CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of 30-year-old forward Christian Chaney, pending league and federation approval.

"We are excited to add one of the top League One strikers over the past several seasons. Christian provides us a box presence as well as an ability to hold the ball and aid in our build-up play," shared Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "His strength and pace will help open the game for us; with his competitiveness and physicality, he is the type of striker defenders do not like matching up with."

"I'm really excited. I played here before back in 2020 when COVID ended. It was a good city and great time for me, working under Coach Mike Jeffries," expressed Chaney. "I am excited to come and bring a trophy to Charlotte. This club has always been a solid top-flight club and I’m here to give all I can and score as many goals as possible and give Charlotte something to look forward to."

Chaney joins the Jacks after two successful seasons with USL League One side Forward Madison FC, scoring 23 goals and netting five assists in 62 appearances across all competitions.

Prior to joining FMFC, Chaney signed with former USL League One side Central Valley Fuego FC in his native Fresno, Calif. before the 2022 season, scoring 11 goals in 29 total games and finishing 9th in the league in scoring. Chaney bounced around before landing in Central Valley, appearing in seven games for the Jacks in 2020 and Maltan club Mosta FC in 2019.

Chaney also spent time with the Los Angeles Force in the National Independent Soccer Association where he tallied 24 appearances and 13 goals during the 2021 season.

From 2016-2017, Chaney spent time with Sacramento Republic FC of the USL Championship, appearing in nine matches and featuring one start. Chaney then joined Fresno Fuego of USL League Two, finishing his season with 14 goals and 12 games.

A dual citizen of both the U.S. and Mexico, Chaney made his professional debut with Armenian Premier League side, FC Ararat Yerevan, and played for Maltese Premier League club Mosta FC in 2016.

Prior to Chaney's professional career, he was a member of Fresno City College's men's soccer team and was named the 2013 NSCAA Continental Tire Junior College All-American team as a defender for sophomore season.