Fort Mill’s Asa Kryst signs with Charlotte Independence

The Charlotte Independenc officially announced the signing of Fort Mill native Asa Kryst Wednesday.

Kryst is a 2015 graduate of the University of South Carolina. He appeared in 67 matches for the Gamecocks, tallying 13 goals and three assists. Prior to college, Kryst trained exclusively at Charlotte Soccer Academy from 2008-2011m while attending Fort Mill High School. He totaled 32 goals in three seasons, including a team-best 17 goals in 2010. In 2009, Kryst helped CSA earn the Atlantic Region Crown. While Kryst did not play high school soccer, he was a stand out running back for the Yellow Jackets football team, tallying 20 touchdowns and 1,780 all-purpose yards during his senior season.

Kryst joins an Independence squad that includes former Winthrop standout Henry Kalungi, and Rock Hill products Enzo and Alex Martinez.

“We are happy to sign another top local player who showed well at our open trial,” said Independence coach Mike Jeffries. “Asa possesses the pace and technical ability to beat players in one-on-one situations, is capable of playing in any of the attacking roles, and has a creative bent in front of goal. I look forward to seeing Asa develop within the group.”

Kryst is now eligible to play in the Independence’s next match, a road contest against New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, May 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the match will be available live at youtube.com/USL. The Independence will return home to Ramblewood Stadium on Saturday, May 7 for a 7 p.m. contest with FC Montreal

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 12:13 PM with the headline "Fort Mill’s Asa Kryst signs with Charlotte Independence."