USL Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Battle to Secure 3-2 Win over New York Red Bulls II

Published on August 10, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


MONTCLAIR, NJ - The Charlotte Independence went to battle with New York Red Bulls II tonight at MSU Soccer Park and rose to victory by a score of 3-2. The Charlotte Independence return home on Saturday, August 14 and play host to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here to purchase tickets.

It was a rainy start at MSU Soccer Park where #22 Christian Fuchs made his USL Championship debut. "I'm very happy for a positive debut," stated Fuchs. "It felt great to be on the field again and to compete. We performed well which is due to the defensive discipline that every player showed. I'm looking forward to my first home game against Pittsburgh, and we will try to continue building momentum for the rest of the season."

#8 Marcelo Palomino got the goal scoring started tonight in the 13th minute after the Jacks earned a free kick on the left side of the pitch. His strike beat the goalkeeper near post and the Independence took the lead 1-0.

In the 19th minute, New York forward #67 Omar Sowe dribbled the ball into the box. His left-footed shot skipped past Independence Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack and tied the score up at 1-1.

#19 Enzo Martinez took charge later in the half and, following a missed shot in the 23rd minute, he bounced back scoring the Jacks second goal of the night in the 25th minute. His first goal of the season, a clinical finish, came off a cross from Independence defender #12 Adam Armour. The Jacks took the lead at halftime, 2-1.

"We have a lot of quality going forward, and as we get used to each other more and more we are going to keep creating a lot of chances," explained Martinez. "This game we were able to score 3 goals in crucial moments of the game. It was a game that we had to grind and leave with the 3 points but hopefully we learn a lot from it and keep building on it."

Just two minutes into the second half, New York's Omar Sowe scored his second goal of the match off an assist from #36 Jeremy Rafanello. The score was tied again 2-2.

But, the Jacks weren't done yet. As play developed in the 61st minute, #13 Brandt Bronico found the ball at his feet. He served up a low, driven pass to #56 Sylvain Marveaux who took the shot and placed in the left corner of the net.

The Independence defense held off the Red Bulls attack for the final 30 minutes of play and your Jacks took home the 3 points. Final score: CLT 3 - NY 2.

"I thought we managed the game better than we have the past couple times against them and kept our shape defensively," stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. "It was nice, and I also felt like we created a lot more chances just moving the ball and being able to switch the play quickly against them. I thought the mentality and the heart of the group was really good tonight. Towards the end of the game we were pretty fatigued, but the guys did a great job of hanging in, managing it and working hard to keep the game at 3-2."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence return home on Saturday, August 14 and play host to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here to purchase tickets.

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