March 28, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence earned its first win of the 2024 USL League One season with a stoppage time winner over Spokane Velocity FC on Thursday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks host South Carolina United Heat in the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Charlotte held Spokane without a shot on target in the first half while the Jacks created multiple threatening chances offensively.
The Independence earned a dangerous free kick outside the penalty area in the 12th minute. #13 Anton Sorenson’s service swung to the back post where #7 Rayan Djedje headed the ball to #3 Hugh Roberts II, but his header was caught by Velocity’s goalkeeper, #1 Carlos Merancio.
Another free kick, this one further out, in the 40th minute from #14 Luis Alvarez reached the penalty area and found #4 Nick Spielman. His looping header was narrowly caught by Merancio.
Alvarez sent a curling shot towards the top right post from outside the penalty area in the 43rd minute, but it landed wide. Neither team found a breakthrough in the first half.
Halftime: Charlotte Independence 0, Spokane Velocity FC 0.
It only took 22 seconds for the Jacks to score in the second half. Charlotte began possession with the kickoff and worked the ball over to #11 Tresor Mbuyu. Alvarez launched a first-touch shot off of Mbuyu’s cross, and the rebound from Merancio’s save went directly to #8 Joel Johnson who buried the shot.
The Independence defense held Spokane without a shot for the middle 30 minutes of the match, but much of Velocity’s offense stemmed from crosses. The visitors tied the score in the 72nd minute with a goal by #2 Javier Martin Gil off a cross by #11 Pierre Reedy.
Not long after entering as a substitute, #24 Denzel Akyeampong had a threatening chance on offense along the endline, but his shot was saved. The Independence continued attacking through the end of the game. #9 Kharlton Belmar almost finished a loose ball in the Spokane defense, but Merancio secured the ball first.
In the 96th minute, Alvarez scored a solo goal to give Charlotte a late lead. An attempted pass by Spokane deflected off of #2 Fabrice Nagh, and the ball landed in Alvarez’s path. He sent a shot through multiple defenders from the top of the penalty area into the far post for the lead.
Fulltime: Charlotte Independence 2, Spokane Velocity FC 1.
NOTABLES
#13 Anton…