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 Charlotte Independence

Independence Earns 2-0 Road Victory over NYRBII

May 1, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Enzo Martinez of the Charlotte Independence Prepares to Unleash a Shot vs. New York Red Bulls II
Enzo Martinez of the Charlotte Independence Prepares to Unleash a Shot vs. New York Red Bulls II
(Charlotte Independence)

HARRISON, N.J. - The Charlotte Independence on Sunday afternoon earned their third-straight victory, topping New York Red Bulls II by a score of 2-0 at Red Bull Arena. It marked the first loss of the season for NYRBII and the first clean sheet of the year for goalkeeper Cody Mizell and the Independence.

Charlotte pressured New York from the very beginning. A long ball fell to the feet of Brian Brown just 30 seconds into the game, giving the forward a one-on-one opportunity with Red Bulls II keeper Rafeal Diaz, but he pulled the shot wide right. Twelve minutes later, Brown sent a cross from the left side that was intended for Caleb Calvert but skipped past the Colorado Rapids loanee to Enzo Martinez, who had space on the right side and was able to finish for a 1-0 lead.

Red Bulls II responded with a good spell of possession. Konrad Plewa took a shot from long range in the 22nd minute that was saved by Mizell. The home side then earned a free kick, but it was sent right into the wall.

Patrick Slogic extended the visitors' lead to two in the 33rd minute. The defender got his foot on a loose ball in the box that had been deflected by Gideon Baah and buried the shot. Moments later Martinez nearly earned his second of the night, but Diaz was able to get a hand on the ball and force it wide.

NYRBII's best opportunity came in the 42nd minute. The Independence turned the ball over, giving Brandon Allen a clean look at the back of the net. Mizell had to make a diving save, then immediately get up and knock away the rebound shot from Alex Muyl. The series earned Mizell Wells Fargo Save of the Game honors and kept the Independence in front 2-0 going into halftime.

Charlotte continued to control the pace of play in the second half. While New York was able to get numbers forward, the defense limited their chances on goal and forced Red Bulls II into taking bad shots. Allen had one that dinged off the post in the 52nd, and Mizell scooped up an opportunity from Derrick Etienne on the doorstep in the 57th. Mizell would finish the game with a total of seven saves. Diaz had four saves of his own, including one in the 72nd minute on an acrobatic shot from Brown.

The Independence (4-2-0) return home this weekend to face FC Montreal (0-4-0) at Ramblewood Stadium on Saturday, May 7. Montreal is sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and is still searching for their first points of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm ET.





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Enzo Martinez of the Charlotte Independence Prepares to Unleash a Shot vs. New York Red Bulls II
Enzo Martinez of the Charlotte Independence Prepares to Unleash a Shot vs. New York Red Bulls II

  

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