Charlotte Independence sign pair of defenders to USL Academy contracts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence announced that defenders Ryan Behrmann and Ethan Yates have joined the team on USL Academy contracts, pending league and federation approval.

Both players have also competed for the Charlotte Independence II in USL League Two and will go on to play NCAA Division I college soccer this fall.

“Ryan and Ethan have been in training with us since the start of preseason and have competed well with our group,” Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries shared. “Ryan is an athletic center back – very confident and capable of playing out of the back and a hard, physical defender. Ethan plays as a wing back and has shown defensive tenacity and is effective coming forward from the back. Through their development with our USL Academy, both players have solid fundamentals and a strong, professional mentality.”

In 2023, Ryan Behrmann led the Charlotte Independence to a USL Academy League title. He captained the team and was named to the 2023 USL Academy League Playoffs All-Tournament First Team. Behrmann competed with the Independence during the 2021/22 ECNL season, earning All-Conference honors.

“I’m excited to play with these great players and learn as much as possible from them,” Behrmann shared.

Earlier this spring, Behrmann committed to play collegiate soccer at the United States Military Academy beginning this fall.

Yates was also a member of the Charlotte Independence squad which won the 2023 USL Academy League Championship. Competing for the Charlotte Independence, Yates received 2021/22 ECNL All-Conference honors.

“I am excited to be playing with high-level, class players and achieving team goals together,” Yates said.

Yates is committed to play collegiate soccer at UNC Wilmington starting this fall.