Goal scored by #90 Khori Bennett (51’)
PAPILLION, NE (August 17, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence fell to Union Omaha Wednesday night by a score of 2-1 at Werner Park in Papillion, Nebraska. The Jacks return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 27 to host Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. It’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Night presented by Novant Health and any fan who donates a toy at the gate is entered to win a limited-edition scarf and receives free entry to the match. Tickets.
“We started well. I thought we had good chances early in the game. I think we were fine, we got the lead, and then I think we were poor at protecting the game once we got the lead,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “We didn’t manage it well when they pushed the game, and we broke down on a pretty simple play to get it 1-1. From that point on I thought we struggled to get back in control of the game.”
The reigning USL League One Player of the Week, #11 Tresor Mbuyu looked dangerous early in the match, turning his defender on multiple occasions and racing down the left wing.
In the 7th minute, Mbuyu’s skill led the ball to #56 Gabriel Obertan in the center of the pitch. Obertan dribbled past several Omaha defenders and took a strike on frame. His shot was saved by the goalkeeper, yet he collected the rebound and dished it off to #10 Miguel Ibarra who’s shot rattled off the crossbar.
The Jacks defense did well to hold off an energetic press by the Owls including a diving header clearance by #5 Shalom Dutey in the 19th minute to interrupt a service into the box.
Charlotte earned their first corner kick in the 25th minute of the match. They opted for a short corner and a left-footed cross from #16 Tomas Maya. #90 Khori Bennet ricocheted a header towards the net, but it was blocked by an Omaha defender.
In the final minutes of the first half, the Jacks earned a free kick. #4 Diego Rocha stepped up to take it from distance. Rocha almost caught the goalkeeper out of position, forcing him to make a save on the goal line.
At the half, Union Omaha 0 – Charlotte Independence 0.
About five minutes into the second half, Mbuyu spotted a 50/50 ball up for grabs rolling towards the penalty box. He sprinted to intercept the pass and collided with the Omaha goalkeeper, earning his side a penalty kick. Mbuyu left the match after the collision, and it was Bennett who stepped up to take the kick. He buried it in the back of the net for his eighth goal of the season.
“Happy to get the goal, but it’s a tough result to take,” Bennett said. “We have to reflect on this one, learn from our mistakes and get prepared for the next game”
One goal wasn’t enough to hold off the Owls who persistently pressed the Independence back line. In the 57th minute, a cross from Omaha dropped into the center of the box. The initial shot was blocked by Dutey, but #7 Noe Meza collected the rebound and slotted it past Zendejas to tie the match at one goal a piece.
Ten minutes later, Omaha midfielder #6 Chavany Willis found himself open from thirty yards out, and with the left foot, scored the Owls’ second goal of the night.
“We are obviously really frustrated with tonight’s result. Whenever you go up a goal on the road you fully expect to bring home 3 points,” explained Charlotte Independence Captain #17 Clay Dimick. “We have to become that team that does it, and I know we can do so. We will regroup and be ready to pick up all three points against Chattanooga at home.”
Nine minutes of stoppage time were added to the match, but the Jacks were unable to create any additional momentum in the attack.
“We get a few days off to recover off a fairly busy stretch and then we obviously get straight into it and prepare for our home games coming up,” Jeffries said.
The final score from Nebraska, Union Omaha 2 – Charlotte Independence 1
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 27. The Jacks host Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and first kick is set for 7:00 PM. Visit charlotteindependence.com for tickets.
