Brandt Bronico, the player with the most appearances for Charlotte Football Club, is set to face his former team, the Charlotte Independence, in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, according to an April 16 announcement from the club.
The match marks a significant moment for soccer in Charlotte as it will be the first official derby between two professional teams from the city in this historic national tournament. The competition brings together clubs from all levels of American soccer to compete for the Dewar Challenge Trophy.
Bronico has played 153 matches and logged over 11,500 minutes with Charlotte FC since joining as their third-ever signing. Before that, he spent time on loan at Independence during their USL Championship season while preparing for Charlotte FC’s inaugural Major League Soccer campaign in 2022. “I wanted to be back in Charlotte playing soccer, so I am grateful to have the opportunity to go on loan with the Independence this season,” said Bronico at that time. He added later: “Charlotte is a place I hold close to my heart and I’m excited to continue my soccer journey back in the city.”
Reflecting on facing his old teammates and friends such as Clay Dimick and Mike Jeffries of Independence, Bronico said: “I still have a really good relationship with Mike Jeffries and Clay Dimick and them. So, I’m looking forward to competing against them and challenging them in the Open Cup.” He also spoke about his enthusiasm for America’s oldest ongoing soccer competition: “It’s America’s version of the FA Cup… It’s an historic tournament in the United States, and something that I want to win for sure. We’re taking it serious, and the guys are ready.”
Head coach Dean Smith confirmed plans for some squad rotation but emphasized respect towards their lower-league opponents: “Yeah, we will rotate a little bit. But we said at the start of the season we’re taking this competition seriously… we’ve got respect for our opposition as well.” Smith added that winning trophies remains central: “the trophy because we want to win something… We’re competing for four things this season, and this is one of them.”
Charlotte Football Club participates in Major League Soccer as part of its Eastern Conference according to its official website. The club operates professionally within MLS’s Eastern Conference according to its official website and is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina according to its official website. Established as an expansion franchise with its first season played in 2022 according to its official website, Charlotte FC continues building local rivalries through competitions like these.
As both teams prepare for what could become a regular fixture on their calendars—and with high stakes including prize money and potential qualification into continental tournaments—Bronico summed up his motivation: “We want to advance in the Open Cup… it’s just about playing our game and staying true to ourselves.”
