CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence have acquired FC Cincinnati forward Casey Townsend on a season-long loan, the clubs announced on Wednesday. Townsend joins the Independence for the 2017 USL season, and brings extensive experience in the league.

“Casey plays as a natural nine,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He has a great goal-scoring history, has great movement up front, and brings a different dimension to our team.”

Townsend has previously played in the USL for the Richmond Kickers (on loan from D.C. United), OKC Energy FC, and Wilmington Hammerheads FC, while also having competed previously for 2017 USL newcomer the Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

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“I think it's a great situation for us to bring in a guy at this point in the season with his experience and his background,” said Jeffries. “I think it's important that we have another powerful player that is strong in the air and has the ability to hold balls to get others into the game.”

In Townsend’s 2016 campaign, the Michigan native scored three goals, including one against the Independence in Wilmington’s 2-1 away win on Saturday, July 9th.