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Calvert Leads Quartet of Independence Additions

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 03/08/18, 5:07PM EST

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Former USL Goalkeeper of the Year Dykstra also arrives on loan from Rapids


Photo courtesy Colorado Rapids

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence announced on Thursday it had acquired forward Caleb Calvert, midfielder Ricardo Perez, defender Sam Vines, and goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra on loan from the club’s Major League Soccer partner the Colorado Rapids. Per the terms of the affiliation agreement, the Colorado Rapids reserve the right to recall loaned players.

Calvert returns to the Independence for his fourth loan stint in as many years with the club. The 21-year-old has amassed nine goals in 47 appearances in his time with the Independence. The California native is joined by Perez, who gained USL experience a season ago on loan to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and Vines, who signed with the Rapids as a Homegrown player this offseason after spending time as an Academy signing with the Independence in 2017.

The 2013 USL Goalkeeper of the Year, Dykstra brings the most experience of the group, having claimed the 2012 USL Cup with the Charleston Battery and the 2013 USL Regular Season Championship with the Richmond Kickers. The Rapids acquired Dykstra this past February via a trade with fellow MLS club Sporting Kansas City.


Photo courtesy Ron Anderson / Orange County SC

Last December, the Independence and Rapids renewed their affiliation for a fourth season. The two organizations have utilized the partnership to the benefit of both clubs, with the Independence’s two-time USL Most Valuable Player award finalist Enzo Martinez joining the Rapids prior to the 2018 season.

“The relationship has given us some guys who have contributed to the roster,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “It's certainly got us players like Caleb [Calvert], Marlon [Hairston], [Dominique] Badji, who have come in and done well with us and fit in back in Colorado with success. It's been huge for us and I expect that will continue.”

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