Charlotte Independence End in 2-2 Draw against Miami FC
September 4, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Independence ended tonight's match against The Miami FC with a 2-2 draw at American Legion Memorial Stadium for Military Appreciation Night. The team plays next at Loudoun United FC on Wednesday, September 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+.
The Jacks were off to a quick start in the first half with dominate pressure giving them ample opportunities on goal as well as strong defense from the backline. In the 13th minute a cross from Joel Johnson to #19 Enzo Martinez gave them their first shot but was saved by the keeper. This momentum didn't let up because in the 19th minute Sylvain Marveaux sent a cross over to #9 Irvin Parra who headed it in for the first goal of the night giving the Jacks the lead 1-0. After lots of back-and-forth play and 2 missed opportunities #19 Enzo Martinez was able to find the back of the net when he went 1v1 with the goalie and chipped it in. Austin Pack saw his fair share of action in the first half coming up with a couple of major saves to keep the score 2-0 going into the second half.
"We're creating chances and converting those. The whole year, with exception to a few games, we create a lot of chances whether we actually score or not. It comes down to the games that we give up goals, stated Enzo Martinez. "We tend to give up more than one goal. It is either a clean sheet or we are giving up multiple goals, that is something that we have to figure out. It's not an issue of the back line, we give up a goal as a team. There are as many things that go wrong with that play where we give a situation where they can score. That is something we have to look at and fix."
Charlotte kept their momentum going into the second half but struggled to capitalize. They were able to get two balls into the box, but both were saved by the goalie. In the 63rd minute Miami FC got their first goal of the night by #5 Paco Craig. The Jacks still looking for another goal Enzo Martinez sent a ball into #29 Dane Kelly who misses just wide right. In the 80th minute Enzo Martinez and Adam Armour both took huge shots but are deflected by the Miami keeper. In the 88th minute Miami scored the final goal of the match by #9 Christano Francois, making the final score of the game 2-2.
"I don't know that we matched the intensity enough in the second half. I think we got out of our rhythm of playing and possessing the ball. These are the games we can give set piece goals, when we are in the lead," stated Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "It's frustrating but the biggest message is that we have a quick turn around. We play Wednesday, so we need to make sure we do a good job and take care of ourselves. Then we move forward, you don't get a chance to feel sorry for yourselves, just got to push forward."
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence play at Loudoun United FC On Wednesday, September 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+.
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