May 4, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
FRESNO, Calif. – The Charlotte Independence secured a 3-1 victory over Central Valley Fuego FC on Friday night at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium. This win extended the Jacks’ unbeaten streak to eight matches in all competitions. The Independence face Atlanta United in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. The match can be streamed for free at uslsoccer.com/watch.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The first shot on goal by either side was a penalty kick converted by #21 Robert Coronado in the 10th minute, giving Central Valley Fuego an early lead.
Charlotte controlled much of the first half but did not have many chances that tested the Fuego goalkeeper.
#29 J.C. Obregón Jr. tied it up in the 39th minute with his fifth goal in all competitions this season. #8 Joel Johnson crossed the ball to the center of the pitch to the feet of #6 Omar Ciss who was able to touch it to Obregón Jr. who netted the ball on his first touch.
Halftime: Central Valley Fuego FC 1, Charlotte Independence 1.
Obregón Jr. continued his attacking prowess in the second half and earned a penalty kick in the 57th minute. He then slotted the kick for his second goal of the night and second brace of the season.
After Charlotte took the lead, possession shifted in Central Valley’s favor as the hosts searched for a goal.
A mistake by Fuego goalkeeper #1 Andre Zuluaga spurred a third goal for the Jacks. Obregón Jr. intercepted a poor pass into the midfield from Zuluaga and found #56 Gabriel Obertan who shouldered off a defender in the penalty area. The veteran hit a solid back pass to #14 Luis Alvarez who slotted the ball into the back of the net for a 3-1 lead.
Fulltime: Central Valley Fuego FC 1, Charlotte Independence 3.
IN THE NUMBERS:
Charlotte is unbeaten in the last eight games in all competitions for the first time since 2021.
#29 J.C. Obregón Jr. scored his second and third goals in USL League One play and now has six goals in eight appearances in all competitions this season.
The Independence held the majority of the possession (58%) in the first half for the first time this season in USL League One play.
Obregón Jr. notched his second brace of the season (4/16 vs. Rhode Island FC).
Three of the Jacks’ seven goals in USL League One matches this season have been scored in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Two of seven have been scored in the final 15 minutes of the second half.
#14 Luis…