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USL Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Settles for Draw against Harrisburg

April 24, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Charlotte Independence vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
Charlotte Independence vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
(Charlotte Independence)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A tranquil evening in the Queen City saw the Charlotte Independence draw visiting Harrisburg City Islanders 1-1. Independence forward Ryan Finley put Charlotte on the front foot early, only to have the lead canceled by Harrisburg defender Dante Leverock's header from a corner.

The Independence flew out of the gate in the first half and built a head of steam with some sharp passing through the midfield. A steady spell of possession paid dividends in the 19th minute when Jack Thompson slid past his man and played Finley through. Finley made no mistake with the finish and slotted it into the side-netting.

"It was good to get the goal but we wanted the three points, you know," Finley said. "We've been playing well, but the results haven't reflected that. We've got some big games ahead. We will make some adjustments and get ready for the next game."

Just a few minutes later Harrisburg came dangerously close to leveling when a cross met with a collision of bodies and found its way to the crossbar.

Charlotte nearly doubled the lead in the 24th minute when rightback Marlon Hairston glided down the right flank and passed one through the center of the box. After a moment of confusion it rolled just wide of the post for a goal kick.

Hairston terrorized the Islanders backline all night, but the Independence just couldn't convert the second goal.

"We were disappointed we couldn't get the second, but we will make improvements and continue to look for that win," Hairston said.

Coming out of the half Charlotte dropped their concentration for a split second and Harrisburg made them pay. Just five minutes after resuming, Leverock wriggled into space on the back post and dumped the ball into the back of the net with a powerful header.

Charlotte continued to press high up the field, but dropped some momentum after the goal and never fully recovered.

"We got the first goal. We pushed the pace. We did everything we could, but just couldn't seem to find the second goal," Head Coach Mike Jeffries said.

"We lost our rhythm at the start of the second half and couldn't seem to find the game after that. There were good stretches for us. The second half just wasn't as consistent. We fatigued a little bit."

The Independence will continue to look for that elusive first win May 2nd when they host Louisville City FC at 7:00pm. The match will be played at UNC-Charlotte's Transamerica Field.

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Charlotte Independence vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
Charlotte Independence vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
 Charlotte Independence vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
Charlotte Independence vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
  

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