December 21, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence announced today that defender Shalom Dutey and forward Tresor Mbuyu are returning for the 2024 season. Both players enter their fifth year with the Jacks.
Shalom Dutey (D)
After making his professional debut in Charlotte’s 2021 season opener, Dutey has played a crucial role along the backline for the Independence. He has appeared in 65 games all-time for the Jacks, including 51 starts.
“I am excited to continue working with Shalom in 2024,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries expressed. “Left footed centerbacks are valuable commodities and we have a strong one in Shalom – his athleticism, ability to defend 1v1, and to play calmly out of the back contribute greatly to our strength as a team. I expect that he will continue his trajectory of success over the past couple of seasons into 2024.”
Dutey ranked 10th in USL League One in clearances with 95 in 32 games last season. His presence on defense helped the Jacks earn 10 clean sheets in 2023. In 2022, Dutey opened the season with three goals in the first four games. He scored game winners against South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2022 and 2023 as well.
“The 2023 season didn’t end like how we were expecting it to, but we’ll use it as a lesson for this upcoming year,” Dutey explained. “This 2024 is our year to bring the championship to Charlotte, and I’m glad I get to be a part of that.”
Tresor Mbuyu (F)
The leading scorer for the Jacks the past two seasons, Mbuyu, is returning with unfinished business. Mbuyu recorded 11 goals and five assists in 2022 along with nine goals and four assists in 2023.
“Tresor has been a big part of our success the last two years,” Jeffries shared. “He has quietly evolved into one of the more dangerous and consistent strikers in USL League One during that period. His ability to take on defenders and get behind defenses are huge, which when combined with his work rate, make him an extremely effective attacking player. I look forward to working with him again and seeing him continue to progress.”
2022 was a breakout year for Mbuyu in which he started 27 of 28 games for the Independence. He scored his first goal for the club as part of a brace in Charlotte’s league opener against Central Valley Fuego FC. He added a game winner in the next game against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. There were more heroics for Mbuyu in 2022 as he scored a game-tying goal in the final…