Rookies Goal Rescues Point in Front of Record Crowd

Matthews (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League professional soccer team, scored a late equalizer against Southern Derby foe Charleston Battery in front of a single-game, regular-season record crowd on Saturday night. Rookie midfielder Mutaya Mwape scored his first professional goal in the 79th minute to give the Independence a point.

"When I saw he was off his line I just tried to chip it over him and it worked," said Mwape of his game-tying goal. 

"It was a great atmosphere," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries of the record-break attendance. "I thought it was great to see the upper decks with people in it. So I think that was great and really helpful because we had a really tired, tired group so seeing them out there was a plus to help give us a push."

The Charleston Battery got on the scoreboard first, when midfielder Kotaro Higashi was assisted by Ataulla Guerra in the 25th minute. The two sides would battle the rest of the half without a goal. 

In the last seven days, the Independence has played three games. The Independence will next be in action on Saturday, June 23rd as the team travels to take on the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.

 

Scoring Summary: 25': CHS – K. Higashi (A. Guerra)         79’: CLT – Mwapel              Discipline: 69': CLT – Alex Martinez (YC)             88': CLT – Jorge Herrera (YC)

Shots: CLT – 4 CHS -7   Saves: CLT – 1 CHS – 2   Possession: CLT – 63% CHS – 36%

 

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Matthews (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League professional soccer team, scored a late equalizer against Southern Derby foe Charleston Battery in front of a single-game, regular-season record crowd on Saturday night. Rookie midfielder Mutaya Mwape scored his first professional goal in the 79th minute to give the Independence a point.

“When I saw he was off his line I just tried to chip it over him and it worked,” said Mwape of his game-tying goal. 

“It was a great atmosphere,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries of the record-break attendance. “I thought it was great to see the upper decks with people in it. So I think that was great and really helpful because we had a really tired, tired group so seeing them out there was a plus to help give us a push.”

The Charleston Battery got on the scoreboard first, when midfielder Kotaro Higashi was assisted by Ataulla Guerra in the 25th minute. The two sides would battle the rest of the half without a goal. 

In the last seven days, the Independence has played three games. The Independence will next be in action on Saturday, June 23rd as the team travels to take on the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.

 

Scoring Summary: 25′: CHS – K. Higashi (A. Guerra)         79’: CLT – Mwapel              Discipline: 69′: CLT – Alex Martinez (YC)             88′: CLT – Jorge Herrera (YC)

Shots: CLT – 4 CHS -7   Saves: CLT – 1 CHS – 2   Possession: CLT – 63% CHS – 36%

 

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