Juan Carlos Obregon Jr. scores his 4th goal on the season, Jacks survive a third PK shootout
The Charlotte Independence secured two points in tonight’s USL Jägermeister Cup victory over South Georgia Tormenta FC, after facing a penalty kick shootout for the third time across all competitions in 2024.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Charlotte Independence took their chances early in the match with the first strike coming in the 2nd minute from #11 Tresor Mbuyu. He dribbled into the box, made a couple moves, cut the ball onto his right foot, and struck it low. The shot was saved by Tormenta goalkeeper, #1 Ford Parker.
The Jacks earned the first corner kick of the match in the 7th minute. It was #14 Luis Alvarez who played the service into the near post, finding #29 Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. He got a head to it and placed it across frame and into the back corner of the net. Independence led by one.
Tormenta found more looks towards the end of the first half, including back-to-back corner kicks that were both defended well by the Jacks.
The first half concluded with a low cross by #14 Nicholas Akoto, but it was defender #4 Nick Spielman who tracked back to make the tackle at the near post.
#21 Philip Spengler kicked off the second half with back-to-back strikes for Tormenta. Both shots were saved by a diving #1 Austin Pack of the Independence.
Frenchman, Gabriel Obertan, made his return to the pitch this evening for the first time since the team’s home opener in March. He brought an immediate spark for the Jacks, finding his way into the box, creating space and finding dangerous passes into the final third.
A misclear by #13 Anton Sorenson, conceded the corner kick which resulted in Tormenta’s stoppage time goal which came off the head of #9 Sebastian Vivas.
With a tie after regulation, the USL Jägermeister Cup rules send the match straight to penalty kicks. The Independence faced their third PK shootout of the season, and it was Austin Pack again who came up big at the very end. Penalty kick results:
Charlotte Independence:
#9 Kharlton Belmar – ✅
#4 Nick Spielman – ✅
#15 Noah Pilato – ✅
#8 Joel Johnson – ✅
#27 Bachir Ndiaye – ✅
South Georgia Tormenta FC:
#10 Pedro Fonseca – ✅
#21 Philip Spengler – ✅
#7 Niall Watson – ✅
#16 Mason Tunbridge – ✅
#3 Joshua Ramos – ❌
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Austin Pack improves his penalty kick saves to seven on the season. Six were saved in penalty kick shootouts, one was saved during the run of play.
- Tonight’s penalty kick shootout was the third for the Independence across all competitions in 2024. Two previous instances came in the U.S. Open Cup.
- Jacks improve to seven unbeaten matches across all competitions.
QUOTES:
Head Coach, Mike Jeffries
Overall thoughts after getting a first look at Tormenta
“I thought we were very solid at the beginning of the game. Our goal came off a set piece, but I think we really pushed the tempo the first 15 minutes. We sort of lost our way for a bit later in the first half, and then once we got past the first five minutes of the second half, I thought we had the game well in hand and it was a game we should have closed out. We were in a spot where we had a chance to close the game out with possession, and we turned it over, conceded an unnecessary corner and a goal off the corner. So, a little bit frustrating for sure and it cost us a point on the night.”
On Juan Carlos Obregon impact in the attack
“JC has been excellent for us. He’s got great energy, great work rate. He’s done a good job of holding balls up and allowing us to play through him and he always puts himself in good spots in the box and finds ways to create or get chances. He fits very well with the guys and has been a great addition to our group.”
On the mindset heading into the first USL Jägermeister Cup Match
“At this point in the competition, we treat it like any other game. It’s a game we want to win and want to continue to push ourselves along and be better each weekend.”
Facing a penalty kick shootout for the third time this season
“The guys had good composure, and in the end, we give a lot of credit to Austin for coming up with a big play, which he did again tonight.”
Forward Juan Carlos Obregon Jr.
On settling into the Independence attack
“Feels great to get another goal, and it was a great team effort tonight. I’ve enjoyed working my way into the team’s attack and being creative with my movement in front of goal. I also feel fully fit now, so I’m really pushing to help the team as much as I can.”
On finding success in front of goal
“I think my patience and movement in front of goal has been the main factors in being able to find success in recent games. Each game we’re playing better collectively, and I hope to continue to score more goals and help the team win games.”
Defender Clay Dimick
On the USL Jägermeister Cup
“It’s always a good challenge playing in a cup game knowing there’s a trophy on the line. It doesn’t change our mentality, we want to win and compete at our best every time we step on the field.”
On a first look at Tormenta
“Tormenta are always an organized, hard working, side which we knew going into the game. I think for the large majority of the game we did well, and were the better team. But, we can not switch off at the end of the game and give away a late goal. It’s something we have to learn from, and I am certain we will do just that. This is a group that wants to win, and is not satisfied giving away a point at the end like that.”
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence are on the road again next week at Central Valley Fuego FC on Friday, May 3. The match kicks off at Fresno State Soccer Park at 10:30 p.m. ET. Live stream the match on ESPN+.
