Charlotte Independence Adds Defender Mike DeShields
The 26 year old has experience across three USL Championship teams.
Image credit Hartford Athletic
Charlotte Independence added to its defensive depth with the signing of Mike DeShields. The 26 year old returns to North Carolina after spending his entire NCAA career with Wake Forest.
DeShields is a dynamic defender, and during his time in the USL Championship, played both center back and at both wingbacks. After being relatively underused by Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2023 and into the 2024 season, he transferred to Hartford Athletic midway through 2024. At Hartford, he eventually found a regular spot in the starting 11 at both right back and left back.
He was selected fifth overall in the 2021 MLS Draft by DC United, being loaned to then-affiliate Loudoun United. DeShields appeared 14 times for Loudoun, then joined New England Revolution II in that side’s first season in MLS NextPro.
Charlotte appears to be rebuilding a bit, losing center backs Hugh Roberts and Shalom Dutey, both free agents, and right backs Joel Johnson (Westchester SC) and Denzel Akyeampong (free agent) in the off-season.
In addition, Rayan Djedje, capable of playing both defensive midfielder and center back, transferred to Sacramento Republic earlier this week, leaving a vacant spot.
DeShields will join returning center back Nick Spielman, left backs Anton Sorenson and Fabrice Ngah, and long time veteran left back Clay Dimick.
Said Head Coach Mike Jeffries via the team’s press release:
“In Mike, we are signing an experienced, quality central defender. Mike provides solid defensive qualities, athleticism, and leadership ability. In addition, his ability to comfortably play out of the back fits well with our style of play.”
Charlotte Independence’s roster announcements still lag behind most other league clubs with an announced roster of just 13.
In the preseason so far, Charlotte added striker Jon Bakero, midfielder Rafael Jauregui, and goalkeeper Drew Romig. Like DeShields, Bakero and Jauregui both joined from USL Championship sides, while Romig played with South Georgia Tormenta in 2024.
Notable departures besides Djedje, Johnson and Roberts include Kharlton Belmar (retired), Dustin Correa (Real Estelí), Miguel Ibarra (AV Alta), Tresor Mbuyu (free agent), J.C. Obregón (Westchester SC), and goalkeeper Austin Pack (Tormenta). In addition, the status of Gabriel Obertan is unknown, leading to speculation that the long time professional veteran may be retiring.
Charlotte will begin its 2025 campaign at home, hosting the Richmond Kickers on March 15th.