USL Charlotte Independence

Areman's Game-Winner Notches Independence Consecutive Win

Published on September 8, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Matthews (N.C.) - After defeating the Richmond Kickers 2-1 Saturday night, the Independence have won back to back games for the third time this season. Eamon Zayed scored the opener and Jake Areman added a second to help secure all three points for the Independence.

"We know we don't have any room for error, especially on games at home," said Independence head coach Mike Jeffries. "There's no real option for us not to get it done. The guys knew that and they put a tremendous amount of energy into tonight."

The Independence got off to a fast start and scored their quickest goal of the season. In the 5th minute, the Independence struck first when forward Eamon Zayed received a pass from Alex Martinez and chipped it in to score his fifth goal of the season. With the assist, Martinez is now tied with defender Sam Vines for a team-high four assists.

"I'm happy with the goal, happy with the start, and happy with the three points," said Zayed. "It was my sister's birthday today so I told her before the game I was going to try and score a goal so that one's for my sister."

The Independence built on their strong first-half performance by continuing to pressure Richmond's defense. In the 58th minute, midfielder Jake Areman gave the Independence a two-goal cushion when he stole the ball right off Richmond goalkeeper Trevor Spagenberger's foot. Areman finished the sequence by tapping the ball into the net, notching his second goal in his last three appearances.

"Scoring the game-winning goal is a great feeling," said Areman. "I knew we were stepping high as a team and when that back pass went in I thought I could catch the goalie off his line. I don't think he saw me coming and at the last second he tried to cut it back but I was prepared for it and it was just an easy finish at that point."

The Kickers pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute when Raul Gonzalez finished a loose ball past Independence goalkeeper Brandon Miller. Miller redeemed himself in the 93rd minute, when he denied Austin Yearwood's shot from inside the box, ensuring a crucial three points that see the Independence back in the playoff hunt.

The Independence travel to Charleston next Saturday, September 15th to take on third place Charleston Battery. The Independence will look to make up for their 2-0 loss earlier in the season at MUSC Health Stadium.

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