May 25, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
WINDSOR, Colo. – The Charlotte Independence tied Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 2-2, and fell in the USL Jägermeister Cup penalty shootout, 4-2, on Saturday evening. The Jacks are back at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. against South Georgia Tormenta FC. Purchase tickets at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack was called into action early in the match, saving a powerful shot by the Hailstorm aimed towards the top right corner of the goal in the fourth minute.
A lucky deflection gave Northern Colorado the lead in the 14th minute. Pack made a quick diving save which was followed by a block by #13 Anton Sorenson. Pack then made another save, and #17 Clay Dimick slid inside the net to clear the ball, but #27 Bruno Rendón jumped in the way to force the ball into the back of the net.
After the Independence defense withstood heavy pressure from Northern Colorado, the Jacks turned it around and found a breakthrough in the 27th minute. #8 Joel Johnson hit a curling shot into the top right corner from outside the penalty area to tie the score.
The Jacks continued attacking with numerous chances crafted by skilled passing between #56 Gabriel Obertan and #29 J.C. Obregón Jr.
Halftime: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 1, Charlotte Independence 1.
A quick counterattack led to a second stellar goal by the Independence. #14 Luis Alvarez carried the ball up the pitch and found Obertan on the left side. Obertan utilized his foot skills to force a Hailstorm defender backwards before passing back to Alvarez just outside the penalty area. Alvarez curled a first-touch shot into the side netting for the lead in the 52nd minute.
Charlotte faced a great deal of pressure from the hosts again, including two long-range shots off the crossbar. Northern Colorado scored a late equalizer in the 88th minute off a header by #11 Marky Hernández on a cross into the penalty area.
Fulltime: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 2, Charlotte Independence 2.
Per usual in USL Jägermeister Cup matches, the teams compete in a penalty shootout if the score is tied after regulation. Two penalty kicks for the Independence were unsuccessful while the Hailstorm scored four to secure an extra point in the tournament standings.
IN THE NUMBERS:
#1 Austin Pack logged 10 saves in the match.
#56 Gabriel Obertan recorded two assists in the match.
#15 Noah Pilato made…