May 13, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Charlotte Independence News Release
Lexington, K.Y. – The Charlotte Independence were unable to find the back of the net in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Lexington Sporting Club. The Jacks return home next Sunday, May 21 to face in-state rivals North Carolina FC for the second match of the inaugural Dogwood Derby. Tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.
“We need to be better creating chances and finishing chances,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “We certainly need to be better in transition, especially defensively. I think tonight is frustrating in that we struggled in the first half, but I felt that we made a good push in the second half, but we ended up conceding a goal we didn’t manage well. I thought we showed a little bit of fight at the end, but not enough to get back into it.”
The match was off to a quick start in the 3rd minute when #8 Joel Johnson sent a long ball in to #11 Tresor Mbuyu. Mbuyu took a touch to settle it and sent a low cross toward goal, but it was deflected by the Lexington defender and cleared up field.
In the 15th minute, Lexington SC saw their first look at goal. It came from a shot outside the 18 yard box, however, Independence goalie #1 Austin Pack made a diving save to stop the hosts in their tracks.
The first yellow card of the game was shown to Charlotte’s #5 Shalom Dutey during the 17th minute to give Lexington a free kick from just outside the 18 yard box. The shot sailed over the net to keep the match knotted at 0-0.
In the 22nd minute, the Jack’s first corner kick of the game was taken by Charlotte’s #7 Avionne Flanagan. His corner flew over the heads of the Independence attackers and was cleared away.
#90 Khori Bennet looked to take matters into his own hands in the 24th minute and served up a promising ball, but it was reeled in by the Lexington goalkeeper.
Lexington had another chance in the 30th minute when #2 Tate Robertson found the ball at his feet. Robertson attempted to chip the ball over Pack, but he read it easily and recorded another save on the night, keeping the match tied at 0-0.
With just minutes left in the first half, Charlotte’s #6 Omar Ciss took a shot from distance that missed just high over the net.
At halftime, Lexington Sporting Club 0 – Charlotte Independence 0.
The Jacks came out strong in the second half, taking control of the ball early and often.
In the 50th minute, #10 Miguel Ibarra drove down the left wing and cut…