Independence Raise over $3,400 for Wounded Warrior Project in Home Draw

Matthews (NC) — On Military Appreciation Night, the Charlotte Independence played out a draw with Penn FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday night. Independence forward Eamon Zayed scored his fourth goal of the season in the 62nd minute to give the Independence the lead. However, Penn FC answered with a goal of their own in the 72nd minute as the clubs split points.

"I thought the energy and effort was good considering we had to make two changes from the lineup we had yesterday," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "Defensively, we managed the game very, very well but we weren’t as dynamic as we needed to be offensively."

On Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery, the Independence raised $3,418 for Wounded Warrior Project by auctioning off limited edition, game-worn jerseys.

"I thought the cause was fantastic," said Jeffries. "I thought the jerseys looked really sharp and it was enjoyable to see them in those."

The Independence produced their best chance in the 38th minute off of a nice combination from midfielder Kevan George and defender Joel Johnson. George found Johnson out wide who then played a dangerous ball into the box but was unable to find a teammate.

Forward Eamon Zayed broke the deadlock for the Independence in the 64th minute when he headed home an Alex Martinez cross at the back post. Penn FC responded to Zayed's goal in the 72nd minute when Penn forward Aaron Dennis lasered a shot from distance past Andrew Dykstra. 

"It was a great service from Alex and it’s always nice to get the goal," said Zayed. "With service like that, I think I’ll score plenty more."

The Independence will have a week off before returning to action on Wednesday, August 8th when they take on Bethlehem Steel FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Scoring Summary: 64': CLT – Eamon Zayed (Martinez)         72': PEN – Aaron Dennis (Hawkins)     Discipline: 47': CLT – Jake Areman (YC)      56': CLT – Jorge Herrera (YC)   62': PEN – Dan Metzger (YC) 90': CLT – Bilal Duckett (YC)   90+5': PEN – Calvin Rezende (YC)

Shots: CLT – 2 PEN -11   Saves: CLT – 1 PEN – 0   Possession: CLT – 48.3% PEN – 51.7%

Matthews (NC) — On Military Appreciation Night, the Charlotte Independence played out a draw with Penn FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday night. Independence forward Eamon Zayed scored his fourth goal of the season in the 62nd minute to give the Independence the lead. However, Penn FC answered with a goal of their own in the 72nd minute as the clubs split points.

“I thought the energy and effort was good considering we had to make two changes from the lineup we had yesterday,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Defensively, we managed the game very, very well but we weren’t as dynamic as we needed to be offensively.”

On Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery, the Independence raised $3,418 for Wounded Warrior Project by auctioning off limited edition, game-worn jerseys.

“I thought the cause was fantastic,” said Jeffries. “I thought the jerseys looked really sharp and it was enjoyable to see them in those.”

The Independence produced their best chance in the 38th minute off of a nice combination from midfielder Kevan George and defender Joel Johnson. George found Johnson out wide who then played a dangerous ball into the box but was unable to find a teammate.

Forward Eamon Zayed broke the deadlock for the Independence in the 64th minute when he headed home an Alex Martinez cross at the back post. Penn FC responded to Zayed’s goal in the 72nd minute when Penn forward Aaron Dennis lasered a shot from distance past Andrew Dykstra. 

“It was a great service from Alex and it’s always nice to get the goal,” said Zayed. “With service like that, I think I’ll score plenty more.”

The Independence will have a week off before returning to action on Wednesday, August 8th when they take on Bethlehem Steel FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Scoring Summary: 64′: CLT – Eamon Zayed (Martinez)         72′: PEN – Aaron Dennis (Hawkins)     Discipline: 47′: CLT – Jake Areman (YC)      56′: CLT – Jorge Herrera (YC)   62′: PEN – Dan Metzger (YC) 90′: CLT – Bilal Duckett (YC)   90+5′: PEN – Calvin Rezende (YC)

Shots: CLT – 2 PEN -11   Saves: CLT – 1 PEN – 0   Possession: CLT – 48.3% PEN – 51.7%