September 14, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
The Charlotte Independence fell to Richmond Kickers by a score of 0-1 on Saturday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
How It Happened:
The match began with good spells of possession for both sides. Charlotte had the first look at goal in the 11th minute with #29 JC Obregon Jr. hitting a strike from the top of the box. The shot was saved by Richmond GK #35 James Sneddon.
Independence went on the attack again in the 22nd minute when a through ball to #11 Tresor Mbuyu resulted in a first-time shot on frame. Sneddon got a touch on it, to push the ball out for the Jacks first corner kick of the match. The corner was taken by #21 Dustin Correa and served deep towards the back of the box. A header away by Richmond fell to the feet of #13 Anthony Sorenson. He struck the shot low and missed just wide.
In combination play up the right wing, Richmond was able to get endline and cut a pass back towards the top of the box. The shot missed high over the crossbar. Richmond tested Independence goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack in the 26th minute. The free kick was hit straight to the hands of Pack.
Charlotte’s best look came in the 31st minute. Obregon intercept a pass across Richmond’s back line that fell to #6 Omar Ciss. Ciss played a pass wide to Mbuyu who dribbled down the left wing. Taking on his defender, he cut towards the endline. The shot floated across the frame of goal and knocked off the back post.
The Jacks saw a couple more chances to finish the half but were unable to find the back of the net.
Halftime, Charlotte Independence 0 – Richmond Kickers 0
Pack made an early diving save to keep the Jacks level early into the second half.
A corner kick taken by #14 Luis Alvarez curved into the box in the 73rd minute. Congestion near the goalkeeper forced a drop, but Sneddon was quick to recover.
An error on the Jacks defense left #8 Joao Gomiero one on one with Pack. He faked a shot, cut to the left and slotted a pass in for the goal.
The Independence final good look at goal came in the 80th minute off a cross from Sorenson. The ball was low and Alvarez tried to push a pass through with his heel, but it was ultimately cleared out of play by the Richmond defense.
Final Score, Charlotte Independence 0 – Richmond Kickers 1.
Quotes:
Head Coach, Mike Jeffries
On his overall thoughts on the match:
“Frustrated. We knew it was going to be a hard night with the schedule that we’ve had and playing…