Jacks Win USL Jägermeister Cup Group, Advance to Knockout Round

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Charlotte Independence

Jacks Win USL Jägermeister Cup Group, Advance to Knockout Round

August 30, 2024 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release


GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Charlotte Independence won the USL Jägermeister Cup East Group with a 1-0 victory over Greenville Triumph SC on Friday evening at Paladin Stadium. The Jacks are one of four teams to advance to the cup's knockout round which begins on Wednesday, September 11. Pairings for the semifinals will be confirmed at the conclusion of the weekend.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The first half started mostly calm with neither team threatening until #56 Gabriel Obertan unleashed a shot from inside the penalty area which rattled the right goalpost in the 16th minute. Obertan was heavily involved in the offense on the right side of the Jacks' attack.

With two first-half yellow cards shown to Greenville's #29 Rodrigo Robles, the Independence held a one-player advantage beginning in the 34th minute. Prior to Robles' dismissal, the Independence had many chances from counter attacks, but Greenville became the team looking for counter attacking opportunities.

Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack was called into action multiple times in the first half, cutting off crosses and saving close-range attempts.

Halftime: Greenville Triumph SC 0, Charlotte Independence 0.

In the 52nd minute, #13 Anthony Sorenson received his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a 10v10 showdown for a spot in the USL Jägermeister Cup knockout round.

Similar to the first half, neither team was dangerous on the attack to open the second half. There was not a shot on target until #21 Dustin Corea put the Jacks in the lead in the 76th minute. #4 Nick Spielman sent a long ball up the pitch which bounced awkwardly off a Greenville defender. The ball fell into the path of #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. who managed to slot a pass through to Corea who scored while falling to the ground.

After Charlotte took the lead, Greenville pressured more on offense knowing that a goal was needed to keep the Triumph's hopes alive in the cup competition. The Independence held strong on defense to earn a clean sheet and maintain the unbeaten streak.

Fulltime: Greenville Triumph SC 0, Charlotte Independence 1.

IN THE NUMBERS:

This was the first win against Greenville Triumph on the road in club history.

The Jacks are undefeated in the last 10 games across all competitions for the first time since 2017.

#21 Dustin Corea scored his second goal for the Independence. Both goals were scored against Greenville Triumph in the USL Jägermeister Cup.

#29 J.C. Obregón Jr. recorded his third assist of the season. All three have occurred in the USL Jägermeister Cup.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On how the team battled for a result

"Tonight was a crazy night. You don't get too many games with two sendoffs and the momentum going back and forth. I was pleased with the character of the guys for sticking with the game through a hard night, finding a way to get a result and managing the game when it was 1-0 and holding on to a lead."

On the USL Jägermeister Cup

"It's an opportunity to win. The guys are motivated by the opportunity to win a trophy, and that's what it's about. Credit to the guys for fighting through it and managing it. We've had some hard games in the USL Jägermeister Cup, and it's nice to advance and give ourselves a chance to compete for a trophy."

#1 Austin Pack

On staying composed and focused

"The team was very disciplined throughout the whole game, and we were able to limit chances. It was an interesting game to navigate, but we did well to stay organized."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE:

The Charlotte Independence face One Knoxville SC on the road in USL League One play on Saturday, September 7 at 4:30 p.m. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

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United Soccer League One Stories from August 30, 2024


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