USL League One News

Atlanta United score three unanswered goals in the second half.

Kennesaw, G.A. (May 7, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence were knocked out of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night following a 3-0 loss to MLS club, Atlanta United at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia. The Jacks went on a historic run this year, making it to the Round of 32 for only the second time in club history. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Charlotte Independence raced to an exciting start in the 5th minute of play. A corner kick cleared by #3 Hugh Roberts was picked up by #14 Luis Alvarez who attacked with speed on the counter attack. Alavarez was taken down by Atlanta United defender #13 Dax McCarty just outside the box. The free kick taken by #2 Fabrice Ngah was hit into the wall with Atlanta regaining possession. 

Atlanta winger #25 Luke Brennan broke free in the 29th minute down the right flank and played a low cross into #62 Ashton Gordon. He tried to place it in the corner, but Independence goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack made the diving save. 

It was Brennan again for Atlanta in the 35th minute who dribbled through a pair of Charlotte defenders. His strike was blocked by the reaching Roberts at the top of the box. 

More momentum was gaining for the Jacks towards the end of the half. In the 39th minute, #29 JC Obregon Jr. went 1v1 with Atlanta’s left back. As he cut the dribble across the box, Obregon was taken down just outside earning another free kick, but the Jacks were unable to convert. 

The first half concluded with an Atlanta corner kick. The service found #30 Nicolas Firmino who sent it soaring high and out of play. 

Half Time: Atlanta United 0 – 0 Charlotte Independence

Atlanta put the pressure on in the second half with back-to-back looks at goal. The first trickled wide and the second was saved near the goal line by Independence defender #13 Anton Sorenson. 

Charlotte’s #56 Gabriel Obertan took a shot on frame in the 50th minute. It was blocked by Atlanta goalkeeper #22 Josh Cohen, who left a rebound in play, but no Jacks were nearby to challenge. 

Atlanta’s first goal came in the 52nd minute. Brennan played a short pass out to the overlapping #47 Matthew Edwards. He played a slotted pass back towards the PK spot and it was Firmino there to finish. 

Pack made back-to-back saves shortly after to try to keep the Jacks within one, but Atlanta kept knocking at the door. 

It was Firmino again in the 71st minute. Another pass was cut back towards the top of the six yard box, this time from the left wing, and Firmino found the side netting. 

Charlotte drew another free kick opportunity in the 81st minute. This one a bit further out was taken by Alvarez. The strike was on frame, but missed just over the crossbar. 

#15 Daniel Rios scored Atlanta’s third, and final, goal of the match in the 85th minute. 

Final Score: Atlanta United 3 – 0 Charlotte Independence

QUOTES:

Head Coach, Mike Jeffries
Overall Thoughts on the Night:

“Obviously disappointed. I felt like we managed the game pretty decently in the first half. They had some good chances, but when we found our shape, I thought we did ok. They came out in the second half and we didn’t react well on a few plays and obviously conceded. Then, when we had to chase the game, it was difficult. We got stretched out and obviously they are a very good group.”

Thoughts on the team’s open cup showing this season:
“We’ll look back and feel like it was a pretty good year in terms of just getting into a game against an MLS team. I felt like we were as prepared as we could be for tonight. I think we certainly developed some confidence and self-belief from the run in the Open Cup. I think we’ll be somewhat disappointed to see it end, but we’ll move forward and concentrate on the USL Jagermeister Cup and the regular season.” 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence host Forward Madison this Saturday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m. It’s Round Two of the USL Jagermeister Cup. Tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.

Goals by J.C. Obregón Jr. (39’ & 58’), Luis Alvarez (80’)

FRESNO, Calif. (May 4, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence secured a 3-1 victory over Central Valley Fuego FC on Friday night at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium. This win extended the Jacks’ unbeaten streak to eight matches in all competitions. The Independence face Atlanta United in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. The match can be streamed for free at uslsoccer.com/watch. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The first shot on goal by either side was a penalty kick converted by #21 Robert Coronado in the 10th minute, giving Central Valley Fuego an early lead.

Charlotte controlled much of the first half but did not have many chances that tested the Fuego goalkeeper.

#29 J.C. Obregón Jr. tied it up in the 39th minute with his fifth goal in all competitions this season. #8 Joel Johnson crossed the ball to the center of the pitch to the feet of #6 Omar Ciss who was able to touch it to Obregón Jr. who netted the ball on his first touch.

Halftime: Central Valley Fuego FC 1, Charlotte Independence 1.

Obregón Jr. continued his attacking prowess in the second half and earned a penalty kick in the 57th minute. He then slotted the kick for his second goal of the night and second brace of the season. 

After Charlotte took the lead, possession shifted in Central Valley’s favor as the hosts searched for a goal. 

A mistake by Fuego goalkeeper #1 Andre Zuluaga spurred a third goal for the Jacks. Obregón Jr. intercepted a poor pass into the midfield from Zuluaga and found #56 Gabriel Obertan who shouldered off a defender in the penalty area. The veteran hit a solid back pass to #14 Luis Alvarez who slotted the ball into the back of the net for a 3-1 lead.

Fulltime: Central Valley Fuego FC 1, Charlotte Independence 3.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• Charlotte is unbeaten in the last eight games in all competitions for the first time since 2021. 
• #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. scored his second and third goals in USL League One play and now has six goals in eight appearances in all competitions this season.
• The Independence held the majority of the possession (58%) in the first half for the first time this season in USL League One play.
• Obregón Jr. notched his second brace of the season (4/16 vs. Rhode Island FC).
• Three of the Jacks’ seven goals in USL League One matches this season have been scored in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Two of seven have been scored in the final 15 minutes of the second half.
• #14 Luis Alvarez scored his second USL League One goal and third goal in all competitions this season.
• #56 Gabriel Obertan tallied his first assist of the season.
• The Independence are 3-0-0 against the Fuego on the road.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On J.C. Obregón Jr.’s impact
“He’s been the guy that’s found a way to get us goals and get in the box to make plays. His work rate has been phenomenal, and he’s found ways to get himself into every game. Tonight, the first goal was an unbelievably good finish and not an easy play. Then, he did well in the penalty. On the third goal, he did well to win the ball and get it forward. He made a big impact for us.”

On earning a result on the road
“It’s huge for us to be able to do that. It’s a confidence builder when you travel and hold steady especially after giving away the first goal on a play out of nothing. We managed to keep a strong mentality and showed a little bit of character and toughness to pull a goal back and carry the game in the second half.”

#6 Omar Ciss

On returning from injury recently
“I felt more comfortable today because we were really compact in the middle, and we were communicating a lot. It was a really good game for me to come back strong in the lineup with the win.”

On J.C. Obregón Jr.’s impact
“J.C. is a beast; we trust him in any situation on the attacking side. He’s a really hard working guy, and he deserves what he’s doing. I hope he’ll give us more goals this season.”

#3 Hugh Roberts II

On the defensive performance
“I felt that the defense has been solid recently. Our chemistry keeps getting better each game, same with our trust. We know if we can shut a team down and give the offense a chance, we know we can win against anyone. It was a huge effort from everyone in the back line tonight.”

On earning a result on the road
“These results are even more crucial now that we only play 22 regular season games. Every game and every point matters. We know this and treat every game like it’s a playoff game trying to get a result every match. The first road win of the season is a huge statement.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence are in action on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 against MLS opponent, Atlanta United. The match can be streamed for free at uslsoccer.com/watch.

Obara spent last five seasons with James Madison University and USL League Two Clubs, Asheville City SC and Virginia Beach United

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 2, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of Clay Obara for the 2024 season. The midfielder joins the Jacks on his first professional contract after five seasons with James Madison University.

“Clay impressed in his trial with us – he is a dynamic, young attacker with good instincts in front of goal,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries explained. “He is an energetic player with good 1 v. 1 technical ability and the ability to put himself in good spots for chances. Clay also offers the flexibility of playing multiple spots. I look forward to integrating him further with the group.”

In his final season with the Dukes, Obara was named to the All-Southeast Region Second Team and the All-Sun Belt First Team. He tallied six goals and four assists in 20 matches. In September, he was named the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week and selected for the TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week after recording three goals and one assist in two games.

“I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and become part of the culture they bring to American Legion Memorial Stadium,” Obara said.

In USL League Two, Obara played for Virginia Beach United from 2019-2021 and Asheville City SC in 2022 and 2023. He played in eight matches in Asheville City’s run to the conference semifinals last season.

As a senior, Obara was named to the Sun Belt All-Tournament Team following three goals in two matches as James Madison reached the championship match. Overall, Obara played in 18 matches, starting 13, and logged five goals and two assists in 2022. He received the 2022-23 Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s Award. 

During the 2021 season, Obara started all 17 matches for the Dukes. He was third on the team in points with a trio of goals and assists each; all three of his goals were game-winning strikes. In the adjusted COVID-19 season, Obara started all nine of JMU’s games and added one goal and one assist.

Obara made an instant impact in 2019, earning spots on the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie Team and the All-CAA Second Team. He started 12 of the 20 matches he played and notched one goal and five assists. Obara’s first collegiate goal was a game-winner against Hofstra.

A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Obara was named the 2019 Gatorade Virginia Boys Soccer Player of the Year and the Class 6 State Player of the Year. He was also a 2019 United Soccer Coaches and Top Drawer Soccer High School All-American. During his senior season, Obara led the region in scoring with 35 goals and 18 assists. In 2018 and 2019, Obara earned Class 6 First Team All State honors. Overall, Obara tallied 86 goals and 41 assists during his high school career and graduated with the career goal-scoring record for Frank W. Cox High School. 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence travel to face Central Valley Fuego FC on Friday, May 3 at 10:30 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team celebrating a decade of competitive soccer in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2024. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and reached its first league final in club history at the end of the 2023 season. The Independence plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.

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+.

Independence undefeated in last six games in all competitions

OMAHA, Neb. (April 20, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence played to a 0-0 tie against Union Omaha on Saturday afternoon at Werner Park. The Jacks are on the road again on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. against South Georgia Tormenta in the first match of the USL Jägermeister Cup. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Charlotte’s first shot on target of the game was struck by #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. in the 11th minute, forcing a quick diving save by Owls’ goalkeeper #24 Rashid Nuhu. In the 13th minute, #11 Tresor Mbuyu hit a shot of his own from distance, but it landed just wide.

The Jacks kept the pressure on the Omaha defense, and an attempt from the goal line by #14 Luis Alvarez earned the Independence its second corner kick of the afternoon in the 20th minute. 

Much of the first half was played in the center of the pitch, and neither side recorded a big chance before the break.

Halftime: Union Omaha 0, Charlotte Independence 0.

#1 Austin Pack made a crucial save in the 60th minute. A corner kick was swung into the penalty area by Omaha, and Pack tipped a close-range shot onto the goalpost and out of danger. #3 Hugh Roberts II made a save of his own in the 64th minute, sliding in front of a shot by Union Omaha and deflecting the ball out of bounds.

The offensive chances for Omaha continued as Pack made another huge save in the 68th minute. On the other end, the Jacks turned a corner kick into a dangerous opportunity in the 69th minute as an out-stretched Nuhu tipped Obregón Jr.’s shot away from the net. Omaha had an immediate response, forcing Pack to slide out and stop a breakaway by the Owls.

The teams continued trading offensive chances. Pack notched another quick save on a close-range header in the 82nd minute. Then, #8 Joel Johnson’s strike inside the Omaha penalty area was directly at Nuhu. 

Until the final whistle, Pack continued to show why he was the 2023 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year. A punch on a contested ball in the 90th minute secured a clean sheet for the Jacks.

Fulltime: Union Omaha 0, Charlotte Independence 0.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• In a very defensive first half, the teams combined for a 0.31 expected goals average. The Independence only allowed two shots on target by the Owls in the opening period.
• Only 14.8% of the possession from either side in the first half was in Charlotte’s defensive third. 
• The Independence have not allowed the opposition to score in the first half in all four USL League One games so far this season.
• This was the second consecutive clean sheet in USL League One play this season for the Jacks.
• Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack recorded six saves for the second consecutive USL League One game this season.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the result
“This is always a hard place to play. The energy and the fight and coming away with a shutout on the road against a very good team is maybe not entirely the result we were hoping for but a positive result.”

On the first half offensive efforts
“The first half was structurally very good as both teams kept shape and made it tough to play against; it was difficult to create chances. I thought we had a couple decent looks in the first half.”

On the second half defensive performance
“The second half, they pushed the game hard at the beginning of the half and had us under pressure. The end of the game was more wide open as both teams were tired. I thought we could have been better defensively on our set pieces. Austin made a couple big plays to keep the shutout alive.”

Defender #4 Nick Spielman

On the defensive success
“I think the key was the togetherness the group had; we all wanted to fight and battle. We all fought for each other and Austin made a few big saves to keep us in it.” 

On the level of competition Omaha brings
“Playing in Omaha is never easy and we’ll take away positives from the game. We know on our day we are one of the best teams in this league, and it showed today.”

Midfielder #27 Bachir Ndiaye

On breaking down the Omaha defense
“We knew the challenge we were going to face coming here with the size of the field. Coach put the emphasis on second balls and being up for the battle in the midfield, and that’s what we did.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence are on the road against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. for the first match in the USL Jägermeister Cup. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

Match will be Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Kennesaw, GA

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 18, 2024) – Round of 32 matchups for the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer’s annual club championship, were announced today. The Charlotte Independence will face Atlanta United on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Jacks reached the Round of 32 in dramatic fashion, defeating Rhode Island FC in a penalty shootout. Three goals apiece in regulation sent the match into extra time. Another goal by each side led the match to be decided by kicks from the mark. Goalkeeper Austin Pack saved three penalty kicks to send Charlotte through to the next round.

Atlanta United is one of eight MLS sides entering the 2024 U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 32. The 2019 U.S. Open Cup winners are currently 3-2-2 in MLS play this season.

NOTABLES:

• The Third Round victory was the Independence’s first win against a USL Championship side in the U.S. Open Cup since 2015.
• Reaching the Round of 32 is the furthest the Jacks have advanced in the U.S. Open Cup since 2015.
• Four goals against Rhode Island FC are the most scored in a U.S. Open Cup game by the Independence since 2015.
• The Charlotte Independence needed extra time and a penalty shootout to decide a winner in its second-straight game in the U.S. Open Cup.
• The Round of 32 matchup will be the Independence’s third-ever game against an MLS side. The other two occurrences were in 2015 as the Jacks defeated New England Revolution to reach the Round of 16 against Chicago Fire. 

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team celebrating a decade of competitive soccer in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2024. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and reached its first league final in club history at the end of the 2023 season. The Independence plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.