Independence Advance to US Open Cup Round of 16
June 17, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
BOSTON, MA (June 17, 2015) - The Charlotte Independence on Wednesday night stunned MLS side New England Revolution 1-0 to advance to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 16. Captain Jorge Herrera scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the 55th minute.
Charlotte created several chances in the first half, but couldn't quite connect with the back of the net. The club's best opportunity came in the 32nd minute off a free kick by Herrera. The ball sailed perfectly to 6'2 forward Tomasz Zahorski, but his header was too much and sent it over the crossbar. Alex Martinez had a chance 10 minutes later when he found space on the right side, but pulled his shot wide, sending the match into halftime scoreless.
Momentum stayed with the Independence to start the second, as the visitors dominated the first 10 minutes of possession. In the 55th minute, Mechack Jérôme cut off a New England cross in front of the Charlotte box and sent the ball down the pitch. Herrera settled off his chest and riffled the ball to the top right corner for a 1-0 advantage. It marked the veteran's seventh career US Open Cup goal.
The Revolution, desperate to get an equalizer, fired multiple shots on net over the next 15 minutes but Independence keeper Hunter Gilstrap and the defense stood tall. New England again came close to forcing overtime in the 89th minute when Juan Agudelo went one-on-one with Gilstrap, but the Carolina RailHawks loanee was able to come away with the save.
Four minutes of stoppage time were added to the match, but Charlotte was able to hold off another attack from the Revolution. Kelyn Rowe made a beautiful cross that dropped right in the box, but no one was there to finish it.
The Independence's Round of 16 opponent will be announced at approximately 11:00am ET on Thursday, June 18 and matches will be played on either June 30 or July 1.
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