Goals scored by #11 Tresor Mbuyu (9’), #56 Gabriel Obertan (22’), #18 Illia Shevtsov (28’), #6 Omar Ciss (58’), #15 Carson Talboys (69’), #90 Khori Bennett (90’)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 26, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence returned home in thrilling fashion as the Jacks beat Forward Madison 6-2 on Sunday, June 26th at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Next on the schedule is a trip to Union Omaha on Friday, July 1 at 8:00 PM.
“It was a hard road trip for us, obviously a good response from the team after Wednesday’s debacle,” Head Coach, Mike Jeffries said. “I’m proud of them for that, for coming straight into it and bringing a winning mentality into the game.”
It was a record-breaking night for the Jacks as six goals set a new club record for the most scored in a single game. #6 Omar Ciss and #15 Carson Talboys scored their first professional goals, #18 Illia Shevtsov scored his first goal for the Independence, and #56 Gabriel Obertan scored his first of the 2022 season. All six goals were scored by different players.
The Independence started the game fully on the attack. In the second minute, Ciss launched a deep ball over the Madison defense to Shevtsov who almost beat the goalkeeper. Not long after, Obertan’s cross found #27 Jefferson Amaya who earned the first of four corner kicks in quick succession for the Jacks. Shevtsov, Obertan, and Amaya all made their first start of the season for Charlotte.
#11 Tresor Mbuyu opened the scoring as he pressured the Madison goalkeeper, blocking the clearance to set up his sixth goal of the season.
The lead doubled through a brilliant strike by Obertan in the 22nd minute. Ciss quickly took a free kick near midfield, passing it to the Frenchman whose shot from the top of the penalty area soared over the goalkeeper.
“It just feels good, especially because of the last few games because I knew what I could do for this team,” Obertan said. “It just feels good to have the morale and confidence up because it’s not been easy, but we’re right in the mix and it felt good.”
Obertan notched the assist on the Jacks’ third goal of the night as his cross found Shevtsov who headed it in the back of the net.
“I don’t even remember when I scored my last goal. So, I’m super happy it came in a home game, happy to help the team win because of the streak of four losses. So, it was super important to score to help our team,” Shevtsov said. “I think it was a top game for our fans, with a lot of goals, a lot of combinations, skills and shots. I’m very appreciative of our fans for the support. I’m really appreciative of the team and the coaching staff. We finally won because we didn’t lose our mentality. We kept pushing, kept moving and I think that’s why we have a positive result today.”
Forward Madison FC got one back in the 37th minute with a shot by #9 Jeremiah Streng.
The Jacks carried the lead into halftime: Charlotte Independence 3 – Forward Madison FC 1.
The pressure from Ciss paid off in the second half as he added to the scoresheet with a beautiful shot by way of a pass from Mbuyu.
Forward Madison FC cut into the lead again in the 64th minute with a goal by #11 Rojay Smith.
Centerback #15 Carson Talboys utilized his height to direct a header off a corner kick by #7 Miguel Ibarra into the back of the net.
“It’s nice to get a set piece goal, we’ve had a couple the last couple of games,” Jeffries said. “The service was really good from Miguel Ibarra, and the timing from Carson was good. It was good for Carson, he has worked hard and it’s nice for him.”
Substitute #90 Khori Bennett notched the final goal in the 90th minute. #24 Grayson Barber stole the ball at midfield, dribbled down the right side, and sent a cross into the penalty area where Bennett was waiting to slot it home for his second goal of the season.
Final from American Legion Memorial Stadium: Charlotte Independence 6 – Forward Madison FC 2.
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence travel to face Union Omaha on Friday, July 1 at 8:00 PM. Fans can watch the game live on bahakelsports.com.
