USL Charlotte Independence

Ugandan International Defender Henry Kalungi Remaining in Charlotte for 2016

January 28, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Charlotte Independence Defender Henry Kalungi
Charlotte Independence Defender Henry Kalungi
(Charlotte Independence)

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Independence today announced the re-signing of Ugandan International defender Henry Kalungi for 2016.

Last season Kalungi was an important veteran presence for the young Independence defense, a unit that allowed a total of just 35 goals, tied for fifth fewest in the league, and 10 shots per game, tied for sixth fewest in the league. Kalungi made 11 starts for the Independence in 2015, with 14 appearances total. He originally was signed by Charlotte on July 2, 2015.

"We are excited to have Henry on board for the 2016 season," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "His ability, experience and leadership were big factors for us when we made the end of season run. Having Henry with the team from the beginning of the season is a boost for us organizationally at the back, as he will provide not only top flight defending but leadership and communication. Henry earns the respect of his teammates each day with his positive attitude and his work ethic, but more importantly, his ability to push the group makes us better as a team on game day."

Prior to joining the Independence in July 2015, Kalungi spent 10 months rehabbing a torn ACL and MCL sustained during his time with the Richmond Kickers. He spent a total of six seasons in Richmond, logging nearly 12,000 minutes while contributing to 58 shutouts. The center back anchored one of the league's best defensive units en route to the 2009 USL Second Division Championship, 2010 USL Second Division Finals, 2011 US Open Cup Semifinals and 2013 USL PRO Regular Season Championship title.

A native of Uganda, Kalungi moved to the United States in 2006 to attend Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. He made 56 appearances for the Eagles, was named MVP in 2006 and received Big South All-Tournament Team and NSCAA/adidas All-South Atlantic Region Team accolades. While in college, Kalungi also played with the Hampton Roads Piranhas and Fredericksburg Gunners in the USL Premier Development League. The defender originally was drafted in the fourth round (53rd overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids.

In addition to his North American soccer career, Kalungi has captained the Ugandan Men's National Team since 2011, earning 15 international caps. He also was a member of the country's U-20 squad in previous years.

The re-signing of Kalungi brings the Independence's preseason roster to 9 contracted players. Additional returnees from the 2015 squad include Bilal Duckett, Jorge Herrera, Enzo Martinez, Alex Martinez and Jack Metcalf. New signings for 2016 include Yann Ekra, Lewis Hilton and Cody Mizell. Meanwhile, the Independence recently came to a mutual agreement with Tomasz Zahorski that will allow him to pursue opportunities back in his native Poland.

Additional player signings will be announced 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. 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 Defender Henry Kalungi
Charlotte Independence Defender Henry Kalungi
   



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