Goals scored by #5 Shalom Dutey (16’), #11 Tresor Mbuyu (44’) and #90 Khori Bennett (86’)
STATESBORO, G.A. (August 13, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence earned their fifth clean sheet and scored three goals on Saturday night against South Georgia Tormenta FC. The Jacks return to the pitch on Wednesday, August 17 in Papillion, Nebraska to face Union Omaha at Werner Park. First kick is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (ET).
It was Tormenta who applied the early pressure forcing the Jacks to concede a corner kick in just the 2nd minute of play. From then on, it was all Independence.
“It was a really good road performance for us,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “We managed a lot of stretches where we were under pressure. They’re a very good team and they’re very creative, so I thought we managed those stretches well.”
The chances started in the third minute after #16 Tomas Maya played a long ball in behind the Tormenta defense and into the path of a sprinting #90 Khori Bennett. Their keeper was positioned well to make a play, but Charlotte gained momentum.
Following two blocked shots from #11 Tresor Mbuyu and Bennett, the Jacks’ resilient offensive pressure earned them their first goal of the match. #10 Miguel Ibarra took a corner kick in the 16th minute that floated into the center of the box. Multiple players contested for the header, but it was #5 Shalom Dutey who re-directed the service across the goal line and gave the Jacks the lead.
Charlotte Independence goalkeeper #30 Adrian Zendejas went full extension in the 31st minute to punch away a Tormenta strike and keep the Jacks ahead by one.
Counter attack after counter attack, both teams found their way up and down the pitch late in the half. In the 44th minute, Bennett dribbled down the right flank and played a dangerous cross into the box catching the Tormenta defense running towards their own goal. Mbuyu trailed his defender on the back post, and with a sliding attempt, tapped in goal number two for the Jacks.
“This was a big result for the team, we knew going into it we had to get a result and that’s what we did,” Mbuyu said. “Now we have to carry the momentum over for another big game Wednesday.”
At the half, South Georgia Tormenta FC 0 – Charlotte Independence 2
The Independence shifted to a more defensive shape in the second half, keeping the ball in front and trusting in their backline who earned their fifth clean sheet on the night. It was a tremendous showing for goalkeeper Zendejas and defenders Maya, Dutey, #17 Clay Dimick, and #3 Hector Acosta.
“The team’s performance has been great, our mentality is as strong as ever when it comes to defending when we have the lead,” Dutey said. “We have been working hard defensively in practice and so it is nice to see that showing on the field. Also Adrian has been a big factor in making us feel comfortable.”
Bennett rewarded his fellow defenders with one final goal in the 86th minute. After winning possession in the midfield, he immediately advanced into the attack. He touched a pass over to Mbuyu who drew a defender and returned the favor. Bennett took a touch and set up a clinical finish into the lower right corner of the net.
The final score from Statesboro: South Georgia Tormenta FC 0 – Charlotte Independence 3.
“We’ll come back from the travel and try to recover tomorrow, have a rehab session on Monday and then it’s the question of getting our physical recovery,” Jeffries said. “We come in knowing it’s an important game.”
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Jacks are on the road again at Union Omaha on Wednesday, August 17. First kick is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (ET). All Charlotte Independence away matches are streamed for free on bahakelsports.com.
