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Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Historic Open Cup Run Ends in Georgia

May 7, 2024 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Kennesaw, G.A. - The Charlotte Independence were knocked out of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night following a 3-0 loss to MLS club, Atlanta United at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia. The Jacks went on a historic run this year, making it to the Round of 32 for only the second time in club history.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Charlotte Independence raced to an exciting start in the 5th minute of play. A corner kick cleared by #3 Hugh Roberts was picked up by #14 Luis Alvarez who attacked with speed on the counter attack. Alavarez was taken down by Atlanta United defender #13 Dax McCarty just outside the box. The free kick taken by #2 Fabrice Ngah was hit into the wall with Atlanta regaining possession.

Atlanta winger #25 Luke Brennan broke free in the 29th minute down the right flank and played a low cross into #62 Ashton Gordon. He tried to place it in the corner, but Independence goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack made the diving save.

It was Brennan again for Atlanta in the 35th minute who dribbled through a pair of Charlotte defenders. His strike was blocked by the reaching Roberts at the top of the box.

More momentum was gaining for the Jacks towards the end of the half. In the 39th minute, #29 JC Obregon Jr. went 1v1 with Atlanta's left back. As he cut the dribble across the box, Obregon was taken down just outside earning another free kick, but the Jacks were unable to convert.

The first half concluded with an Atlanta corner kick. The service found #30 Nicolas Firmino who sent it soaring high and out of play.

Half Time: Atlanta United 0 - 0 Charlotte Independence

Atlanta put the pressure on in the second half with back-to-back looks at goal. The first trickled wide and the second was saved near the goal line by Independence defender #13 Anton Sorenson.

Charlotte's #56 Gabriel Obertan took a shot on frame in the 50th minute. It was blocked by Atlanta goalkeeper #22 Josh Cohen, who left a rebound in play, but no Jacks were nearby to challenge.

Atlanta's first goal came in the 52nd minute. Brennan played a short pass out to the overlapping #47 Matthew Edwards. He played a slotted pass back towards the PK spot and it was Firmino there to finish.

Pack made back-to-back saves shortly after to try to keep the Jacks within one, but Atlanta kept knocking at the door.

It was Firmino again in the 71st minute. Another pass was cut back towards the top of the six yard box, this time from the left wing, and Firmino found the side netting.

Charlotte drew another free kick opportunity in the 81st minute. This one a bit further out was taken by Alvarez. The strike was on frame, but missed just over the crossbar.

#15 Daniel Rios scored Atlanta's third, and final, goal of the match in the 85th minute.

Final Score: Atlanta United 3 - 0 Charlotte Independence

QUOTES:

Head Coach, Mike Jeffries

Overall Thoughts on the Night:

"Obviously disappointed. I felt like we managed the game pretty decently in the first half. They had some good chances, but when we found our shape, I thought we did ok. They came out in the second half and we didn't react well on a few plays and obviously conceded. Then, when we had to chase the game, it was difficult. We got stretched out and obviously they are a very good group."

Thoughts on the team's open cup showing this season:

"We'll look back and feel like it was a pretty good year in terms of just getting into a game against an MLS team. I felt like we were as prepared as we could be for tonight. I think we certainly developed some confidence and self-belief from the run in the Open Cup. I think we'll be somewhat disappointed to see it end, but we'll move forward and concentrate on the USL Jagermeister Cup and the regular season."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence host Forward Madison this Saturday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m. It's Round Two of the USL Jagermeister Cup. Tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.

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