USL Charlotte Independence

Missed Opportunities Leave Independence with 2-2 Draw against Red Bulls II

Published on August 5, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


Charlotte Independence vs. New York Red Bulls II
Charlotte Independence vs. New York Red Bulls II
(Charlotte Independence)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 5, 2015) - It was a topsy-turvy game for the Charlotte Independence as they drew New York Red Bulls II at home, 2-2, on Wednesday night. A brace from forward Dominique Badji put Charlotte ahead 2-1, but a late strike from Leonard Stolz saw both sides come away with a point.

Red Bulls II started strong when Franklin Castellanos drove one into the net in the 5th minute. A deflected throw-in saw the ball roll out in front of the winger. Castellanos took a single touch before he crushed it into the right corner.

Charlotte settled into the game almost immediately after and began to dominate the chances. The Independence scuffed a number a opportunities before Badji drew the home side level in the 24th minute. A simple three pass counter attack put Badji one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It was a brilliant finish from Badji, who lifted it over the on-rushing Rafael Diaz.

"Last week I had a similar chance where I should have chipped the keeper," Badji said of his first USL goal. "I saw him coming out and I just put it over him."

Charlotte continued to beat New York into defense, but could not find the net again before halftime.

Badji wasn't done on the evening though, and just after the restart he bagged his second. A simple triangle attack initiated by midfielder Carlos Alvarez put fellow midfielder Enzo Martinez in a prime position at the top of the box. Martinez played a square ball across goal and Badji hit it first time into the lower corner.

"It was a simple finish," Badji said. "We work on those in practice during the week. As soon as I hit it, I knew it was in."

Unfortunately for Charlotte, the scoring wasn't over. It was a momentary lapse in defending that gifted Stolz a chance from the left side of the box in the 73rd minute. The German midfielder powered a simple finish into the top of the net to even the score.

Despite Charlotte's dominance of the first 70 minutes, the goal saw the momentum swing in favor of New York. A determined Red Bulls side began to pound the Charlotte net, but Matt Lampson and crew were able to maintain the scoreline for the last 20 minutes.

"We wasted too many chances early on in the game," Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. "We had so many chances in the first half that we didn't bury. You miss those chances, you get punished for it. And we did."

Despite coming off a Saturday fixture, Jeffries ruled out the short turnaround as a factor. "They played a day later than us," he said of New York. "They traveled, and they still pushed us. So I don't think we can use that as an excuse."

Charlotte will hope to avenge the loss next Wednesday when it travels to New York for a rematch with the Red Bulls II, a contest that will be heavy with playoff implications. The two sides will kickoff at 7:30pm on Aug. 12 at Red Bull Arena.

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Charlotte Independence vs. New York Red Bulls II
Charlotte Independence vs. New York Red Bulls II
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 5, 2015


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