Sam Spencer
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MLS, NWSL, USL Super League, Minor League Soccer, Sports
Urban planner. Transit nerd. Public servant. Writes about Football ⚽. Union Berlin Mitglied, Dons Trust Member. Views my own. He/Er 🏳️🌈
Articles by Sam Spencer
Introducing our “Matheson Ave.” Series on the 15th Anniversary of “Homeland”
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 was — for the most part — a normal day in Charlotte. The Panthers lost to the Bears, 29-34, at Soldier Field with new head coach Ron Rivera and rookie quarterback Cam Newton (Luke Kuechly was still playing at Boston College).
A >10% Chance to Kill All Humans
I’ve been thinking a lot about percentages recently. I’ve had two spine surgeries this year, and all things being equal there was a 5-10% chance something could have gone seriously wrong each time I went under the knife. That chance was enough that my wife and I had serious discussions about the future and our plans in our household. 10% doesn’t seem like a lot, but events with a 10% chance of happening happen all the time.
Theater: “Sovereignty” Delivers Didactic Drama at Three Bone Theatre
The cast of “Sovereignty.” (Courtesy Three Bone Theatre/Tim Coffey Photography) Early on in Mary Kathryn Nagle’s “Sovereignty,” the playwright uses a fight scene to establish many of the themes the audience will confront over the course of the two hour play: indigenous rights, tribal sovereignty, reservation life, the impact of violence, and family ties.
Classic Doctor Who: Something Real, Slop Free
Filming episodes of The Abominable Snowmen for the Dr Who television series at Nant Ffrancon (Courtesy National Library of Wales/Geoff Charles) Over the past year, I’ve been watching classic Doctor Who episodes in my spare time - usually while recovering from surgery or when I’m dealing with my chronic illnesses.
MLS All-Star Week Puts Charlotte’s Soccer Scene in the Spotlight
This featured article is sponsored by MLS All-Star Week. Learn more about the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime. Learn more about the 2026 MLS All-Stars Skills Challenge presented by AT&T. MLS All-Star Week set to take place in Uptown Charlotte July 28 & 29 (Photo courtesy of MLS) 2026 MLS All‑Star Game in Charlotte: MLS vs Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium As part of the biggest summer of soccer in American history, the MLS All-Star Game is coming to Charlotte.
On Super League Final Day, Questions Remain about the Demise of Spokane Zephyr FC
Spokane Zephyr players prepare to defend a penalty kick taken by the Carolina Ascent’s Maddie Mercado on September 24, 2025. (Jorge Torres/file photo) Tonight at 7:00 PM ET, #1 Lexington SC will host #3 Carolina Ascent FC in the championship final for the United Soccer League (USL) Super League (also known as the Gainbridge Super League for sponsorship purposes). It should be a night of celebration on the eve of an important moment for soccer in the United States: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Carolina Ascent Advance to Super League Playoff Final
Carolina Ascent FC players Lily Nabet, Mackenzie George, and Jenna Butler celebrate Jill Aguilera’s Olimpico goal on Saturday, May 16. (Photo by Sam Spencer for Soccer Sheet) The Carolina Ascent are going to their first-ever USL Super League Finals. On Sunday evening, No. 3 Carolina Ascent FC (15-7-6, 51 pts) upset No. 2 Sporting Club Jacksonville (16-7-5, 53 pts) 0-1 to secure their spot in the final in Lexington, Kentucky.
Agyemang Injury Adds to USMNT Worries, but Don't Expect the US to Get "Grouped" at the World Cup
USMNT and Derby County player Patrick Agyemang during pre-match ceremonies on Tuesday, March 31 in Atlanta. (Jorge Torres for Soccer Sheet) Editor’s Note: All of us at Soccer Sheet are sending our best to Patrick Agyemang as he recovers from an lower leg injury he picked up in Derby County’s win over Stoke City today. After the match, Derby County manager manager John Eustace said there wasn’t an update on Agyemang’s condition after the U.S. striker left the pitch in a stretcher.
Buzz Bulletin: Hornets Honor Dell Curry, Approach Post-Season With Momentum
The Curry Crew came together to retire Hornets legend Dell Curry’s jersey on Thursday, March 19. (Jorge Torres for Y’all Weekly) It’s only March, but the Charlotte Hornets (36-34, 10th in the East) have just about clinched a post-season appearance. They’re 7.5 games ahead of the 11th place Milwaukee Bucks (28-41), but only 2.5 games behind the 6th place Atlanta Hawks (38-31), and a 6th place finish would mean avoiding the Play-In Tournament.
Charlotte FC Earn First Win of the Year Against Austin, Face Miami Tonight ... But Where is Messi?
It may be a new year, but Wilfred Zaha is still appealing to the officials to see things his way. (Jorge Torres for Soccer Sheet) VAR giveth, and VAR taketh away. Indeed, Charlotte FC had reasons to both celebrate and lament Major League Soccer’s video review — commonly known as VAR — during Saturday night’s 3-1 win over Austin FC.
Carolina Ascent fall 1-2 in first home match of 2026
Maybe the groundhog was right. After two weeks of snowstorms and school closures, the winds of winter were still blowing at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Feb. 7 as Carolina Ascent FC (5-6-5, 20 points) hosted undefeated USL Super League leaders Lexington SC (7-0-9, 30 points). Unfortunately for the Carolina Ascent, their cold streak continued as well.
Carolina Ascent Fall 1-2 in First Home Match of 2026
After two weeks of winter storms, ice and snow remained on the pitch at American Legion Memorial Stadium. (Sam Spencer for Soccer Sheet) Maybe the groundhog was right. After two weeks of snow storms and school closures, the winds of winter were still blowing at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, February 7 as Carolina Ascent FC (5-6-5, 20 points) hosted undefeated USL Super League leaders Lexington SC (7-0-9, 30 points).
Malanda on the Move to Middlesbrough
Earlier today, Soccer Sheet caught up with former Charlotte FC center back Adilson Malanda as he prepares to make his debut for Middlesbrough F.C. in the English Championship. Malanda’s Boro is currently second in the Championship table, and is a serious candidate for promotion to the Premier League this May. Tomorrow, they’ll take on Derby County and former Charlotte FC teammate Patrick Agyemang. Derby currently sits in the middle of the pack, but Agyemang has impressed with 6 goals in 20 matches.
A Heartbreaking Week for NC Soccer
It was the worst week imaginable for North Carolina soccer fans — seasons ending, teams potentially shutting down, playoff battles lost — and it all started on November 2. Of course, the day prior was a really good day for North Carolina’s football faithful. Isn’t it ironic? That Saturday, Charlotte FC defied the odds and beat New York City FC in penalty kicks at Yankee Stadium 0-0, (6-7), bringing their playoff series back home for a decisive a Game 3.
The Charlotte Hornets Had a Good First Week
The Hive comes alive at 7:00 PM as the 2-2 Charlotte Hornets host a 1-4 Orlando Magic squad that is having trouble getting off the launch pad. The Hornets’ start has shown a lot of promise, and if we’re grading on a curve, a .500 start is more than a passing grade for a team that has struggled to find success in the post-Kemba era. The game away against the 76ers could have gone either way, and their wins have been with healthy leads.
Is this the Year the Buzz Comes Back?
The Charlotte Hornets are part of the ethos of the Queen City. Tyvola Road. The Hive. Dell. Muggsy. Rex Chapman. Hugo (and Super Hugo). Grandmama. Zo. Family Matters. Dream Team II. Glen Rice. #13 RIP. The Cable Box. Bob-Johnson-cats. Crash. Jordan. Kemba. LaMelo. Hell, even Nic Batum. From the transit center uptown to cultural artifacts across the city, the combination of teal and purple screams Charlotte.
A Eulogy for Willow
It seems like in Charlotte and across the world there has been too much senseless violence. This year, we’ve buried friends, we’ve watched the school shooting epidemic in the United States continue to get worse, we’ve seen 20,000 children die in Gaza - one every hour - and we’ve borne witness to political assassinations. In our Charlotte community, one of the scores of homicides this year has gained national attention due to its tragic and violent nature.
Hickory FC Wins NPSL Championship
Another soccer trophy is coming down home to North Carolina. With a 2-3 win over San Francisco’s El Farolito in last night’s championship match in California, Hickory FC are the 2025 National Premier Soccer League champions. “You see a lot of tears here — and that’s because they worked so hard this year,” Hickory FC head coach Carlos Rubio said of his squad after the victory. “They deserve every bit of it.
Opinion: MLS Has an Opportunity to get Charlotte’s All Star Game Right
At Soccer Sheet, we’ve written before about ways MLS could improve the yearly All Star Game. Though we can’t solve the main problem it faces — trying to graft a mostly American concept onto the world’s sport — the league and Tepper Sports & Entertainment have a year to make this event something worth watching.
Charlotte FC Hangs Up on Big Pat
One of Charlotte’s most famous residents - evangelist Billy Graham - was fond of the old cliche that compares one’s spending to one’s values.
Charlotte FC's Agyemang Named to 2025 MLS All Star Team
Patrick Agyemang has already had quite the week before MLS Commissioner Don Garber picked the Charlotte FC striker as one of his two selections for the 2025 MLS All Star Team. Garber called his picks of Agyemang and San Diego FC forward Chucky Lozano “well-deserved selections.” On Sunday, his 75th minute goal against Haiti secured a third straight victory for the United States Men’s National Team in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Soccer Sheet Names Emina Ekić USL Super League Player of the Year
Emina Ekić truly does it all. The 26-year-old midfielder also plays as a forward. She’s played for Racing Louisville FC — her hometown club — in the NWSL, and like many women’s players from the United States, she’s played in Australia. At Spokane Zephyr FC, she led her team in both goals (10) and assists (6), tying Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton (Dallas Trinity FC) for the most goal contributions in the USL Super League’s inaugural season.
Personal Honors on the line for Carolina Ascent Players Tonight
Carolina Ascent FC already had the best inaugural season a team could hope for: they set the attendance record for a women’s professional sporting event in the Carolinas on day one; they won a trophy before the season ended (the inaugural USL Super League Players’ Shield); they’ve clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs; and they’re widely regarded as the best organization in the young league.
Carolina Ascent FC Win Inaugural Regular Season Championship
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, one of Charlotte’s professional sports teams has won a regular season championship. The Carolina Ascent secured the inaugural USL Super League Players’ Shield last night with a draw over second place Tampa Bay Sun. With it comes home field advantage in the two round cup playoff, which starts on June 8 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
"No estamos todos aquí." Charlotte FC and Nashville SC Respond to ICE Enforcement Actions and Supporters Group Protests
Last Friday, prior to a scheduled MLS match between Nashville SC and Charlotte FC at GEODIS Park in Tennessee, a Nashville SC Latin American Barra (or supporters group) announced they were cancelling their regular festivities.
Vote in the 2024 Footy Awards!
It’s that time again! You can vote in the 2024 Soccer Sheet Footy Awards starting today! Remember, these are the Best of the Best in 2024, so no new arrivals are on the ballot (sorry Zaha), and some folks who have since left the area are still eligible (cheers, Austin Pack).
Quick Kicks: North Carolina FC Hosts Two Charlotte Teams in Two Weeks; Bender Leaves Charlotte FC
USL Championship side North Carolina FC will host two Charlotte teams in a two week period, starting with the Charlotte Independence in the first match of USL Cup play tonight. Earlier this month, NCFC defeated the Independence at Matthews Sportsplex in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup; their reward for that victory is hosting Charlotte FC in the Open Cup’s Round of 32 at WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday, May 6.
Charlotte FC's comeback win overshadowed by frightening injury
Originally from SoccerSheet.com Charlotte FC’s 2-1 comeback win against Nashville SC was overshadowed by a moment no one wants to see. It’s the 71st minute of play, and a tired Charlotte FC is down 0-1 to Nashville SC; it’s the only time the Crown has trailed at home all year. Kerwin Vargas had an equalizer taken away by the officials, a header from a set piece that he celebrated with his trademark flip before seeing the goal called off.
Charlotte FC's Comeback Win Overshadowed by Frightening Injury
Charlotte FC’s 2-1 comeback win against Nashville SC was overshadowed by a moment no one wants to see. It’s the 71st minute of play, and a tired Charlotte FC is down 0-1 to Nashville SC; it’s the only time the Crown has trailed at home all year. Kerwin Vargas had an equalizer taken away by the officials, a header from a set piece that he celebrated with his trademark flip before seeing the goal called off.
New Dad Brandt Bronico Won’t Stop Until He Has His Trophy
“I want to win some trophies this year.” We were 30 minutes into a conversation with Charlotte FC midfielder Brandt Bronico and the MLS veteran was ready to answer my question before I finished it. “We gotta start bringing some trophies to Charlotte,” says Bronico. “Obviously, top four is a good thing to target, but there’s a lot of opportunity. There’s Leagues Cup, there’s Open Cup, and we got the MLS Cup as well as the Supporters’ Shield.
Carolina Ascent shake off goalkeeper shakeup for Spokane win
Goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy earns Player of the Match honors in her USL Super League debut as the Ascent give the type of dominant performance they'll need more often to win the league. Originally from SoccerSheet.com A shakeup in goal and an opposition penalty kick goal would normally spell trouble for a soccer team, but Carolina Ascent FC overcame both challenges to earn a breakthrough 1-2 road win against Spokane Zephyr FC in Washington State on Saturday night.
Charlotte FC players called up for international duty
Patrick Agyemang’s first invitation to play for the United States Men’s National Team in January was exciting, but not much of a surprise. He was Charlotte FC’s top goal scorer in 2024, and not many young American players can say they were the top scorer for a team in one of the world’s top 10 or 15 professional leagues.
Charlotte FC Striker Patrick Agyemang & Defender Tim Ream Called up for International Duty
Patrick Agyemang’s first invitation to play for the United States Men’s National Team in January was exciting, but not much of a surprise. He was Charlotte FC’s top goal scorer in 2024, and not many young American players can say they were the top scorer for a team in one of the world’s top 10 or 15 professional leagues.
Meagan McClelland Leads From Behind as USL Super League's Top Goalkeeper
In 2024, the United Soccer League’s Super League and Carolina Ascent FC brought top-tier women’s professional sports back to Charlotte for the first time since the Charlotte Sting last played in 2006. Many of the faces involved were familiar to the Charlotte soccer community. Charlotte Independence owner Dan DiMicco would also be part of the Ascent’s ownership group, with much of the Independence’s management team and staff supporting the new women’s team.
Exclusive: Jaylin Lindsey Joins USL Championship Side New Mexico United
Editor’s Note: This piece has been updated with New Mexico United’s statement. After three years at Charlotte FC, fan-favorite defender and Queen City native Jaylin Lindsey has joined New Mexico United of the USL Championship League from free agency. Lindsey was part of Charlotte FC’s inaugural team, primarily playing as a right fullback for the club. During his three years at Charlotte, Lindsey had one goal and nine assists in 53 MLS appearances.
Why I’m Rooting for AFC Wimbledon to Go Up
Editor’s Note: An earlier draft of this piece appeared in the Wombles Downunder newsletter. If you’d like to learn more about becoming an owner of AFC Wimbledon, feel free to reply to this email! Growing success in the 80s and 90s. A greedy owner who moved the team at the turn of the millennium. Fights over stadiums and a permanent home. A fight over the team’s historic legacy.
Carolina Ascent Return Tonight
The first half of Carolina Ascent FC’s USL Super League season began on a high, and ended on a low. On Saturday, August 17 2024, Carolina Ascent FC hosted the first-ever USL Super League match in Charlotte. Ascent defender and Mecklenburg County native Vicky Bruce secured her team’s 1-0 victory over DC Power FC with a set piece tap-in that became the first goal in Super League history.
Nine Carolinas Teams Prepare for the 2025 Open Cup
Interested in reprinting this article in your publication, or sponsoring our U.S. Open Cup coverage? Email sam@soccersheet.com to ask about our sponsorship options or our free syndication program. Yesterday, U.S. Soccer announced the draws for the first round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the country's oldest national soccer competition. This year’s marks the 110th edition of the tournament, with the winner advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Carolina Core Looks to Avoid a Sophomore Slump
Editor’s Note: This year, we’re trying something different. Soccer Sheet will be running previews for each of the professional soccer teams in North and South Carolina (Divisions I, II, & III), as well as qualified Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup teams and a couple other select squads.
Exclusive: Photos from Patrick Agyemang's First U.S. Men's National Team Appearance and Goal
All photos by Sam Spencer for Soccer Sheet. On Saturday, January 18, Soccer Sheet travelled to Fort Lauderdale to see the U.S. Men’s National Team take on Venezuela in a friendly at Chase Stadium, the temporary home of Inter Miami CF. Since Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang got called up for national team duty for the first time, we followed the camp - and based on what we had been hearing, we made an educated guess that Agyemang would feature in the first game.
Premier League Star Wilfried Zaha Signs with Charlotte FC
Images courtesy Charlotte FC/Taylor Banner. ORLANDO, Fla. - The worst-kept secret in MLS is finally official: forward Wilfried Zaha has joined Charlotte FC on loan from Turkish top-flight club Galatasaray, bringing a solid English Premier League resume to Charlotte for the club’s biggest-ever signing. Zaha will occupy both an international roster slot and a designated player slot on Charlotte FC’s roster.
Live from U.S. 🇺🇸 vs. Venezuela 🇻🇪
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang could get his first “cap” - the soccer term for a national team appearance - as the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) takes on Venezuela in its first match of the year. Agyemang was called up to the USMNT’s camp on January 6 along with Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream.
A Look Into Charlotte FC's First Playoff Series
This postseason, Charlotte FC lived by the pen and died by the pen. And by pen, of course, I am referring to penalty kicks. Charlotte FC finished its third season with 51 points from 14 wins and nine draws, sending them into the playoffs as the fifth seed, the team’s highest ever following a play-in berth in 2023. Fourth seed Orlando City SC finished just one point ahead of Charlotte in the 34-match MLS regular season, giving them home field advantage in a three-match series.
Global Soccer Legend Alex Morgan Announces Professional Retirement
Alex Morgan will play her final professional match this Sunday, Sept. 8 when the San Diego Wave takes on the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. “I grew up on this team, it was so much more than soccer,” said Morgan, who came into her first USWNT training camp at the end of 2009 at age 20.
USL Super League Week Two: Corbin Scores, Orkus Saves
Due to issues with Brooklyn FC’s pitch, the Carolina Ascent FC’s Saturday, August 31 match in New York was cancelled. The game will be rescheduled to a later date; Brooklyn FC’s inaugural home opener will now be September 25 at 7:00 PM against Dallas Trinity. There are no other USL Super League matches this weekend, so we held this week’s Super League Update until today to fill the void.
Charlotte Independence Advance to Inaugural USL Cup Semifinals
The Charlotte Independence were already having a good week. The team sits atop the USL League One table. Their sister organization, Carolina Ascent FC, leads the young USL Super League. With only seven league matches left to play before the League One playoffs, six of their final matches of the season are at home and/or against the bottom half of the league.
Carolina Ascent FC Gears up for Inaugural Kickoff
On July 10, more than 200 people packed a sweltering brewhouse at HopFly Brewing on South Mint Street to watch Carolina Ascent FC unveil their home and away kits for the team’s upcoming inaugural season. Fan mascots like the Carolina Reaper rubbed elbows with supporters, young fans, players and media. Though the brewery played host to a similar cast of characters for Charlotte FC captain Ashley Westwood’s beer release party a couple weeks before, the Ascent event felt twice as big.
A Conversation with Muggsy Bogues
On August 12, 2006, the WNBA’s Charlotte Sting played their last match at what is now the Spectrum Center. The result was a 84-57 win over expansion team Chicago Sky; however, the team coached by Charlotte Hornets legend Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues had a disappointing season overall, with an 11-23 record that left the Sting 7 games out of the playoffs and next to last in the Eastern Conference, ahead of the Sky. The Sky would go on to win a championship in 2021, while the Sting would never play again.
Supporters Groups Sit Out Leagues Cup
Last night, Asheville City SC’s USL League Two playoff run came to an end in the national semifinals, with a 1-0 loss to Seacoast United Phantoms - Asheville’s first lost of the season in League Two play. It is the team’s best-ever playoff finish. One level above, in League One, Charlotte Independence Star Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. became the golden boot leader for the league with a brace in the Independence’s 2-4 away win over the Spokane Velocity.
The MLS All-Star Game is Broken. Here’s How to Fix It.
Today, MLS announced their squad to take on players from Liga MX in Columbus, Ohio later this month at the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. This year’s event, however, demonstrates another missed opportunity for Major League Soccer, and a lack of ambition surrounding the event that is disappointing, but fitting for a 20,000 person venue like Columbus’ Lower.com Field.
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