World-Traveled Center Back Signs with Independence
March 13, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
Charlotte (NC) - The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the club has signed veteran defender Steven Thicot (TEE-koh), pending league and federation approval. The 32-year-old has played in top flight divisions around the world including Malaysia, Greece, Portugal, Romania and Scotland.
"Joining the Independence was an opportunity I couldn't refuse," said Thicot. "I've never been to the United States before and I'm really delighted to be here and I'm hopeful we can have a successful year."
Thicot's illustrious career began as a youth player for Football Club de Nates. Alongside then-teammate Karim Benzema, Thicot captained the French National Team to the 2004 UEFA European U-17 Championship. In 2008, Thicot made his professional debut for Scottish Premier League team Hibernian Football Club in an international friendly versus FC Barcelona.
A bit of a world traveler, Thicot played stints in Portugal for Naval, Belenenses and Tondela, in Romania for Dinamo Bucure?ti, in Greece for AEL Football Club, and most recently in Malaysia for Melaka United.
"I've been in many places throughout my career now," said Thicot. "It's going to be a new challenge for me now and I take everything seriously. The guys on the team and staff are lovely, so I already feel at home. We'll pull together and have a great season."
"Physically, Thicot is in very good shape," said Independence Head Coach Jim McGuinness. "He's a leader and he's been a captain on a number of club teams he's been on. We're very fortunate to have so many players with a lot of experience."
Thicot becomes the fourteenth player added to the 2019 rosters, joining re-signed Independence legend and USL Championship second all-time leading goal scorer Jorge Herrera and two-time USL Championship MVP finalist Enzo Martinez. The Independence will return to USL Championship action on Friday, March 15th for the 2019 Season Opening Game versus Indy Eleven at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.
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