‘It’s a dream.’ Garinger High School alum takes over Charlotte Independence attack

It couldn’t have been a more perfect cross.

And Tresor Mbuyu couldn’t have been in the more perfect spot.

Not even five minutes into the Charlotte Independence’s Saturday game against Central Valley Fuego FC, Miguel Ibarra sent a ball curving away from the far post straight to a streaking Mbuyu, who twisted his body into the air in a sideways scissor-kick motion, powering the ball into the back corner of the net.

A self-described “quiet” and “laid-back” guy, Mbuyu exploded in celebration and ran toward the corner flag, trailed by a line of his teammates eager to join him.

“He’s got a very quiet intensity,” said Independence head coach Mike Jeffries. “He’s not the most outgoing or center-of-attention guy, but he is very intense and very competitive.”

For the 26-year-old, scoring goals for the Independence holds more meaning than just a shot at professional soccer. Born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbuyu and his family immigrated to Charlotte when he was 13.

Growing up in Charlotte, Mbuyu lived in an apartment complex managed by One7 Ministries, an organization focused on helping the city’s immigrants run by his high school soccer coach, David Garrett.

Garrett also coached One7’s soccer team, on which Mbuyu played. And, at Garinger High School, he was a standout striker, scoring 91 goals in two seasons.

After graduating from Garinger in 2015, his talent earned him a spot on the Liberty University soccer team. There, he racked up 40 appearances, scoring 33 goals and notching 17 assists — a resume worthy of Orlando City B’s attention and he signed with them in 2019.

In 2020, Mbuyu joined the Charlotte Independence and hasn’t left the Queen City since.

“It’s something every kid wants to do. It’s a dream, to stay in my hometown and represent the home city and be able to be with family, friends and also play the game that you love,” Mbuyu said.

He’s gone from barely playing in 2021, appearing only 11 times for one assist, to now maintaining a regular position as a starter and a frequent target in the box.

“I think Tresor is the man,” said veteran striker Dane Kelly. “Those two years he really looks up to me and he asks a lot of questions. I give him the best answers that I can, and to see him do what he did last year and this year, he’s been pretty good. I think he’s on the right path.”

Kelly was the Independence’s leading scorer in 2020 and 2021 — not to mention he’s the USL Championship’s all-time leading scorer as well — just before Mbuyu enjoyed a breakout year.

Using what he learned from Kelly and other veteran players, Mbuyu became a prolific goal-scorer, leading the team with 11 goals in 2022 (tied with Khori Bennett), and recently passing Kelly to lead the 2023 team with six.

Though Kelly said he doesn’t feel like he’s much of a mentor to Mbuyu anymore because of his growth on the field, Mbuyu feels Kelly remains a fixture for everyone at the club.

“He might not see it, but I think he’s a mentor because a lot of the guys from the Academy also look up to him, try to learn from him, and also ask questions on things that they might need help,” Mbuyu said.

Now, Mbuyu feels he’s growing into a role model himself for the kids at One7, who attend his games often and provide a foundation of support. They relate to his story, a story in which he earned his way to one of the highest levels of the sport, right from where they are now.

“A couple years back, I was in their shoes,” he said. “I used to go to other pro games, and I wanted to be there. It’s good to be in a different shoes, and I can be a good example for them. I used to look up to others, and now I feel like someone else can be able to look up to me.”