Goals by #8 Joel Johnson (11’) and #11 Tresor Mbuyu (85’)
RICHMOND, V.A. (July 15, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence responded twice from one-goal deficits to earn a 2-2 tie on the road against Richmond Kickers on Saturday evening at City Stadium. The Jacks are back at home at American Legion Memorial Stadium for a midweek matchup against Greenville Triumph on Wednesday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m.
League-leader in saves #1 Austin Pack added to his season save total with a diving attempt in the 7th minute and followed this up with a punch after a corner kick by Richmond. The Kickers took advantage of the next dead ball with a long throw-in which bounced off the Charlotte defense into the path of #17 Ryan Sierakowski who opened the scoring in the 8th minute.
The Independence responded quickly with a volley from outside the penalty area by #8 Joel Johnson. #10 Miguel Ibarra served in a cross to Johnson who made contact with the ball before it hit the ground, tying the score in the 11th minute.
“The early goal was a little bit unfortunate against the run,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries shared. “I thought we started really well and were pushing the game, so it was disappointing, but I’m obviously very pleased that we were able to rebound and get the equalizer quickly to get ourselves back in the game.”
Pack made his presence known again in the 23rd minute with a diving save to deflect a shot by Sierakowski away from the top right corner.
“It was a demanding game for us on the road,” Pack commented. “Our guys did well to cover ground, close gaps, and block shots all game.”
After facing multiple set pieces from Richmond, #7 Avionne Flanagan escaped down the middle on a counter attack, but his one-on-one shot against the goalkeeper was saved in the 41st minute.
“It’s a double-edged sword that we were in front of guys and blocking the crosses a lot of time and the deflections went out of bounds,” Jeffries explained. “There were a couple times where they got a few corners in a row off deflections.”
Halftime: Richmond Kickers 1, Charlotte Independence 1.
The Jacks put together a quality offensive progression in the 48th minute with a pass from Flanagan on the left wing to #11 Tresor Mbuyu who found Ibarra in the center, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
Richmond took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute as #4 Simon Fitch played a through ball to #32 Emilliano Terzaghi beyond the Charlotte backline, and Terzaghi slotted a shot past an oncoming Pack. The Kickers controlled much of the possession for the middle of the second half, making it difficult for the Jacks to find offensive sparks.
Suddenly, Charlotte drew level in the 85th minute after #21 Rayan Djedje collected the ball in the middle of the field and continued his run forward to receive the ball back from #9 Dane Kelly. Djedje played the ball into the path of Mbuyu whose shot bounced off the goalpost and into the back of the net.
“I thought the response after their goal was really good just to push the game hard to get back in it,” Jeffries said. “Clearly getting the equalizer was huge with a determinant type play from both Tresor and Rayan to make something happen.”
The Independence defense held strong against the Kickers’ attempts in the final few minutes to secure the tie.
Full time: Richmond Kickers 2, Charlotte Independence 2.
“In the second half, we went down again, but we never gave up and kept working defensively,” Ibarra shared. “At the end, we got one back and came out with a point at a hard place to play. I’m proud of the team for the shift they put in, and now it’s time to turn the pace and focus on Wednesday’s game.”
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will face Greenville Triumph on Wednesday, July 19 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. First kick is set for 7:00 p.m. For information about tickets, visit charlotteindependence.com.
