Independence Battle Back to Draw with Wilmington

Published on April 3, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release

WILMINGTON, N.C. (April 3, 2015) - A gusty evening at Legion Stadium in Wilmington, N.C. saw the Charlotte Independence grab their first point in franchise history against native Wilmington Hammerheads FC. The home side went ahead first in the 43rd minute off of a Nick Zimmerman spot-kick, but Independence midfielder Enzo Martinez leveled the playing field in the 72nd minute with a quick run and sleek finish.

Charlotte started out on the backfoot after the Hammerheads managed to slide through the midfield and go one-on-one with defender Patrick Slogic, but the experienced centerback saw the danger out of play.

From there, both sides struggled to move the ball as the wind kept sweeping the ball out of touch. The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Independence goalkeeper John Berner burst off his line to make a fine save. The initial effort was cleared, but not far enough. Slogic was forced to fly into a desperation tackle that ended in a Wilmington penalty.

Zimmerman stepped up for the Hammerheads to take the kick. Berner dove left and almost managed to get a hand on the ball, but it was well struck and snuck into the corner.

Coming out of half time the weather had died down and Charlotte began to impose themselves on the game. After a decent spell of possession that caught Wilmington chasing the game, Martinez managed to tie it at 1-1 in the 73rd.

Charlotte substitute, forward Caleb Calvert, got on the end of a long ball and knocked the ball down for an onrushing Martinez. It wasn't as easy as it seemed, but Martinez brought the ball down with his head and finished between the keeper's legs.

Neither side managed to create a solid chance in the following midfield battle, despite a flurry of tackles and attempts. The Independence are next in action on April 18th when they travel to Richmond to face the 0-0-1 Kickers.

Charlotte Independence vs. Wilmington Hammerheads FC

United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 3, 2015

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• New York Red Bulls Loan 11 Players to NYRB II - New York Red Bulls II
• Hammerheads Add Andre Rawls to Roster - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
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