May 15, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence defeated FC Tucson 2-1 on Sunday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. #11 Tresor Mbuyu and #2 Koa Santos scored to give the Jacks their third win of the season. The Independence will face Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on Wednesday, May 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium at 7:30 PM.
“I think it’s a good confidence boost for us defensively,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I think it showed a lot of heart and a lot of character. We bent a lot, they had obviously a lot of the possession but I thought the guys did a great job. We really didn’t concede a lot of great chances. I thought we put up a pretty good wall in front of Adrian, and Adrian kept things very organized, and credit to the guys I thought they performed really well in a difficult spot.”
The Independence broke through in the 18th minute with Mbuyu’s fourth goal of the season. #90 Khori Bennett’s header off a cross from #4 Diego Rocha was saved and deflected to Mbuyu waiting to slot it home tightly inside the near post for the Jacks’ first goal of the match.
“This team has a lot of talented guys,” stated Bennett. “Today I had an assist – possibly two with Tresor’s first goal. What it says is that the goals can come from anyone. Tresor is scoring a lot, and we encourage that, but at any moment anyone can step up and get the job done. So, that’s the type of team we have and that’s what a championship team is about.”
FC Tucson leveled the score with a curling attempt from #22 Tyler Moss, but it did not take long for the Jacks to respond, as the score was only tied for five minutes before the Independence regained the lead.
Santos scored his first professional goal through a blazing shot launched from outside the penalty area to double the tally for the Independence in the 43rd minute.
The Independence proved to be dangerous on set pieces as…