August 3, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence battled back for a 3-3 draw with Lexington SC thanks to a pair of late goals on Saturday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks host Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday, August 10 in the USL Jägermeister Cup. Purchase tickets at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Lexington’s first dangerous chance of the match came in the ninth minute as a through ball put #32 Ates Diouf in on goal. #1 Austin Pack raced out to block the shot.
The Jacks showed off good passing and movement around the pitch, leading to a central shot for #6 Omar Ciss in the 19th minute which was deflected out of bounds for a corner kick.
The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute with a long-range shot against the run of play by #17 Cameron Lancaster. A breakaway goal scored by Diouf doubled the lead for Lexington in the 39th minute. The deficit for Charlotte was 0-3 in the 45th minute as #21 Christian Lue-Young scored with a shot while dribbling towards the endline.
#56 Gabriel Obertan helped the Jacks stay within reach with a goal scored in stoppage time of the first half. #13 Anthony Sorenson received the ball in the penalty area and narrowly passed it back to Obertan as Sorenson was getting tackled by the goalkeeper. Obertan calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Halftime: Charlotte Independence 1, Lexington SC 3.
#11 Tresor Mbuyu entered the match as a substitute after the break and instantly created a chance on offense.
A scramble in the penalty area in the 62nd minute almost resulted in a second goal for Charlotte, but the Lexington defense blocked all attempts at goal. #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. had a dangerous chance, but his shot sailed wide.
The Independence controlled possession for much of the second half and continued fighting. #77 Clay Obara entered as a substitute and brought new energy to the offense for the final 10 minutes of regulation. Obara passed a short corner kick to Sorenson whose cross found the head of #27 Bachir Ndiaye for a goal in the 85th minute.
Charlotte used this energy to find a tying goal only two minutes later as a loose ball in the penalty area was finished by Obregón Jr.
As both teams were scrambling to find a game-winning goal in stoppage time, #7 Rayan Djedje made a huge block in the six-yard box on a wide open shot for Lexington.
Fulltime: Charlotte Independence 3, Lexington SC 3.
IN THE…