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Charlotte Independence

Independence Draw 0-0 at Union Omaha

July 1, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release


OMAHA, N.E. - The Charlotte Independence earned a 0-0 tie on the road against Union Omaha on Friday, July 1 at Werner Park. The Jacks will play the Richmond Kickers next on Friday, July 8 at 7 PM at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

"I think the guys had to fight to earn the point. It was a very tough trip but I thought they managed it well," Charlotte Independence head coach Mike Jeffries said. "I'm really proud of them for hanging in especially when we went down a man."

It started incredibly even in Omaha with neither team creating many chances on offense. #11 Tresor Mbuyu almost bested the Union Omaha goalkeeper in the 23rd minute with a chip off a long ball from #5 Shalom Dutey, but the Jacks were left still searching for an opening goal.

Mbuyu later connected with a long ball from #6 Omar Ciss in the 40th minute but was quickly swarmed by Omaha defenders.

The scoreline was tied at halftime: Charlotte Independence 0 - Union Omaha 0

Another long ball was almost the difference for the Jacks in the 53rd minute. This time, it was #17 Clay Dimick finding #18 Illia Shevtsov whose header landed just beyond the right post.

"A shut-out on the road is always a big positive. This result shows the fight and togetherness of the group, even with a red card we still found a way to keep the clean sheet," defender #17 Clay Dimick said. "It's definitely a night we can be proud of and use as momentum going into a big game at home on Friday."

Not long after entering as a substitute, #90 Khori Bennett tested the Union Omaha defense with a half-volley that sailed just over the crossbar. #2 Koa Santos also made a huge impact, coming off the bench and serving multiple crosses into the penalty area.

Goalkeeper #30 Adrian Zendejas was forced to make multiple saves in the second half but handled them easily to record his second clean sheet of the season.

"It was a tough few days of travel and to come on the road to Omaha and get a clean sheet is hugely important for us and our confidence moving forward," defender #15 Carson Talboys said. "We got stuck in defensively when we needed to and won our battles. I'm proud of everyone that stepped on the pitch tonight and contributed."

The Independence were left playing with 10 men for the final stretch of the game after #24 Grayson Barber received a red card in the 83rd minute. It was a strong team effort to earn the tie on the road.

"Today was a hard game, physically, and with the travel, I think the guys are going to feel it next week," Jeffries said. "So, I think it's important to recover well and then we'll start preparing for Richmond."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will face the Richmond Kickers on Friday, July 8 at 7 PM back home at American Legion Memorial Stadium for the club's Military Appreciation Night.

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