Preseason contests officially kicked off on Saturday, Feb. 11 for a number of League One clubs as the league braces for the first day of the regular season on March 17.

The entire 2023 League One preseason schedule can be found here.

Feb. 11 - University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NCAA) 1 – 1 Charlotte Independence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence drew their first preseason match 1-1 taking on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) men’s soccer team on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Transamerica Field.

The first goal of the match went in favor of the 49ers who applied heavy pressure from the first whistle. A clearance by defender Hector Acosta was blocked and sent back toward goal just out of reach of goalkeeper Austin Pack. UNCC took the lead after one minute of play.

The Jacks found their stride toward the end of the first half looking more dangerous as the match progressed. Tresor Mbuyu drove toward the end line in the 26th minute and cut a pass back to Gabriel Obertan open at the penalty spot. Obertan’s shot soared high over the crossbar.

Again down the right flank, Khori Bennett played in a cross in the 31st minute of play. Mbuyu rose up and over his defender. The header went straight into the hands of the UNCC keeper.

Charlotte found the back of the net in the 35th minute when combination play between Miguel Ibarra and Obertan found Omar Ciss at the top of the box. Ciss took a couple of touches to settle the ball and then hit a strike off the volley. It nicked off the left post and into the back of the net.

The Independence were a more offensive threat in the second half but were unable to find the back of the net. On the defensive end, two-year veteran Carson Talboys was a strong presence across the back line for the Jacks.

• Scoring Summary
  • UNCC – 2'
  • CLT – Ciss (Ibarra) 35'

Feb. 11 - South Georgia Tormenta FC 0 – 0 Georgia Southern University (NCAA)

STATESBORO, Ga. — South Georgia Tormenta FC opened its 2023 USL League One preseason campaign with a 0-0 draw against Georgia Southern University men’s soccer on Saturday afternoon at Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium. 

With several new faces debuting for Tormenta FC, the defending champions began to build chemistry and test several trialists, who look to earn a spot in the team’s 2023 League One roster. The two Statesboro sides were unable to score; however, Tormenta FC was the more dominant side on the offensive unit, which consistently created chances in the first half.

The first half saw returners Pablo Jara, Jake Dengler and Deshawon Nembhard lead the defensive line alongside newly signed Collin Mocyunas to a solid showing. Offensively, Tormenta FC was able to cause danger; a goal was called offside early on in the game after Pedro Fonseca crossed a ball into the penalty box. Elijah Amo and Kazaiah Sterling were able to get great opportunities, with Amo hitting the crossbar after a great team play.

Other results:

• Feb. 11 - North Carolina FC 1 – 1 University of North Carolina (NCAA)
  • Scoring Summary
    • NC – Fernades 25'
    • UNC – 43'
• Feb. 11 - Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 4 – 0 Harpos FC (USASA)
  • Scoring Summary
    • NCO – Amann (Rogers) 31'
    • NCO – Parra
    • NCO – Sabella
    • NCO – Parra (Amann)
• Feb. 11 - Central Valley Fuego FC vs. Andrew Alcocer Academy (Independent)
• Feb. 11 - University of the Cumberlands (NAIA) 0 - 2 Lexington SC
  • Scoring Summary
    • LEX – Ceja-Gonzalez (Mohammed)
    • LEX – Brown (Balogun)
• Feb. 11 - Richmond Kickers 1 – 1 Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
  • Scoring Summary
    • LDN – 10'
    • RIC – Gomeiro 18'

Next Up:

• Feb. 15 – Central Valley Fuego FC vs. Oakland Roots SC (USL Championship)
• Feb. 17 – MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro) vs. Forward Madison FC
• Feb. 18, 1 p.m. ET – South Georgia Tormenta FC vs. Georgia State University (NCAA)
• Feb. 18, 2 p.m. ET – Greenville Triumph SC vs. Charlotte Independence
• Feb. 18, 2 p.m. ET – North Carolina FC vs. One Knoxville SC
• Feb. 18 – Central Valley Fuego FC vs. LA Galaxy II (MLS NEXT Pro)
• Feb. 18 – Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro) vs. Lexington SC
• Feb. 18 – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL Championship) vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
• Feb. 18 – Sporting Kansas City II (MLS NEXT Pro) vs. Union Omaha
• Feb. 18 – Richmond Kickers vs. Virginia Commonwealth University (NCAA)