In the buildup to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season, members of the inaugural roster are earning valuable game time with other clubs around the world. Here is the latest instalment of our monthly check-in with their progress…
Adam Armour (Charlotte Independence)
Armour, who celebrated his 19th birthday at the end of September, continues to show his versatility on loan with the Charlotte Independence. In the past month, the Carolina native has played on the left side of a back three and a back four, and also as a left winger.
The Independence, who sit in playoff contention in the USL Championship Eastern Atlantic division, have won six of the last seven games in which Armour has featured.
Brandt Bronico (Charlotte Independence)
With consistent performances in front of defense, Bronico has cemented his spot in the Independence’s central midfield this season. In early October, the 26-year-old scored his first goal for his loan side, with an audacious 25-yard strike against Loudoun United:
Six minutes after his impressive long-range effort, a 5-1 win for the Independence, Bronico also earned his second assist of the season, when he set up Sylvain Marveaux for the fourth goal in a 5-1 win.
“Scoring a goal is one of the best feelings in the world, so I was ecstatic to finally get my first one,” says Bronico, who was also Man of the Match. “It was definitely among my top 10 goals.”
Christian Fuchs (Charlotte Independence)
Former Premier League champion Fuchs has been a vital component in a Charlotte Independence defense that kept four clean sheets in September. Operating in the center of a back three or on the left, the Austrian has been ever-present for the USL side.
In September’s road game at the Birmingham Legion, Fuchs netted his first goal for his loan club, rising to meet a Marcelo Palomino corner to open the scoring.
Jan Sobocinski (LKS Lodz)
Twenty-two-year-old centre back Sobocinski continues to play an important role for LKS Lodz as they seek promotion to the Polish top division.
Sobocinski featured in all three of Lodz’s league games in September, including a victory and clean sheet against playoff rivals Miedz Legnica.
Riley McGree (Birmingham City)
After a busy summer representing Australia at the Olympics and in World Cup Qualification, McGree is once again featuring in the plans of Birmingham manager Lee Bowyer.
The 22-year-old has made second-half appearances against Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangera in recent weeks, and continues to win plaudits among the Birmingham faithful.
Sergio Ruiz (Las Palmas)
Life in the Canary Islands has been disrupted by the volcanic eruptions on the island of La Palma, but Las Palmas have continued in their question for promotion to the Spanish top flight.
Ruiz has been ever-present for Pepe Mel’s side, but picked up an injury in the 56th minute of Las Palmas’ 1-1 draw with UD Ibiza that will keep him sidelined for around one month.
“I have a small fracture in my foot, but it is feeling much better,” says Ruiz. “I feel good right now I am looking forward to starting again. The team is performing well and we are in a good position in the table.”
