director of Soccer Development Brian Crookham. "We were able to bring Ben in from the beginning of preseason and give him an extended look with our first team. He has consistently proven himself as both talented and versatile, making him a good fit for our senior roster. Players in both sides should feel confident that the organizations are working together in their best interest."
The Independence will make its USL debut at home against local rival the Charleston Battery on Friday, March 27. The match will begin at 7:30pm and be played on UNC-Charlotte's Transamerica Field.
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