CHARLOTTE, NC – Midfielder Jake Areman, who spent two years with the Monmouth University men's soccer team, has signed with the Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League pending league and federation approvals, the team announced.

"We are very excited for Jake," said Monmouth head coach Robert McCourt. "He has worked very hard for this opportunity. His dedication and commitment will make him a valuable asset at the next level. He is a fantastic student as well as a great player, and we wish him much success in his future as a professional player." 

Areman started all 36 games during his time in West Long Branch, compiling 17 points in that span. The West Long Branch native totaled four goals and nine assists, and his 11 points as a senior led the team. Areman dished five assists in 2018, which also led the team.

In the first game of the season as a senior, Areman launched a free kick to the far post, assisting the 69^th minute goal to give Monmouth the win over Georgia Southern. He scored his first goal of the season against UMBC on September 9. He scored again a week later against #25 UMass Lowell, bending a free kick inside the far post. On October 21 against Saint Peter's, Areman scored his third goal of the season in a 3-1 win, gathering a blocked shot and burying the ball inside the left post.

As a junior, Areman started all 18 games for the Hawks in the midfield, totaling 29 shots on the season and 10 shots on goal. He scored his first goal and dished his second assist of the season against Columbia.

Areman attended the Independence-Rapids Combine in December, where he caught the eye of head coach Mike Jeffries.

"He's gotten up to the speed of things very quickly," said Jeffries. "He's very a quick player and has some one-on-one capabilities. He can play in a couple different spots; wide midfield on either side or in the back, so he gives us a little flexibility in that regard." (via www.charlotteindependence.com)

Areman becomes the first Monmouth alum to sign with a USL team since defender Derek Luke joined FC Cincinnati in 2016.