Sports stats



USL Charlotte Independence

Independence Fall 3-2 to Battery in Season Opener

March 27, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 27, 2015) - A cold and gusty night at Transamerica Field in Charlotte, NC saw the Charlotte Independence fall 2-3 to the Charleston Battery in their franchise opener. Charlotte pressed well and dominated possession at times, but Charleston capitalized on its chances.

Charlotte came out guns blazing with a couple of corners to start the match. USL veteran and Independence captain Jorge Herrera picked out fellow midfielder Paolo Del Piccolo, but Battery keeper Odisnel Cooper managed to fend off the following header.

Minutes later Independence midfielder Jack Thompson smashed a shot on frame, but Cooper parried it away.

The Battery opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Heviel Cordoves slipped past the Independence defense and finished calmly past onrushing Charlotte goalkeeper John Berner.

The lead was short lived for Charleston after brilliant combination play from Herrera to Thompson led to the first ever Charlotte Independence goal just two minutes later. Herrera flicked a cross past the two Charleston centerbacks for Thompson, who sliced a side-footed volley into the side netting to level the score.

"It's a real honor to get the first goal in team's history because of the build up, and the work we've put in, and the group of guys we've assembled," Thompson said.

"Still disappointed about the loss. We just need to forget about this one and move forward. We are better than this, but I love to see the fight we put in to come back like we did."

Cordoves found the net for a second time in the 21st minute. A brilliant run from Charleston's Ricky Garbanzo resulted in a tap in for the towering center forward.

Charlotte continued to press and create chances, but Cooper made a series of fine saves to preserve the lead for the Battery.

It was Cordoves again in the 38th minute to double Charleston's lead. A silky ball in from Battery's Maikel Chang saw Cordoves one-on-one with the keeper. The forward chipped Berner to make it 3-1.

The Independence came out of halftime firing again and after a quick step-over in the box, Ryan Finley drew a penalty kick for the home side.

Finley finished with ease to the bottom left to make it 3-2.

Charlotte continued to press the attack, but Cooper stood tall in goal and saw the match out 3-2.

"Lots of positives, but very disappointing to give away 3 very soft goals," Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said.

"Beyond that, we played a lot of good soccer. I was really pleased with the pace we played with and how quickly we moved the ball around."

Charlotte is playing in a temporary home at Transamerica field, but it didn't matter to the fans who came out in droves.

"I was really happy to see so many people come out tonight. It really means a lot to us and we were disappointed we couldn't win for them tonight," Herrera said.

The Independence are back in action April 3rd against the Wilmington Hammerheads.

Check out the Charlotte Independence Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 27, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central