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Charlotte Independence

Jacks Hand Greenville Triumph First Loss of the Season

April 12, 2024 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence won 1-0 on Friday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium, handing Greenville Triumph SC its first loss of the season. The Jacks are back at home on Tuesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup against Rhode Island FC. To purchase tickets, visit charlotteindependence.com.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Charlotte offense first came alive in the ninth minute with a powerful long-range shot by #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. that was tipped over the bar by Greenville goalkeeper #1 Gunther Rankeburg.

An early penalty kick awarded to the Triumph for a handball in the penalty area in the 12th minute was nearly a momentum shifter. However, goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack saved the shot to keep the game level.

Pack made another crucial save in the 28th minute on a close-range shot following a counterattack by Greenville. He continued to play a huge role between the sticks with a low diving save on a header directed across the goal in the 42nd minute. On the ensuing corner kick, Pack tipped the attempt at goal over the crossbar.

After five saves in the first half by Pack, the score remained level going into the break.

Halftime: Charlotte Independence 0, Greenville Triumph SC 0.

The Independence took the lead in the 51st minute. #8 Joel Johnson sent a looping ball over the Greenville defense to Obregón Jr. who headed it into the back of the net for his first Independence goal.

A pass from #14 Luis Alvarez following a Triumph corner kick in the 67th minute sent #11 Tresor Mbuyu streaming down the field on a breakaway. Mbuyu's shot was blocked, and the Jacks could not get a clean look on the rebound.

The Jacks handled the offensive pressure from Greenville for much of the second half. Charlotte earned its first clean sheet of the 2024 USL League One season.

Fulltime: Charlotte Independence 1, Greenville Triumph SC 0.

NOTABLES:

Captain defender #17 Clay Dimick made his 100th appearance for the club.

The Independence handed Greenville Triumph SC its first loss of the season.

Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack saved his third penalty kick of the season and the first during regulation game play.

Forward #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. scored his first goal for the Independence.

Midfielder #15 Noah Pilato made his Independence debut as a substitute against his former club.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the importance of the result

"We've had a weird start to the season having limited league games, so we're still trying to find a rhythm, and I think we continue to do that. Hopefully tonight is a good building block for establishing how we want to play. Credit to the guys - they hung in after a tough first half and a tough night in some ways, but they really hung in and found a way to get a result."

On Austin Pack's performance

"Austin kept us in the game the first half. He made a great save on the penalty, and that helped us a little. They got a couple other good looks that he made big plays on that gave us a chance to stay in the game and get a result in the end."

On J.C. Obregón Jr.'s performance

"Today was J.C.'s best day. He's still coming into fitness after joining us late, but his movement today was great. He was sharp, he did a great job holding the ball up. The goal was fantastic. It was a great run and a super delivery from Joel with a good finish. Credit to him, but I thought that he was very impactful on the day"

Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack

On the team's defensive efforts

"It was a good result for the team. We weathered the storm a bit in the first half with some windy conditions. We were able to start the second half pretty well with a goal. The team did really well to sit and absorb some pressure for the rest of the game."

Forward #29 J.C. Obregón Jr.

On scoring his first goal for the club

"It feels really good to finally get my first goal of the season and with the Independence. It feels even better with the win."

On his progression since joining the team

"I got here recently and joined the group late, so I've been using the games we've played to get to know my teammates, the style of play, and what Mike expects from me. Each game, I've been feeling better, and it showed tonight. I was able to get my first goal and hopefully the first of many."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence are back at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. against Rhode Island FC in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup. To purchase tickets, visit charlotteindependence.com.

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