Late Goal from Finley Earns Charlotte a Point in Pittsburgh
August 15, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
Charlotte Independence vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
(Charlotte Independence)
PITTSBURGH, PA - The Charlotte Independence battled back from a goal and a man down to draw hosts Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 1-1. Two fantastic goals saw both teams split the points. Matshidiso Moloto struck first for Pittsburgh and sub Ryan Finley drew the Independence level in the dying minutes of the match.
Pittsburgh came out with high energy, but Charlotte's ability to move the ball quickly pulled the match in its favor. Independence forward Dominique Badji threatened the net first with a powerful left footed strike, but the Riverhounds got on the board first against the run of play.
It was a simple build up, but a truly excellent finish from Moloto in the 38th minute. A lofted ball found its way to his chest and, despite what looked like a shaky first touch, his volleyed finish from the top of the 18 blistered past an outstretched John Berner.
Things went from bad to worse for the Independence when Badji, perhaps Charlotte's best player up to that point, was sent off for an unseen off the ball incident. Despite being a man and a goal down, Mike Jeffries' side kept its foot on the gas and continued to get forward.
Charlotte struggled to create any clear cut chances, but after a number of set piece attempts, finally found the formula for an equalizer. Substitute Carlos Alvarez took a corner from the left side of the pitch and lofted a ball into the near post. It was by no means an easy finish, but Finley managed to contort his body and lift the ball into the roof of the net with a steaming header in the 86thminute.
While the Independence may feel lucky to get out of Pittsburgh with a point, they are still looking for their first road win. Charlotte will want to continue it's now six-game unbeaten streak next Saturday when they play host for the very same Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
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 Charlotte Independence vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds |
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