CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE ANNOUNCES THAT ITS SEPTEMBER 18 USL (UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE) MATCH AGAINST PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS WILL BE A “THROWBACK” GAME TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASL (AMERICAN SOCCER LEAGUE) NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WON BY THE CAROLINA LIGHTNIN’ IN 1981
The Carolina Lightnin’ team was formed in 1981 and won its national championship during its first year of existence, certainly a significant achievement. It is worthy of note that the Lightnin’ won the championship on September 18, 1981, exactly 40 years before this year’s game. That is truly remarkable!
Carolina Lightnin’ players, coaches and staff and team founder and owner Bob Benson will be honored at the game. In addition, the four-member NC Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2021 (Thori Staples Bryan, Paul Dinkenor, Tim Guter and Roger Morton) will be introduced to the audience at halftime.
The Charlotte Independence players will wear a specially-designed Carolina Lightnin’ “throwback” jersey as part of their game uniform. After the game, the shirts will be autographed by the players and will be auctioned off to the public. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the NC Soccer Hall of Fame.
Several former Carolina Lightnin’ players and team management members are also NC Soccer Hall of Fame inductees, including Tony Suarez, Bill Finneyfrock and Ed Young. Suarez was named the American Soccer League MVP in 1981.
On behalf of the Carolina Lightnin’ players and families, Ed Young, former Carolina Lightnin’ Assistant General Manager, expressed the team’s appreciation to the Charlotte Independence: “We are very thankful to the Independence for honoring the Carolina Lightnin’ legacy. The 40th Anniversary celebration of the ASL Championship will let us relive that extraordinary achievement with many of the Lightnin’ fans who were there 40 years ago, as well as all of today’s supporters of our game!”
NCSHOF chairman Bob Kepner, added his organization’s gratitude to the Charlotte Independence for its support of the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame.
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