Liberty High School graduate Patrick Slogic has emerged as one of the better defenders in the United Soccer League.

In his third pro season, the former Cornell standout is a steady defender and offensive threat with the playoff-bound Charlotte Independence of the USL’s Eastern Conference.

Slogic made big strides his first season (2015) with Charlotte and enjoyed a personal breakthrough when he was named to the USL team of the week after recording a goal and assist earlier this summer. He has six points (two goals) in 23 appearances this season, taking advantage of his increased role on offense as an outside back.

“It’s been very helpful playing my second season with the same team,” the third-year pro said. “You learn what is expected but you also play with a comfort level you don’t have as a rookie.”

The biggest transition for Slogic, 24, was moving from his college position at center fullback to the outside where his size (6-foot-6) gives him a considerable advantage over most wings.

“He’s a very good one-on-one defender for a man his size,” coach Mike Jeffries said. “He doesn’t break down and he’s very good in the air, which is a real plus on the outside. He can pass with both feet which means I can put him on either side. His height is a help on set plays.”

Colorado Springs coach Steve Trittschuh said he met Slogic while working for the Rapids but the defender signed with amateur Premier Developmental League’s Reading (Pa.) United immediately after college.

The 2009 Gazette Boys’ Soccer Peak Performer of the Year followed that up with a one-year deal with Rochester in 2014 before moving on to expansion Charlotte.

“I have been on the Rapids radar for a while now and they had me in their academy before college,” Slogic said. “I trained during the summer while I was playing in college. I think that’s why I ended up in Charlotte.”

The former Columbus Crew draft pick, who was born in Japan, plays alongside Rapids center back Joe Greenspan, who has played for the Switchbacks.

The former Hermann Trophy (men’s college soccer Heisman) watch list member and 2013 Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year has a lot of upside for Jeffries. He is third on the Independence in minutes played (2,060).

“He has room to grow,” Jeffries said. “He’s a good technical player and fairly athletic, but he needs more experience and to improve as a defender. His attitude is really good and he is always working to get better. That has made it a pretty simple decision to play him each week.”