April 30, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence defeated the defending USL League One champs, Union Omaha, in a stoppage time thriller tonight at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The final score was 2-1 after two late goals by #9 Ivan Luquetta and #90 Khori Bennett. The Jacks are on the road next week to face South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, May 7 at Optim Health System Field in Statesboro, GA. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM. Fans can live stream the match for free on bahakelsports.com or watch over-the-air on antenna TV’s WCCB Channel 18.5.
“I’m very proud of the team for showing a lot of heart and character, especially, again, coming back from a goal down,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “We’ve managed to keep ourselves in games and find ways to get an equalizer and get a result. I’m really proud of the guys. I think it was a hard night because Omaha is a very experienced team and we had a lot of issues, but I thought the guys kept composure and obviously kept the fight going and when we were down a goal, we managed to push really hard to get an equalizer.”
First half action set the stage. The Jacks made their first rally in the 16th minute of play after #16 Tomas Maya ran up the wing and into the attack. He played a cross to the back post where #2 Koa Santos was there to collect. He volleyed a ball into the head of #6 Omar Ciss who put it just over the crossbar.
Union Omaha matched the opportunity in the 22nd minute off a corner kick towards the back post which was headed once over to #4 Alex Touche whose attempted bicycle kick skimmed off the crossbar.
The score remained all square at halftime: Charlotte Independence 0 – Union Omaha 0.
After 20 minutes into the second half, Union Omaha was first to strike. It was #7 Noe Meza who took a right footed shot into the upper right corner of the net. Union Omaha took the lead by 1.
Another 20 minutes…