Independence Extend Unbeaten Streak to Five with 1-1 Draw in Wilmington

May 10, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release

WILMINGTON, NC - The Charlotte Independence on Tuesday night battled back to a 1-1 draw with Wilmington Hammerheads FC at Legion Stadium. The result extended the Independence's unbeaten streak to five matches, following a previous four-game win streak.

Both teams struggled to maintain possession at the beginning of the match. In the 14th minute the Hammerheads were given a penalty kick following a tackle at the edge of the box by Blial Duckett. Defender Bruno Perone faked out Independence keeper Cody Mizell and put away the penalty to give the Hammerheads a 1-0 lead. The home side had an opportunity to increase its lead in the 22nd minute, but Independence defender Patrick Slogic dug out an amazing save and cleared the ball off the goal line, earning the Wells Fargo Save of the Game.

Midfielder Austin Martz remained a constant threat down the line for the Hammerheads. However, in the 43rd minute, the Independence answered back with a goal of their own from Brian Brown, which was created off a corner kick. Hammerheads keeper John Smits made an initial save that pushed the ball in Brown's direction to set up the rebound shot.

In the second half both teams came out strong with ample scoring opportunities. In the 79th minute the Independence almost took the lead off a through ball played to Enzo Martinez, whose shot was saved by the foot of Smits. In the final minutes of the match the Hammerheads sent in many crosses, shots and corners, but all were punched away or scooped up by Mizell.

The Independence (5-2-1) remain on the road this weekend, traveling to Rochester, NY to take on the defending USL Champion Rhinos on Saturday, May 14. The Rhinos (4-1-1) are coming off a 3-2 victory over Charleston last Friday night and remain unbeaten at home this season. Kickoff between Charlotte and Rochester is scheduled for 6:00pm ET. The Independence will return home to Ramblewood Stadium on Saturday, May 21, for the second leg of the Queen City Cup Challenge with FC Cincinnati.

Charlotte Independence vs. Wilmington Hammerheads FC

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 10, 2016

• T2's Neco Brett Added to the USL Team of the Week - Portland Timbers 2
• Hammerheads Tie Independence - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
• Independence Extend Unbeaten Streak to Five with 1-1 Draw in Wilmington - Charlotte Independence
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• Ranjitsingh's Clean Sheets Earn Team of the Week - Louisville City FC
• Port Coquitlam's Kadin Chung Named to USL Team of the Week - Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
• Sammy Ochoa Named USL Player of the Week - FC Tulsa
• Tulsa's Ochoa Named USL Player of the Week - USL
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• Bengals to Serve as Honorary Captains Saturday - FC Cincinnati
• Kickers Travel to Toronto FC II Wednesday - Richmond Kickers

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