July 17, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Charlotte Independence recorded its second consecutive road victory on Tuesday evening, defeating Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, 0-2, in USL League One play. The Jacks return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m. against South Georgia Tormenta FC in the USL Jägermeister Cup. Tickets can be purchased at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
While Charlotte had much of the offensive possession to open the match, it was #1 Austin Pack who made the first save of the match, deflecting a close-range shot in the seventh minute.
A deflected shot by #6 Omar Ciss landed at the feet of #56 Gabriel Obertan who only had the goalkeeper to beat, but his shot was saved, keeping the game scoreless in the 13th minute.
Neither team had many dangerous chances on goal in the first half, but the Independence kept the pressure on the hosts. A corner kick in the 37th minute led to the opening goal scored by #8 Joel Johnson as his shot from the top of the penalty area somehow found its way into the back of the net with five Red Wolves defenders in the mix.
Pack made another impressive save, closing down space in front of a Chattanooga attacker on a corner kick in the 41st minute, to clear the ball away from the goal line.
Halftime: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 0, Charlotte Independence 1.
Charlotte’s lead was doubled in the 55th minute as a cross from #9 Kharlton Belmar created chaos in the Chattanooga penalty area. The ball deflected off of multiple defenders and was fumbled by the goalkeeper over the line for a goal.
A moment of chaos in the 71st minute resulted in the Independence going down to 10 players for the remainder of the match as #4 Nick Spielman was sent off. #7 Rayan Djedje was penalized for committing a foul in the penalty area, but Pack saved the penalty kick.
The Jacks were resilient on defense for the remainder of the match to secure the road victory and a clean sheet.
Fulltime: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 0, Charlotte Independence 2.
IN THE NUMBERS:
#56 Gabriel Obertan, who leads the team in USL League One assists this season, recorded his fourth assist of the year.
#8 Joel Johnson scored his fourth goal in all competitions this season.
The Jacks have stopped the opposition from scoring a first-half goal in eight of the 11 league games this season.
The Independence recorded back-to-back road wins in USL League One for the first…