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USL Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence Top Hartford Athletic on the Road 2-1

September 30, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


HARTFORD, C.T. - The Charlotte Independence defeated Hartford Athletic tonight by a score of 2-1 at Dillon Stadium. Your Jacks return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Sunday, October 3. They will host Loudoun United FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here for tickets.

"We knew going in that this was playoff intensity and obviously for Hartford it was an everything game. We knew they'd come out with tons of energy, tons of intensity, and we felt like we had to match it," stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries.

The Charlotte Independence held a majority of the possession early in the match despite a quick opportunity from Hartford which forced goalkeeper, #1 Austin Pack to make a diving save and punch the ball out to safety.

The Jacks continued to apply the pressure and forced a turnover in the 13th minute. #9 Irvin Parra collected the ball and served up a cross from the right corner of the pitch. He found #19 Enzo Martinez in the box. He first attempted the back heel, but was blocked by the Hartford defender. The deflection popped up at the perfect angle for Martinez to take the volley first time, and he placed it in the back of the net. Charlotte took the early lead 1-0.

The Jacks looked dangerous again in the 27th minute after #12 Adam Armour found himself in the attacking third. He dribbled into the box and pulled a cross back for #56 Sylvain Marveaux. The shot was high. On the other end, the Independence defense came up big in the 30th minute after Hartford found their way through the back line. It was Pack who made the initial save, #22 Christian Fuchs with a partial clearance and Pack again to make the final punch up and out of the box.

In the 35th minute, #29 Dane Kelly entered the match for #9 Irvin Parra.

Hartford had one final attempt in the 45th minute with a free kick just inside midfield. The service was sent right to the PK spot where Pack came off his line to make the easy grab. The Independence led at the half, 1-0.

The second half was full of late game drama, and it all started in the 69th minute when a strike from Hartford Athletic's #29 Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. hit the post. Just minutes later, Hartford won themselves a free kick from the right side of the field. The service came in, and it was #4 Nicolás Cardona who got a head on it, forcing Pack to make yet another diving save.

A second free kick in the 82nd minute would not yield the same result as it was Cardona again who got the header and slipped it into the back of the net. The score was tied 1-1.

But the Charlotte Independence bounced back quickly. Just one minute later, Martinez played a cross into Kelly who headed it down and past Hartford goalkeeper #13 Jeff Cladwell. Your Jacks regained the lead and held on to secure another very important three points on the road.

"It feels really good to get back on the scoresheet and help the team get 3 points," stated Kelly. "The goal is to keep on getting those W's and keep climbing up in the table."

"I felt like we actually started really well and had good possession, good control," stated Jeffries. "Towards the end of the first half they pushed the game. I thought we were a little unfortunate on the goal that tied it 1-1, but what a great response from the guys to come down right away and get the game winning goal. It was a hell of a play from Enzo and a great finish from Dane. For us to be able to come back in this situation shows a lot of character."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Your Jacks return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Sunday, October 3. They will host Loudoun United FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here for tickets.

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