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USL Charlotte Independence

Independence Unbeaten Streak Comes to An End at Orlando City

May 28, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Charlotte Independence vs. Orlando City B
Charlotte Independence vs. Orlando City B
(Charlotte Independence)

MELBOURNE, FL - The Charlotte Independence unbeaten streak came to a close on Saturday night, as Orlando City B came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Titan Soccer Complex. A couple of lineup changes for the Independence created a strong and steady start, however, a young Orlando City talent would prove just enough to close out the Independence on the road.

The Independence dominated the first half of possession, attacking the OCB defense from every position on the field. Play was fairly slow at the start with both teams sending in cross after cross, each collected easily by the teams' respective goalkeepers. It wasn't until the 30th minute when things began to pick up for the Independence. Back-to-back free kicks lead to a opportunity where Patrick Slogic made a run up the sideline from the left back position. Drawing a defender, he found Brian Brown in behind the Orlando City defense. Brown took a touch and looked across the face of goal, then hit the shot placing the ball low and hard past a diving Jake Fenlason. The goal gave the Independence a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute.

Shortly after, Orlando City gained some momentum finding a pass in behind the Independence defense. Goalkeeper John Berner came out for the breakaway save, but was beat by the Orlando attacker. The ball was played across the box finding the feet of Michael Cox, who made contact but was denied by the crossbar. That would be the only threat to the Independence in the first half, but they too responded. Jorge Herrera's corner kick in the 43rd minute found the back of the net, however, the goal was waved off due to an offsides call from the officials. The half concluded with the Independence up 1-0.

The tables seemed to turn in the second half, as Orlando City came out and created more and more dangerous chances in front of goal. They found the back of the net for the first time in the 53rd minute when Pierre Da Silva took the ball and dribbled through three Independence defenders. The shot slid past Berner, tying the game 1-1. The Independence seemed to find life in the 57th minute, earning back-to-back corner kicks. The first hit the post and the second beared no result.

The missed opportunities allowed OCB to stay in the game, and in the 71st minute Da Silva took a free kick which found the head of Craig Nitti. Nitti was able to redirect the ball just enough to send it past Berner and into the back of the net, giving Orlando City the 2-1 lead. The Independence had a final chance to tie in the 80th minute, when Brown found his way through the OCB defense one last time. He was just outside the six-yard box when he sent a shot soaring over the crossbar, weakening the Independence's chance for a comeback. The final score favored Orlando City 2-1.

The Independence (5-3-2) will have only a short rest before their next game on Wednesday, June 1 at the Carolina Railhawks (NASL), marking round three of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The team will then return home for league play against Toronto FC II (2-6-2) on Saturday, June 4. The game will be played at Ramblewood Stadium with kickoff set for 7:00pm ET.

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Charlotte Independence vs. Orlando City B
Charlotte Independence vs. Orlando City B
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 28, 2016


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