Home

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 5, 2020) – In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

"I think we put in a great performance tonight," said Kelly. "To get six points in five days and to beat a rival is very, very good. A huge three points tonight."

In the day’s other Group G match, Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC tied 1-1 in Memphis. Legion FC (6-2-4; 22 points) currently tops Group G, but with the win tonight the Independence moves within four points (5-3-3; 18 points), followed by North Carolina FC (3-5-1; 10 points) and Memphis 901 FC (1-5-4; 7 points).

The Jacks face the Group G leaders on Saturday, Sept. 12 at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Ala. (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+).

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries made one change from the starting lineup against Memphis 901 FC on Sept. 2, as defender Clay Dimick replaced Aaron Maund at centre-back.

In another energetic start, the Jacks came out flying all over the field and was rewarded in the 10th minute when Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and unselfishly squared for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match.

Kelly would have his second goal of the evening – and seventh of the campaign – soon after, though, as Kelly doubled the Jacks’ lead in the 20th minute by finishing a cleverly weighted through ball by Luke Haakenson with a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net. The goal marked Kelly’s sixth tally of the season and Johnson’s third assist.

The Jacks continued to show well on the other side of the break and would finally get the necessary third goal in the 79th minute. Substitute Derek Gebhard found Kelly inside the penalty area where Kelly volleyed home his 85th career USL goal, clinching three points for the Jacks.

But it was North Carolina FC who scored next and capped the scoring on the evening, via Andre Fortune’s right-footed effort from Manny Perez’s cross on the stroke of full-time.

“I was thrilled with the amount of energy we came out with to start the game,” said Jeffries. "It was great to get early goals and manage the game from there." 

“It was an important win for us, standings wise and rivalry wise," added Jeffries. "It was great to end this stretch of the season with a couple of wins ​and carry some momentum into the next game."

Next on the Schedule: The Independence will travel to BBVA Field to take on Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+.  

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 5, 2020) – In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

“I think we put in a great performance tonight,” said Kelly. “To get six points in five days and to beat a rival is very, very good. A huge three points tonight.”

In the day’s other Group G match, Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC tied 1-1 in Memphis. Legion FC (6-2-4; 22 points) currently tops Group G, but with the win tonight the Independence moves within four points (5-3-3; 18 points), followed by North Carolina FC (3-5-1; 10 points) and Memphis 901 FC (1-5-4; 7 points).

The Jacks face the Group G leaders on Saturday, Sept. 12 at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Ala. (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+).

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries made one change from the starting lineup against Memphis 901 FC on Sept. 2, as defender Clay Dimick replaced Aaron Maund at centre-back.

In another energetic start, the Jacks came out flying all over the field and was rewarded in the 10th minute when Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and unselfishly squared for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match.

Kelly would have his second goal of the evening – and seventh of the campaign – soon after, though, as Kelly doubled the Jacks’ lead in the 20th minute by finishing a cleverly weighted through ball by Luke Haakenson with a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net. The goal marked Kelly’s sixth tally of the season and Johnson’s third assist.

The Jacks continued to show well on the other side of the break and would finally get the necessary third goal in the 79th minute. Substitute Derek Gebhard found Kelly inside the penalty area where Kelly volleyed home his 85th career USL goal, clinching three points for the Jacks.

But it was North Carolina FC who scored next and capped the scoring on the evening, via Andre Fortune’s right-footed effort from Manny Perez’s cross on the stroke of full-time.

“I was thrilled with the amount of energy we came out with to start the game,” said Jeffries. “It was great to get early goals and manage the game from there.” 

“It was an important win for us, standings wise and rivalry wise,” added Jeffries. “It was great to end this stretch of the season with a couple of wins ​and carry some momentum into the next game.”

Next on the Schedule: The Independence will travel to BBVA Field to take on Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+.  

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson),10th minute: Out on the right wing, Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and drove towards the end line. The defender then unselfishly squared a cross into the box for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match. CLT 1, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute: From his own half, Duke Lacroix found Luke Haakenson who placed a cleverly weighted through ball to an overlapping Dane Kelly. Kelly took a couple of touches into the box and fired a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net for his second goal of the match. CLT 2, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute: On the right wing, Derek Gebhard stole a North Carolina FC pass just inside midfield and dribbled into the box where he fired a pass to Dane Kelly on the penalty spot who powered a shot beyond the reach of 'keeper Alex Tambakis and completed his hat trick. CLT 3, NCFC 0 

NCFC – Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute: A poor clearance by Independence defender fell perfectly for Robert Kristo who played a through ball into the corner to Manny Perez. Perez received the pass from Kristo and sent a square ball into the penalty area to Andre Fortune who sent a one-timed shot into the left side of the net and capped the scoring on the evening. CLT 3, NCFC 1 FINAL

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson),10th minute: Out on the right wing, Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and drove towards the end line. The defender then unselfishly squared a cross into the box for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match. CLT 1, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute: From his own half, Duke Lacroix found Luke Haakenson who placed a cleverly weighted through ball to an overlapping Dane Kelly. Kelly took a couple of touches into the box and fired a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net for his second goal of the match. CLT 2, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute: On the right wing, Derek Gebhard stole a North Carolina FC pass just inside midfield and dribbled into the box where he fired a pass to Dane Kelly on the penalty spot who powered a shot beyond the reach of ‘keeper Alex Tambakis and completed his hat trick. CLT 3, NCFC 0 

NCFC – Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute: A poor clearance by Independence defender fell perfectly for Robert Kristo who played a through ball into the corner to Manny Perez. Perez received the pass from Kristo and sent a square ball into the penalty area to Andre Fortune who sent a one-timed shot into the left side of the net and capped the scoring on the evening. CLT 3, NCFC 1 FINAL

Match: Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
Date: September 5, 2020
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F 

CLT                                      2           1         3  

NCFC                                   0          1          1

CLT: Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson), 10th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute

NCFC: Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute

LINEUPS: 

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 17-Clay Dimick, 22-Joel Johnson, 4-Jake Areman(32-Tresor Mbuyu, 90'), 7-Rey Ortiz(27-Derek Gebhard, 69'), 15-Luke Haakenson(20-Oscar Ramsey, 90'), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly(90-Christian Chaney, 90'), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack,2-Shalom Dutey, 23-Guido Vadala

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries 

NC: 1-Alex Tambakis; 4-Alex Comsia (2-Manny Perez, 71'), 5-Sam Brotherton, 20-Conor Donovan, 27-D.J. Taylor(15-Mbaye Malik, 83'), 8-Andre Fortune, 10-Nazmi Albadawi(captain), 16-Graham Smith(7-Wellington Paeckart, 83'), 17-Ben Speas(9-Marios Lomis, 77'), 92-Hadji Barry(31-Steven Miller, 77') 11-Robbie Kristo

Subs Not Used: 24-Paolo Pita

Head Coach: Dave Sarachan 

Stats Summary CLT/ NCFC: 
Shots: 9 / 10 
Shots on Goal: 5 / 2
Saves: 1 / 3
Corner Kicks: 6 / 4 
Fouls:  8 / 6
Offside: 3 / 1

Misconduct Summary: 
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 14-Duke Lacroix 
NCFC: (caution)Yellow card: 16- Graham Smith
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 9-Dane Kelly
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 19-Enzo Martinez 

Officials:
Referees: JJ Bilinski
AR: Dallas Rosier, Colin Ashley
Fourth Official: Joshua Escobar

Match: Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
Date: September 5, 2020
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F 

CLT                                      2           1         3  

NCFC                                   0          1          1

CLT: Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson), 10th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute

NCFC: Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute

LINEUPS: 

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 17-Clay Dimick, 22-Joel Johnson, 4-Jake Areman(32-Tresor Mbuyu, 90′), 7-Rey Ortiz(27-Derek Gebhard, 69′), 15-Luke Haakenson(20-Oscar Ramsey, 90′), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly(90-Christian Chaney, 90′), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack,2-Shalom Dutey, 23-Guido Vadala

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries 

NC: 1-Alex Tambakis; 4-Alex Comsia (2-Manny Perez, 71′), 5-Sam Brotherton, 20-Conor Donovan, 27-D.J. Taylor(15-Mbaye Malik, 83′), 8-Andre Fortune, 10-Nazmi Albadawi(captain), 16-Graham Smith(7-Wellington Paeckart, 83′), 17-Ben Speas(9-Marios Lomis, 77′), 92-Hadji Barry(31-Steven Miller, 77′) 11-Robbie Kristo

Subs Not Used: 24-Paolo Pita

Head Coach: Dave Sarachan 

Stats Summary CLT/ NCFC: 
Shots: 9 / 10 
Shots on Goal: 5 / 2
Saves: 1 / 3
Corner Kicks: 6 / 4 
Fouls:  8 / 6
Offside: 3 / 1

Misconduct Summary: 
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 14-Duke Lacroix 
NCFC: (caution)Yellow card: 16- Graham Smith
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 9-Dane Kelly
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 19-Enzo Martinez 

Officials:
Referees: JJ Bilinski
AR: Dallas Rosier, Colin Ashley
Fourth Official: Joshua Escobar

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 3, 2020) – FC Cincinnati loanee Rey Ortiz claimed the USL Championship's Fans' Choice Goal of the Week award, with his long-range volley against North Carolina FC claiming 62 percent of the vote to sit ahead of Charleston Battery’s Stavros Zarokostas on 33 percent. 

The goal was Ortiz’s first of his professional career and helped the Independence defeat North Carolina FC for the first time in USL Championship history.

USL Championship Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week – Week 10

Neco Brett (BHM) – #CLTvBHM, 8/29/20: Brett’s second standout finish of the night came off a brilliant piece of inventiveness by Bruno Lapa, whose scooped pass over the Independence back line set up the Jamaican for a fierce volleyed finish.

Aidan Daniels (COS) – #COSvNM, 8/29/20: Daniels produced another outstanding long-range finish against New Mexico, picking up possession on the left before cutting centrally and lacing a finish to the top-right corner of the net.

Stavros Zarokostas (CHS) – #CHSvTBR, 8/29/20: Zarokostas latched onto a brilliant pass by Angelo Kelly into the left channel and then eluded a pair of Rowdies defenders before firing a finish into the top-right corner for Charleston’s game-winner.

Rey Ortiz (CLT) – #CLTvNM, 8/26/20: Ortiz controlled Dane Kelly’s cross top the top of the penalty area perfectly with his first touch to set up a volleyed finish from 20 yards into the bottom-left corner of the net to give the Independence victory against their in-state rival.

Mauricio Cuevas (LA) – #LAvLV, 8/30/20: The 17-year-old Cuevas delivered a perfect free kick to the top-right corner from 25 yards for his third goal directly from a set piece this season to begin Los Dos’ victory against Las Vegas.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 3, 2020) – FC Cincinnati loanee Rey Ortiz claimed the USL Championship’s Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week award, with his long-range volley against North Carolina FC claiming 62 percent of the vote to sit ahead of Charleston Battery’s Stavros Zarokostas on 33 percent. 

The goal was Ortiz’s first of his professional career and helped the Independence defeat North Carolina FC for the first time in USL Championship history.

USL Championship Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week – Week 10

Neco Brett (BHM) – #CLTvBHM, 8/29/20: Brett’s second standout finish of the night came off a brilliant piece of inventiveness by Bruno Lapa, whose scooped pass over the Independence back line set up the Jamaican for a fierce volleyed finish.

Aidan Daniels (COS) – #COSvNM, 8/29/20: Daniels produced another outstanding long-range finish against New Mexico, picking up possession on the left before cutting centrally and lacing a finish to the top-right corner of the net.

Stavros Zarokostas (CHS) – #CHSvTBR, 8/29/20: Zarokostas latched onto a brilliant pass by Angelo Kelly into the left channel and then eluded a pair of Rowdies defenders before firing a finish into the top-right corner for Charleston’s game-winner.

Rey Ortiz (CLT) – #CLTvNM, 8/26/20: Ortiz controlled Dane Kelly’s cross top the top of the penalty area perfectly with his first touch to set up a volleyed finish from 20 yards into the bottom-left corner of the net to give the Independence victory against their in-state rival.

Mauricio Cuevas (LA) – #LAvLV, 8/30/20: The 17-year-old Cuevas delivered a perfect free kick to the top-right corner from 25 yards for his third goal directly from a set piece this season to begin Los Dos’ victory against Las Vegas.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 3, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence utilized an own goal and a strike from Luke Haakenson to defeat Memphis 901 FC 2-0 at AutoZone Park. The victory marks the Jacks’ fourth win of the 2020 USL Championship campaign and keeps them in second place in the Group G standings.

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries returned to almost the same starting lineup that the Jacks featured in Saturday’s defeat to Birmingham Legion FC, the lone exception being Joel Johnson’s installation at right back in place of Clay Dimick.

The game’s first chance served as a pivotal moment. After the Independence conceded a penalty in the eighth minute, Jacks ‘keeper Brandon Miller denied Memphis 901 FC forward Keanu Marsh-Brown from the spot to keep the score level. Miller would go on to make four more saves in the match, giving him a league-leading 47 saves.  

The Jacks eventually broke through late in the first half. A 32nd minute corner kick from Jake Areman bounced off a Memphis 901 FC defender at the penalty spot and went beyond the reach of Memphis netminder Tim Howard for the opening goal.

Just before halftime, the Jacks doubled its lead as Aaron Maund found Haakenson on the counter who tucked in the game’s second goal to give the Independence a 2-0 advantage heading into the break. The goal marked Haakenson’s third tally of the season and Maund’s second assist. That score would stand up for the final result as the Independence celebrated its second victory on the road this season.

“We knew that they would come out really aggressively and we survived the first 15-20 minutes of the game,” said Jeffries. “We were fortunate to get the first goal and the key was getting the second one right before the half.”

“Luke [Haakenson] scoring was an important goal off of the counter and it set the tone for the second half.”

With the win, the Independence holds firm in second place in the Group G standings, five points clear of North Carolina FC and six points behind Birmingham Legion FC. In the night’s other Group G match, NCFC defeated Legion FC 2-1 and reached ten points in eight games. 

“I thought the guys did a great job of tonight, added Jeffries. “For us to be up two goals at halftime, it helps the legs when you’re feeling good and confident.”

Next on the Schedule: The Independence returns to Group G play and the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, September 5 against North Carolina FC. The derby will be the second meeting between the two North Carolina rivals this season (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+). After the derby, the Jacks face Birmingham Legion FC on September 12 at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Alabama. (7:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+).

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 3, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence utilized an own goal and a strike from Luke Haakenson to defeat Memphis 901 FC 2-0 at AutoZone Park. The victory marks the Jacks’ fourth win of the 2020 USL Championship campaign and keeps them in second place in the Group G standings.

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries returned to almost the same starting lineup that the Jacks featured in Saturday’s defeat to Birmingham Legion FC, the lone exception being Joel Johnson’s installation at right back in place of Clay Dimick.

The game’s first chance served as a pivotal moment. After the Independence conceded a penalty in the eighth minute, Jacks ‘keeper Brandon Miller denied Memphis 901 FC forward Keanu Marsh-Brown from the spot to keep the score level. Miller would go on to make four more saves in the match, giving him a league-leading 47 saves.  

The Jacks eventually broke through late in the first half. A 32nd minute corner kick from Jake Areman bounced off a Memphis 901 FC defender at the penalty spot and went beyond the reach of Memphis netminder Tim Howard for the opening goal.

Just before halftime, the Jacks doubled its lead as Aaron Maund found Haakenson on the counter who tucked in the game’s second goal to give the Independence a 2-0 advantage heading into the break. The goal marked Haakenson’s third tally of the season and Maund’s second assist. That score would stand up for the final result as the Independence celebrated its second victory on the road this season.

“We knew that they would come out really aggressively and we survived the first 15-20 minutes of the game,” said Jeffries. “We were fortunate to get the first goal and the key was getting the second one right before the half.”

“Luke [Haakenson] scoring was an important goal off of the counter and it set the tone for the second half.”

With the win, the Independence holds firm in second place in the Group G standings, five points clear of North Carolina FC and six points behind Birmingham Legion FC. In the night’s other Group G match, NCFC defeated Legion FC 2-1 and reached ten points in eight games. 

“I thought the guys did a great job of tonight, added Jeffries. “For us to be up two goals at halftime, it helps the legs when you’re feeling good and confident.”

Next on the Schedule: The Independence returns to Group G play and the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday, September 5 against North Carolina FC. The derby will be the second meeting between the two North Carolina rivals this season (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+). After the derby, the Jacks face Birmingham Legion FC on September 12 at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Alabama. (7:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+).

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Own Goal (Keanu Marsh-Brown), 32nd minute: A corner kick by Jake Areman struck Memphis 901 FC forward Keanu Marsh-Brown in the penalty area and rolled beyond the reach of Tim Howard for the opening goal. CLT 1, MEM 0

CLT – Luke Haakenson (Aaron Maund), 45+3 minute: From his own half, Aaron Maund found Luke Haakenson out on the left wing. The midfielder shielded the ball from a defender, turned nicely, beat another defender inside the box and curled a shot into the bottom right corner from eight yards out to give the Independence a 2-0 lead. CLT 2, MEM 0 FINAL

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Own Goal (Keanu Marsh-Brown), 32nd minute: A corner kick by Jake Areman struck Memphis 901 FC forward Keanu Marsh-Brown in the penalty area and rolled beyond the reach of Tim Howard for the opening goal. CLT 1, MEM 0

CLT – Luke Haakenson (Aaron Maund), 45+3 minute: From his own half, Aaron Maund found Luke Haakenson out on the left wing. The midfielder shielded the ball from a defender, turned nicely, beat another defender inside the box and curled a shot into the bottom right corner from eight yards out to give the Independence a 2-0 lead. CLT 2, MEM 0 FINAL

Match: Charlotte Independence at Memphis 901 FC
Date: September 2, 2020
Venue: AutoZone Park
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                      2           0         2 

MEM                                    0          0          0

CLT: Own goal (Keanu Marsh-Brown)………………32nd minute

CLT: 15-Luke Haakenson …………………………45+3 minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 18-Aaron Maund, 22-Joel Johnson, 4-Jake Areman (20-Oscar Ramsey,90+2), 7-Rey Ortiz (27-Derek Gebhard, 69’), 15-Luke Haakenson (17-Clay Dimick, 85’), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly (90-Christian Chaney, 85’), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 23-Guido Vadala, 32-Tresor Mbuyu

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

MEM: 1-Tim Howard; 19-Rece Buckmaster, 8-Marc Burch (70-Matt Hundley, 70’), 5-Triston Hodge 2-Mark Segbers (3-Zach Carroll, 45’), 23-Leston Paul (10-Jean-Christophe Koff, 59’), 16-Tommy McCabe, 21-Duane Muckette (20-Jose Baxter, 45’), 14-Rafa Mentzingen 9-Keanu Marsh-Brown, 26-Cal Jennings (29-Brandon Allen, 45’)

Subs Not Used: 12-Jimmy Hague, 4-Liam Doyle

Head Coach: Tim Mulqueen

Stats Summary CLT/ MEM:

Shots: 7 / 13

Shots on Goal: 3 / 5

Saves: 5 / 2

Corner Kicks: 4 / 3

Fouls:  6 / 8

Offside: 0 / 2

Misconduct Summary:                
MEM: (caution) 23-Leston Paul………….. 53rd minute

Match: Charlotte Independence at Memphis 901 FC
Date: September 2, 2020
Venue: AutoZone Park
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                      2           0         2 

MEM                                    0          0          0

CLT: Own goal (Keanu Marsh-Brown)………………32nd minute

CLT: 15-Luke Haakenson …………………………45+3 minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 18-Aaron Maund, 22-Joel Johnson, 4-Jake Areman (20-Oscar Ramsey,90+2), 7-Rey Ortiz (27-Derek Gebhard, 69’), 15-Luke Haakenson (17-Clay Dimick, 85’), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly (90-Christian Chaney, 85’), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 23-Guido Vadala, 32-Tresor Mbuyu

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

MEM: 1-Tim Howard; 19-Rece Buckmaster, 8-Marc Burch (70-Matt Hundley, 70’), 5-Triston Hodge 2-Mark Segbers (3-Zach Carroll, 45’), 23-Leston Paul (10-Jean-Christophe Koff, 59’), 16-Tommy McCabe, 21-Duane Muckette (20-Jose Baxter, 45’), 14-Rafa Mentzingen 9-Keanu Marsh-Brown, 26-Cal Jennings (29-Brandon Allen, 45’)

Subs Not Used: 12-Jimmy Hague, 4-Liam Doyle

Head Coach: Tim Mulqueen

Stats Summary CLT/ MEM:

Shots: 7 / 13

Shots on Goal: 3 / 5

Saves: 5 / 2

Corner Kicks: 4 / 3

Fouls:  6 / 8

Offside: 0 / 2

Misconduct Summary:                
MEM: (caution) 23-Leston Paul………….. 53rd minute

WATCH – 8 p.m. ET: Watch MEMvCLT live on ESPN+

WATCH – 8 p.m. ET: Watch MEMvCLT live on ESPN+

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries makes one change to the Jacks Starting XI that started Saturday's defeat to Birmingham Legion FC. 

Joel Johnson is passed fit to start in defense and replaces Clay Dimick at right-back. New signing Christian Chaney is named on the bench, as well as Derek Gebhard who returns from injury.

Charlotte: Miller, Roberts, Maund, Johnson, Lacroix, Etou, Areman, Haakenson, Ortiz, Martinez, Kelly

Subs: Pack, Dimick, Ramsay, Gebhard, Vadala, Mbuyu, Chaney

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries makes one change to the Jacks Starting XI that started Saturday’s defeat to Birmingham Legion FC. 

Joel Johnson is passed fit to start in defense and replaces Clay Dimick at right-back. New signing Christian Chaney is named on the bench, as well as Derek Gebhard who returns from injury.

Charlotte: Miller, Roberts, Maund, Johnson, Lacroix, Etou, Areman, Haakenson, Ortiz, Martinez, Kelly

Subs: Pack, Dimick, Ramsay, Gebhard, Vadala, Mbuyu, Chaney

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 2, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks' USL Championship, Group G play match against Memphis 901 FCFC. Jeffries details the Jacks' key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

WATCH – 8 p.m. ET: Watch MEMvCLT live on ESPN+

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 2, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks’ USL Championship, Group G play match against Memphis 901 FCFC. Jeffries details the Jacks’ key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

WATCH – 8 p.m. ET: Watch MEMvCLT live on ESPN+

CHARLOTTE (August 29, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence fell 4-1 to Birmingham Legion FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews in its ninth match of the 2020 USL Championship season. 

"Very disappointed," said Independence head coach Mike Jeffries. "We made too many simple mistakes and put ourselves in a hole.”

“We started the second half well, pushed the game, forced Birmingham to make a decent amount of saves, but it just wasn’t good enough from us tonight.”

Legion FC held the better of attack in the early going, methodically building up in possession as well as jumping on any Independence miscues to spring into transition, but it was the Independence that carved out the first real chance on goal in the 21st minute. Clay Dimick, starting in his first game of the 2020 season for the Jacks, took the ball in stride on the right wing from Enzo Martinez before unleashing a cross from a few yards outside the box to Rey Ortiz, but Legion FC netminder Parker Ford was able to make a comfortable save.

Five minutes later, however, it was Legion FC with a 1-0 lead as Jaden Servania wriggled free of the Independence defense before curling a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Jacks ‘keeper Brandon Miller. A few minutes over the half-hour mark, Neco Brett converted a Propser Kasim cross to give Birmingham a 2-0 lead.

Emerging from halftime down 2-0, the Independence began brightly, yet it was Legion FC adding to its lead in the 49th minute when the Bruno Lapa picked off a pass, drove to the top of the box and found Brett inside the box for the 3-0 lead. Moments later, Legion FC were reduced to ten men when midfielder Eli Crognale received his second yellow card of the evening.

The Independence didn’t go down without a fight and carved out multiple chances to get on the board. A header from Hugh Roberts in the 64th minute forced Ford to make a stunning save in the top left corner. With the Jacks still looking to cut into the lead, substitute Guido Vadala fired a blistering effort that went just over the crossbar in the 72nd minute.

In the intervening moments between the Independence’s chances, Birmingham scored a fourth on a counter attack in the 83rd minute as Brian Wright capped off the move to put Legion FC out of sight.

Still not going down without a fight, the Jacks pulled a goal back in the 85th minute as Dane Kelly connected on a corner kick by Valentin Sabella to reduce the deficit. The goal was Kelly’s fifth of the season and the 82nd of his USL career.

"We went from earning a shutout [against North Carolina FC] where we were really, really solid, to tonight where we were completely open," added Jeffries. "We will have to get back to the basics of how we want to defend before we go up against a good Memphis [901 FC] team on Wednesday.”

With the loss, the Independence remain in second place in the Group G standings, five points clear of North Carolina FC. 

CHARLOTTE (August 29, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence fell 4-1 to Birmingham Legion FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews in its ninth match of the 2020 USL Championship season. 

“Very disappointed,” said Independence head coach Mike Jeffries. “We made too many simple mistakes and put ourselves in a hole.”

“We started the second half well, pushed the game, forced Birmingham to make a decent amount of saves, but it just wasn’t good enough from us tonight.”

Legion FC held the better of attack in the early going, methodically building up in possession as well as jumping on any Independence miscues to spring into transition, but it was the Independence that carved out the first real chance on goal in the 21st minute. Clay Dimick, starting in his first game of the 2020 season for the Jacks, took the ball in stride on the right wing from Enzo Martinez before unleashing a cross from a few yards outside the box to Rey Ortiz, but Legion FC netminder Parker Ford was able to make a comfortable save.

Five minutes later, however, it was Legion FC with a 1-0 lead as Jaden Servania wriggled free of the Independence defense before curling a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Jacks ‘keeper Brandon Miller. A few minutes over the half-hour mark, Neco Brett converted a Propser Kasim cross to give Birmingham a 2-0 lead.

Emerging from halftime down 2-0, the Independence began brightly, yet it was Legion FC adding to its lead in the 49th minute when the Bruno Lapa picked off a pass, drove to the top of the box and found Brett inside the box for the 3-0 lead. Moments later, Legion FC were reduced to ten men when midfielder Eli Crognale received his second yellow card of the evening.

The Independence didn’t go down without a fight and carved out multiple chances to get on the board. A header from Hugh Roberts in the 64th minute forced Ford to make a stunning save in the top left corner. With the Jacks still looking to cut into the lead, substitute Guido Vadala fired a blistering effort that went just over the crossbar in the 72nd minute.

In the intervening moments between the Independence’s chances, Birmingham scored a fourth on a counter attack in the 83rd minute as Brian Wright capped off the move to put Legion FC out of sight.

Still not going down without a fight, the Jacks pulled a goal back in the 85th minute as Dane Kelly connected on a corner kick by Valentin Sabella to reduce the deficit. The goal was Kelly’s fifth of the season and the 82nd of his USL career.

“We went from earning a shutout [against North Carolina FC] where we were really, really solid, to tonight where we were completely open,” added Jeffries. “We will have to get back to the basics of how we want to defend before we go up against a good Memphis [901 FC] team on Wednesday.”

With the loss, the Independence remain in second place in the Group G standings, five points clear of North Carolina FC. 

Next on the Schedule: The Independence heads to Memphis, Tennessee to tackle Group G opponent Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park. The game will be broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Next on the Schedule: The Independence heads to Memphis, Tennessee to tackle Group G opponent Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park. The game will be broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Match: Charlotte Independence vs. Birmingham Legion FC
Date: August 29, 2020
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                      0          1          1 

BHM                                    2          2          4

BHM: 17-Jaden Servania……………………………26th minute

BHM: 11-Neco Brett ……………………………..… 33rd minute

BHM: 11-Neco Brett ……………………………..… 49th minute

BHM: 7- Brian Wright………………………………..83rd minute

CLT: 9- Dane Kelly…………………………………. 86th minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 18-Aaron Maund(90-Christian Chaney, 74’), 17-Clay Dimick, 4-Jake Areman(23-Guido Vadala, 68’), 7-Rey Ortiz(11-Valentin Sabella, 68’), 15-Luke Haakenson(32-Tresor Mbuyu, 74’), 21-Junior Etou(20-Oscar Ramsey, 86’), 9-Dane Kelly, 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 22-Joel Johnson

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

BHM: 0-Ford Parker; 3-Boluwatife Akinyode, 5-Mikey Lopez, 21-Alex Crognale(4-Josh Bauer, 84’), 24-Jonathan Dean; 6-Anderson Asiedu, 8-Bruno Lapa(16-Daigo Kobayashi, 61’), 10-Propser Kasim(13-Jake Rufe, 84’), 12-Eli Crognale, 11-Neco Brett(7-Brian Wright, 66’), 17-Jaden Servania(30-Razak Cromwell, 84’)

Subs Not Used: 1-Matt Vanoekel, 2-Marcos Ugarte,

Head Coach: Tom Soehn

Stats Summary CLT/ BHM:

Shots: 17 / 11

Shots on Goal: 9 / 6

Saves: 3 / 2

Corner Kicks: 8 / 3

Fouls:  13 / 13

Offside: 1 / 1

Misconduct Summary:                
BHM: (caution) 21-Alex Crognale………….. 24th minute

BHM: (caution) 12-Eli Crognale ……….….. 42nd minute

BHM: (2nd caution; red card) 12-Eli Crognale ………. 58th minute

BHM: (caution) 6-Anderson Asiedu ………. 63rd minute

CLT: (caution) 21-Junior Etou………….……82nd minute

Officials:
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
Assistant Referee: Justin Howard
Assistant Referee: Colin Ashley
Fourth Official: William Steffen

Match: Charlotte Independence vs. Birmingham Legion FC
Date: August 29, 2020
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                      0          1          1 

BHM                                    2          2          4

BHM: 17-Jaden Servania……………………………26th minute

BHM: 11-Neco Brett ……………………………..… 33rd minute

BHM: 11-Neco Brett ……………………………..… 49th minute

BHM: 7- Brian Wright………………………………..83rd minute

CLT: 9- Dane Kelly…………………………………. 86th minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 18-Aaron Maund(90-Christian Chaney, 74’), 17-Clay Dimick, 4-Jake Areman(23-Guido Vadala, 68’), 7-Rey Ortiz(11-Valentin Sabella, 68’), 15-Luke Haakenson(32-Tresor Mbuyu, 74’), 21-Junior Etou(20-Oscar Ramsey, 86’), 9-Dane Kelly, 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 22-Joel Johnson

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

BHM: 0-Ford Parker; 3-Boluwatife Akinyode, 5-Mikey Lopez, 21-Alex Crognale(4-Josh Bauer, 84’), 24-Jonathan Dean; 6-Anderson Asiedu, 8-Bruno Lapa(16-Daigo Kobayashi, 61’), 10-Propser Kasim(13-Jake Rufe, 84’), 12-Eli Crognale, 11-Neco Brett(7-Brian Wright, 66’), 17-Jaden Servania(30-Razak Cromwell, 84’)

Subs Not Used: 1-Matt Vanoekel, 2-Marcos Ugarte,

Head Coach: Tom Soehn

Stats Summary CLT/ BHM:

Shots: 17 / 11

Shots on Goal: 9 / 6

Saves: 3 / 2

Corner Kicks: 8 / 3

Fouls:  13 / 13

Offside: 1 / 1

Misconduct Summary:                
BHM: (caution) 21-Alex Crognale………….. 24th minute

BHM: (caution) 12-Eli Crognale ……….….. 42nd minute

BHM: (2nd caution; red card) 12-Eli Crognale ………. 58th minute

BHM: (caution) 6-Anderson Asiedu ………. 63rd minute

CLT: (caution) 21-Junior Etou………….……82nd minute

Officials:
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
Assistant Referee: Justin Howard
Assistant Referee: Colin Ashley
Fourth Official: William Steffen

CHARLOTTE (August 29, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks' USL Championship, Group G play match against Birmingham Legion FC. Jeffries details the Jacks' key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

WATCH – 7 p.m. ET: Watch CLTvBHM live on ESPN+

CHARLOTTE (August 29, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks’ USL Championship, Group G play match against Birmingham Legion FC. Jeffries details the Jacks’ key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

WATCH – 7 p.m. ET: Watch CLTvBHM live on ESPN+