September 11, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
MADISON, Wis. – The Charlotte Independence were eliminated from the USL Jägermeister Cup after dropping the semifinal match against Forward Madison, 1-2, at Breese Stevens Field on Wednesday evening. The Jacks return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. against the Richmond Kickers. Tickets are available at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
#14 Luis Álvarez took an early shot from outside the penalty area, forcing the Madison goalkeeper to make a diving save in the second minute.
Another dangerous attacking chance came in the ninth minute as a long ball found #8 Joel Johnson who managed to cut around a defender, but his shot was saved by #1 Bernd Schipmann. This led to three consecutive corner kicks, but the Jacks could not capitalize on the set pieces.
Everyone was joining the attack as #13 Anthony Sorenson unleashed a powerful, long-range shot in the 16th minute, resulting in another save for Schipmann.
The first major save #1 Austin Pack was forced to make came in the 21st minute as an attempted clearance by #7 Rayan Djedje hit a Forward Madison player and bounced back towards Pack, requiring a quick reaction save. Pack was then called into action again in the 23rd minute for a kick save after a through ball for the Flamingos.
Charlotte was inches away from scoring in the 25th minute as #56 Gabriel Obertan’s cross into the center of the penalty area was struck by a sliding Madison defender into the goalpost. Álvarez nearly got a shot in before the defender made contact with the ball.
A scramble in the penalty area led to the Flamingos’ opening goal in the 34th minute. Multiple failed clearances and deflections put the ball in the path of #4 Mitchell Osmond whose strike went into the top netting.
Pack put his body on the line in the 38th minute as he saved a first-time volley by #22 Stephen Payne stemming from a cross.
Seconds before halftime, the Jacks equalized through a goal scored by Álvarez. A cross from Sorenson bounced through the penalty area to Johnson. He was only able to get a touch on the ball which sent it back to Álvarez. After a cut back to avoid a defender, he sent the ball in the back of the net.
Halftime: Forward Madison FC 1, Charlotte Independence 1.
The even scoreline did not last long as Madison took the lead in the 47th minute. Another loose ball in front of goal was fatal for the Jacks…