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USL1 Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Earn First Road Win Since April Against Central Valley Fuego

August 19, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release


FRESNO, CA - The Charlotte Independence battled to a 2-1 victory over Central Valley Fuego FC on the road at Fresno State Soccer Stadium on Saturday evening. The Jacks are on the road again next weekend to face One Knoxville SC on Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. All away matches can be streamed for free with Bahakel Sports.

After the game, Head Coach Mike Jeffries provided his overall thoughts. "It was a gritty, hard-fought road win. We played some nice soccer in the first half and managed the first half well. It was disappointing to concede, but I thought the guys showed a lot of character to come back from that and get the game winner. Central Valley put a lot into leveling the game, and we held on. There were some harrowing moments, but we managed it."

The first threatening chance for the Charlotte offense came in the 8th minute as #11 Tresor Mbuyu played a cross on the turf to the feet of #8 Joel Johnson, but Johnson's strike went over the crossbar.

Aside from one chance for each team, the first 20 minutes was relatively calm and possession-focused. In the 23rd minute, the Fuego launched an attack down the right side, but #1 Austin Pack made a quick diving save.

The Jacks broke through with a team goal in the 31st minute finished by Johnson. #10 Miguel Ibarra sent a lofted cross to #56 Gabriel Obertan on the right side, and Obertan volleyed a cross into the center of the penalty area where Johnson was unmarked and able to strike.

This marks back-to-back games with a goal for Johnson and the fourth goal involvement in four games for Obertan. Johnson now has six goals this season, just one shy of the team-lead, and Obertan has recorded four assists this year.

Through the end of the half, the Independence continued pressuring the Central Valley defense, spearheaded by Mbuyu. His most dangerous opportunity came with the final kicks of the half as Mbuyu maneuvered between three defenders to send a shot directly at the goalkeeper and collect the rebound. His follow-up attempt landed wide, unable to double the lead just before the break.

Halftime: Central Valley Fuego FC 0, Charlotte Independence 1.

Central Valley Fuego started on the front foot in the second half with heavy offensive pressure, but the Charlotte defense handled it well in the run of play. A set piece proved to be the difference maker for the hosts as the Fuego tied it up with a goal by #27 Qudus Lawal in the 53rd minute.

Obertan had the first major chance for the Independence in the second period with a shot across the face of goal, falling wide of the left post in the 61st minute. This was his final contribution to the match before Jeffries made a pair of substitutions, bringing #9 Dane Kelly and #90 Khori Bennett into the game for Obertan and #12 Brad Dunwell.

Pack stepped up again with a save on a long-distance shot in the 64th minute and was prepared for the follow-up shot before an offside call.

The Jacks retook the lead in the 67th minute with Ibarra's second goal in as many games. Ibarra played the ball out wide to Mbuyu who passed it back into a crowded penalty area, and Ibarra struck the ball with his first touch into the back of the net.

"All year really we've gotten goals from different sources," Jeffries explained. "We don't have anybody in the top of the scoring leaders, but we have a lot of guys that have a few, so I think that's been one of the pluses for us this year."

After missing a great deal of the season due to injury, #27 Bachir Ndiaye made his first appearance for the Independence since April as a substitute in the 78th minute.

"He's a really good ball winner, and he's really busy in the midfield," Jeffries said of Ndiaye. "He provided a lot of energy, won some tackles, and helped us in possessing the ball at the end of the game."

The Charlotte defense was pinned in for a number of chances in quick succession by Central Valley in the final minutes of the second half, but Pack and the backline cleared away the threats.

"After we scored the second goal, we were really compact in the middle," #6 Omar Ciss explained. "We didn't let them play through the center. We gave them the sides and were ready to defend the crosses."

As the final whistle blew, the Independence earned its first road win since April 1 and just the third of the season.

"The win on the road feels great," Dunwell commented. "I'm proud of our mentality, how we competed, and the way so many different guys contributed. We know our form away hasn't been great, so getting this win is massive for our confidence going into our upcoming road stretch."

Full time: Central Valley Fuego FC 1, Charlotte Independence 2.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will face One Knoxville SC on the road on Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. All away matches can be streamed for free with Bahakel Sports.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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