USL League One News

Goalkeeper Matt Levy entered as a sub and secured the clean sheet; Direct free kick led to winning goal

WINDSOR, Colo. (July 6, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence earned a physical road win against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on Saturday evening at Future Legends Complex. The Jacks return to play against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. at CHI Memorial Stadium. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Both teams played at a slower tempo for most of the first 30 minutes of the match. Each team challenged the opposing goalkeepers around the 36th minute, but otherwise, the offensive production was limited overall. 

Halftime: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 0, Charlotte Independence 0.

A shot off the post by Northern Colorado in the 50th minute and subsequent action to clear the ball forced #1 Austin Pack to leave the pitch due to injury after numerous attempts to remain in the game.

In the 55th minute, goalkeeper #28 Matt Levy started a quick break for the Jacks with a throw to #17 Clay Dimick on the right wing. After a pass from Dimick, #8 Joel Johnson sent a long ball into the penalty area where #9 Kharlton Belmar centered the ball with a header. A Hailstorm defender tried to head the ball back to the goalkeeper and nearly sent it into the back of the net, but it trickled out for a corner kick.

Another promising attack for the Independence started from the back with a long dribble by #7 Rayan Djedje in the 61st minute. His pass to Belmar in the penalty area was then crossed to #29 J.C. Obregón Jr., but Northern Colorado cleared it away from danger.

The Jacks suddenly took the lead off a direct free kick in the 68th minute. #14 Luis Alvarez swung in a well-placed ball from the middle third of the pitch directly to the head of Obregón Jr. who beat the Hailstorm goalkeeper at the near post.

Levy made multiple crucial saves as Northern Colorado pushed to find an equalizer. The Jacks weathered the storm on defense as the hosts held 67.9% possession during the final 15 minutes of the match. 

Fulltime: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 0, Charlotte Independence 1.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• #28 Matt Levy made his professional debut, entering as a substitute in the second half.
• This was the first road win against Northern Colorado Hailstorm for the Independence all-time.
• The Independence attempted seven shots in this game, the lowest total in a single match for the Jacks in USL League One this season.
• Charlotte ended the Hailstorm’s 10-match unbeaten streak with the 1-0 win.
  

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On how the team managed the game
“I was really happy. This is obviously a very hard place to play. I thought we came into the game with a good mentality and felt really comfortable with the first half.” 

On holding on to the win
“The goal was obviously good fortune for us a little bit, but after the goal, we did a great job of grinding the game out, defending really stoutly, working hard, and managing it.

On Matt Levy making his professional debut
“Credit to Matt for his debut game. He was extremely composed, handled all the plays very cleanly, and showed a lot of poise and confidence coming in for his debut.”

#28 Matt Levy

On preparing for his debut moment
“Honestly it was just another day in the office. My faith is extremely important to me and putting trust in God gives me the confidence to play and enjoy every moment of the game, so there are no nerves if my name is called. Faith and preparation allow me to be ready at any moment.”

On his performance in the match
“I need to thank Jesus for the ability to play the game I love. When I came in, I had to be locked in from the very beginning because there was still a lot of time on the clock. I didn’t have time to let my mind wander. The clean sheet and win was the product of a collective team performance, and I’m extremely grateful for how the guys encouraged me in the game. It couldn’t have been a better result for the club heading into the break.”

#17 Clay Dimick

On attacking from the backline
“One of our strengths as a team is our ability to make runs from deep, whether that be our fullbacks or midfielders. There were effective moments of that during the game for sure.”

On what this win means to the team
“This is a huge win for the team. I couldn’t be prouder of the fight and togetherness the team showed tonight!”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE:

The Charlotte Independence travel to face Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. at CHI Memorial Stadium. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

Goals by Obertan (6’) and Johnson (37’)

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 29, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence tied the Richmond Kickers, 2-2, on Saturday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium in the USL Jägermeister Cup. The Jacks are on the road against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on Saturday, July 6 at 9:00 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed on ESPN+. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Jacks took an early lead in the sixth minute after quick back-and-forth passing between #8 Joel Johnson and #56 Gabriel Obertan at the top of the penalty area. Obertan found an opening in the Richmond defense and sent a shot into the back of the net. 

A strike from outside the penalty area by #10 Nil Vinyals tied the score for Richmond in the 22nd minute.

The same pairing that combined for the first Independence goal connected again for the second in the 37th minute. Obertan crossed the ball to Johnson who headed it into the back of the net.

Mimicking what happened earlier, the Kickers evened the score with a goal by Vinyals from outside the penalty area at the beginning of first-half stoppage time.

Halftime: Charlotte Independence 2, Richmond Kickers 2.

Obertan continued to create in the second half with a volleyed pass to #29 J.C. Obregón Jr., but his shot was tipped over the bar by the Richmond goalkeeper.

Charlotte kept battling in what became a very physical contest. The Jacks subbed on #10 Miguel Ibarra and #11 Tresor Mbuyu looking for a spark on offense.

The Independence nearly had a third goal in second-half stoppage time as Obregón Jr.’s shot from an unmarked position went a few inches wide of the right post.

End of Regulation: Charlotte Independence 2, Richmond Kickers 2.

Per the USL Jägermeister Cup rules, the match entered a penalty shootout to determine the winner of an extra point in the group standings. Richmond won the shootout, 4-5.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• #56 Gabriel Obertan and #8 Joel Johnson each recorded one goal and one assist in the game.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the different lineup fielded today
“The group that was on the field played very solidly throughout the day. I’m very disappointed that we got the lead twice and couldn’t hold onto it and that we didn’t close down two shots from distance. We managed the game in the second half fairly well but couldn’t find a winner. I was pleased. I thought a lot of guys stepped up whether it was on the field or into a new position.”

On the defensive performance
“The back group managed crosses really well all night, credit to them, because we knew that was going to be an issue with Richmond. I thought we did a good job of keeping the game in front of us, we just missed a couple chances.”

On Gabriel Obertan and Joel Johnson’s performances
“Gabi was fantastic. He scored a wonderful goal and basically did all the work on the second goal and played a beautiful ball to Joel. It was a great run by Joel. It’s nice to see him find his way into the box and be in a spot that’s dangerous. He was a little more aggressive in attack than he’s been in other games.”

#4 Nick Spielman

On how the team adjusted to the different lineup
“We adjusted fine. In practice, we rotate a lot, so we were able to translate that from practice to the game.”

On the defensive performance
“We could have stepped a bit harder when the ball went backwards, but overall we were solid and limited them to chances outside the box and not really inside the box.”

#8 Joel Johnson

On the offensive performance
“It was great. Unfortunately we conceded soon after scoring, so we had to build again. The team played really well, but sometimes it goes like this, and we have to keep working.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence are on the road against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on Saturday, July 6 at 9:00 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed on ESPN+. 

GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 19, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence were shut out by the Greenville Triumph in a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday evening at Paladin Stadium. The Jacks’ next match is Saturday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium against the Richmond Kickers. Purchase tickets at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The first ten minutes of play included dangerous chances for both sides, as #14 Luis Alvarez recorded the first shot of the match in the third minute.

The Triumph opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a goal by #9 Lyam MacKinnon after a turnover by the Jacks in the center of the pitch.

#1 Austin Pack made many crucial saves throughout the first half, keeping the match close. His first major save came in the 14th minute off of a Triumph corner kick where he punched the ball over the net. Pack also came off his line shortly after to disrupt a Greenville counterattack.

Alvarez continued to create opportunities for the Jacks with his movement. In the 19th minute, Alvarez had a great shot outside of the penalty area, but it bounced off the right goalpost.

As the half continued, the Triumph started to pick up momentum, and possessed comfortably. Many of Charlotte’s chances came from counterattacks, and #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. created many opportunities from his high pressure throughout the half.

Halftime: Greenville Triumph SC 1, Charlotte Independence 0.

Shortly into the second half, #8 Joel Johnson headed the ball towards goal inside the penalty area coming from a cross off of #17 Clay Dimick.

Alvarez continued to push the pace. In the 55th minute, he had another great look outside of the penalty area, but the Triumph keeper made a diving save to keep his shot out of the net.

The Jacks held much more possession in the second half, with many substitutes coming on and creating opportunities. #11 Tresor Mbuyu came on as a substitute and made an immediate impact, creating corner kicks and making runs on the wings.

In the 84th minute, Triumph midfielder #12 Evan Lee scored off a half volley in the penalty area to put Greenville up two goals.

The Jacks continued to battle as the half expired, but no chances were converted.

Fulltime: Greenville Triumph SC 2, Charlotte Independence 0.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• #56 Gabriel Obertan made his 450th career appearance across all clubs.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the first half performance
“I was frustrated with the first half. We didn’t do a good job managing their pressure. It felt like we were conceding too much space in the midfield. They were able to play through us in the center of the field too easily, and we needed to be better in that area.”

On how well the team made adjustments
“We pushed the game in the second half fairly well and got some good looks. We did have a couple half chances; we hit the post and forced a couple saves out of them. We didn’t do quite enough in the final third to get the goal, and I’m disappointed that we conceded the second one at a point where we were pushing the game pretty hard.”

#17 Clay Dimick

On how the team adjusted to the game
“I think as the game progressed we continued to fight and try to get back in the game, but we are definitely frustrated with the final result.”

#7 Rayan Djedje

On his role as a first-half substitute
“When I went in the game, I wanted to bring more intensity in the midfield. We were more dangerous in the second half when we attacked on transitions and could have created more chances if we were more decisive on the final passes.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

The Charlotte Independence host the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Purchase tickets at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.

Goals by Belmar (45+’) , Obregón Jr. (57′, 87′), Alvarez (83′)

CHARLOTTE, NC. (June 14, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence earned a 4-2 victory at home against the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Friday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks head to Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. against Greenville Triumph SC. Purchase tickets at charlotteindependence.com/tickets. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

Early miscommunication by the Independence gave Chattanooga an advantage with a goal from #10 Mayele Malango in the first minute. The Red Wolves doubled the lead shortly after with another goal by Malango, assisted by #22 Stefan Lukic.

The Jacks responded with sustained pressure as #29 JC Obregón Jr. narrowly missed a chance following a one-on-one breakaway against the Chattanooga goalkeeper. The first half progressed with the Independence creating numerous attacking opportunities. A foul just outside the penalty area by a Chattanooga defender led to a free kick for the Independence. #4 Nick Spielman delivered a cross to Obregón Jr., who headed the ball just over the goal.

In stoppage time of the first half, #14 Luis Alvarez sent a cross into the box, allowing #9 Kharlton Belmar to volley the ball into the net, reducing the deficit to one goal at halftime.

Halftime: Charlotte Independence 1, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2.

Charlotte started the second half strong, creating multiple chances in front of goal. The Jacks found success with crosses into the box, and in the 57th minute, #13 Anton Sorenson delivered a firm pass which Obregón Jr. calmly finished to tie the game. This was Sorenson’s first goal contribution of the season.

As the second half progressed, possession fluctuated between both teams. A crucial save by Independence goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack kept Charlotte in the game with just 10 minutes remaining.

In the 83rd minute, Alvarez unleashed a powerful shot into the top right corner, scoring his fifth goal in all competitions and giving the Jacks a lead.

Just minutes later, in the 87th minute, the Independence extended its lead to two goals as #56 Gabriel Obertan lofted a ball into the box for Obregón Jr., who secured his second goal of the night.

Fulltime: Charlotte Independence 4, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2.

IN THE NUMBERS:

• The Independence scored four unanswered goals.
• #9 Kharlton Belmar scored his second goal of the season in all competitions, first in USL League One play.
• #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. scored his 10th and 11th goals in all competitions this season. This was Obregón Jr.’s third brace of the season.
• #13 Anton Sorenson made his first goal contribution of the season, assisting on Obregón Jr.’s goal.
• #14 Luis Alvarez scored his fifth goal in all competitions and added his fourth assist of the season. 
• #56 Gabriel Obertan recorded his fourth assist in the last three matches.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the rough start
“The start couldn’t have been more disastrous. The first goal was kind of a flukey goal, but we weren’t really mentally in it either. We never touched the ball and had a miscommunication on a basic play. We let it impact us too much, and it was a concentration mistake on the second goal, so it was almost two gifts. I give the guys credit for hanging in at that point. The key for us was getting the goal at the end of the first half.”

On how the team turned the game around
“Even when it got to 2-0, we slowly took control of the game, started to have possession, and got some chances and were pretty effective. At 2-0, they had the one chance at the end of the first half, but by and large, we limited what they were able to do with the ball. Then we came out in the second half, I thought we upped the level enough to make it difficult, and we got a few good goals out of it.”

#9 Kharlton Belmar

On the importance of his goal before halftime
“It was really important to go into halftime getting back into the game, and I think it helped us carry momentum into the second half where we got the rest of the goals we needed.”

On what the team can learn from this performance
“As much as we don’t want to go down 2-0, I think it shows a lot of heart and is something we can definitely build on for the games to come, showing that resilience to battle back and get a win.”

#14 Luis Alvarez

On how the team was able to turn the score around
“With the right attitude and right mentality, we never gave up even though we went down two goals, we were able to turn it around.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence face Greenville Triumph on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Paladin Stadium in Greenville, SC. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

Goal by Obregón Jr. (45+’)

RICHMOND, Va. (June 8, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence earned a 0-1 road victory in the USL Jägermeister Cup against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday evening at City Stadium. The Jacks are back at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Purchase tickets at charlotteindependence.com/tickets. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Both teams played a quiet opening 15 minutes as neither side recorded a shot. #8 Joel Johnson helped keep the score even with a crucial sliding tackle in the penalty area before the Richmond attacker could shoot. The Kickers notched three shots in just a couple plays around the 20 minute mark, but none of them were accurate enough to test goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack.

Play continued to circulate through the midfield for the remainder of the first half. Richmond’s other promising attack was halted by another sliding block by an Independence defender, this time by #4 Nick Spielman. 

In the only allotted minute of first half stoppage time, Charlotte’s #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. scored the game-winning goal. The striker passed the ball to #14 Luis Alvarez who maneuvered through many Richmond defenders in the penalty area before passing the ball across the face of goal to Obregón Jr. unmarked for an easy goal.

Halftime: Richmond Kickers 0, Charlotte Independence 1.

The Jacks were off to a quick start in the second half as Obregón Jr. hit a volley towards goal while turning in the 46th minute, but the goalkeeper deflected it away from the frame. The Roos flipped the field and had a dangerous chance which Pack secured with a close-range diving save.

Charlotte’s defense was certainly busy as Pack was forced into another diving save. This time, the ball bounced backwards toward goal, and #17 Clay Dimick made a sliding goal-line save to narrowly keep the ball from crossing the line.  

Alvarez and Obregón Jr. continued connecting as the Jacks thought the lead was doubled in the 74th minute, but the offside flag was raised against Obregón Jr.

The second half was an intense battle between the two sides that will play each other three more times this season. Charlotte withstood heavy pressure from the Kickers, including multiple corner kicks in stoppage time and a powerful shot which was blocked by Pack’s face. 

Fulltime: Richmond Kickers 0, Charlotte Independence 1.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. scored his ninth goal of the season in all competitions.
• The Independence held 61% possession in the first half yet only recorded one shot which resulted in the game-winning goal.
• The Jacks held Richmond without a shot on goal in the first half.
• Charlotte recorded its first clean sheet since April 20.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On taking the lead right before halftime
“We played a really solid first half. We were good about possession and moving the ball better than we have been on other days. The goal was a fantastic goal – credit to all the guys involved, of course J.C. and Luis for the skill and the movement to set it up. Obviously it helps us going into halftime with confidence and feeling like it is a game that we can find a way to win.”

On closing out the game for the win
“They came out and changed a few things in the second half. They put us under pressure pretty quickly, and I’m proud of the guys for making the adjustments, handling the game, and closing the game out. It was a win for us from that end because they threw everything at us and I thought we did a really good job of closing the game out and limiting the chances they had.” 

On the defensive effort by the whole team
“Everybody was contributing. We had a lot of blocked shots and a few good desperation plays which enabled us to keep it from getting to Austin. Then, Austin made a huge play at the end of the game and was very solid throughout the game.”

#1 Austin Pack 

On the whole team’s defensive performance
“The team stood strong defensively all night. The back line put in a lot of work blocking shots and winning headers. That resulted in us keeping the clean sheet and earning three points on the road.”

#15 Noah Pilato

On facing a tough Richmond defense
“Credit to Richmond for being very compact in their defensive third. I thought we were patient, kept the ball very well, moved them around and then took our chance when it came. It’s a credit to our resilience and ability to stick with the game plan when things weren’t opening up initially.”

On getting a much-needed win
“That was a very gritty win for the boys. It is huge for our confidence because we have been on the wrong side of those close games recently. It’s another testament to our resilience to see out a really tough game on the road and earn a huge three points to get us back on track.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence host Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Friday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Purchase tickets at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.