
#2 Nicole Poole scored her first goal of the season
GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 13, 2023) – In the first meeting of the season between the two sides, the Charlotte Independence faced a 4-1 setback on the road against NC Fusion. The Independence remain on the road to face NC Courage U23 on Saturday, June 17 at 6:00PM at WakeMed Soccer Park.
All of the offensive momentum was in Charlotte’s favor to start the game, led by numerous crosses and offensive dribbles down the left wing by #11 Corine Gregory. In the third minute, #12 Ayden Yates fired a half-volley just inches shy of the left post.
The tide suddenly turned in NC Fusion’s favor with two quick goals. The Fusion took possession after a Charlotte goal kick, allowing Ellie Garrison to launch a long-range shot into the top of the goal. Less than two minutes later, a cross bouncing across the face of goal found its way into the side netting by Tessa Carlin, making it 2-0 in the 15th minute.
Goalkeeper #41 Sejal Johnson made a crucial save in the 18th minute as the Fusion had a break on goal, diving to send the shot wide.
On a break in the 33rd minute, #14 Kennedy Jones slotted a pass to #5 Zoe Susi who was open on the left side of the penalty area, but Susi’s shot hit the outside of the net.
NC Fusion tacked on a third goal before halftime with a shot by Garrison in the 44th minute, sliding just past the reach of Johnson.
Half: NC Fusion 3, Charlotte Independence 0.
The Independence opened the second half with a high press, but the Fusion extended the lead as Garrison received a ball over the top of the defense and played it across the box to Aaryn Gabriel who tapped it in for a 4-0 lead in the 55th minute.
#4 Isabel Aguilar nearly put the Independence on the board in the 72nd minute with a shot aimed at the top left corner of the goal, but a save by Sarah Wommack maintained the clean sheet for the Fusion. #3 Sutton Webb all but duplicated this attempt in the 74th minute, and another save by Wommack left the Independence still searching for a goal.
The breakthrough came in the 81st minute as a long throw-in by #9 Kendyl Lauher was redirected off the head of a Fusion defender into the path of #2 Nicole Poole who struck a half-volley into the back of the net.
Charlotte continued pressing for the rest of the game, yet the threats were all mitigated. The Independence out-shot the Fusion 9-5, but the opposition capitalized on the shots to take all three points.
Final: NC Fusion 4, Charlotte Independence 1
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will travel to WakeMed Soccer Park to play NC Courage U23 on Saturday, June 17 at 6PM in the second meeting between the sides this season.