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Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Secure Home Playoff Match

October 14, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - With a 1-1 draw against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday evening, the Charlotte Independence secured a home quarterfinal match in the 2023 USL League One Playoffs. The Jacks will make their fourth consecutive playoff appearance on Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets start at $10 here.

"It's the end of the season, these games are always intense," Head Coach Mike Jeffries shared. "You have two teams with so much to play for, and the game played out that way."

Tormenta opened the game full steam ahead on offense with multiple attempts in the first 10 minutes of the match, but #1 Austin Pack handled the pressure well.

"They had the better first 15 minutes, then we settled into the half," Jeffries commented. "We had a couple good looks that we didn't finish."

The first major chance for the Jacks on offense came in the 24th minute as #56 Gabriel Obertan sent a cross into the center of the penalty area, but #11 Tresor Mbuyu could not make clean contact with the ball as it went out for a goal kick.

It seemed as though Charlotte took the lead in the 40th minute, but Mbuyu's header hit the outside of the side netting after a cross from #6 Omar Ciss.

Halftime: Charlotte Independence 0, South Georgia Tormenta FC 0.

The Independence took the lead in the 52nd minute thanks to an own goal created by a cross from Mbuyu along the endline.

The lead lasted just 10 minutes as Tormenta equalized through a goal by #11 Jackson Khoury off a cross by #16 Davey Mason.

After entering as a substitute, #90 Khori Bennett logged the first shot on target for the Jacks in the 71st minute after beating a defender, but his strike was saved by the Tormenta goalkeeper.

Tormenta continued pressuring on offense, needing a goal to reach playoffs, but the Independence defense held the visitors away from goal.

"They were fighting for a spot in the playoffs, so they pushed hard at times," Bennett explained.

Full time: Charlotte Independence 1, South Georgia Tormenta FC 1.

The Independence officially earned home field advantage in the first round of playoffs due to the draw and other results around the league.

"It's massive for us," midfielder #12 Brad Dunwell said. "We're better at home, and we feed off the environment here."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will begin the 2023 USL League One Playoffs on Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium, marking the sixth total and fourth consecutive playoff appearance in club history.

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