
HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (June 20, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence women fell just short on Tuesday night suffering a 1-0 loss to Wake FC at Ting Park. The team returns home this Saturday, June 24 hosting Asheville City SC at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex.
While Wake FC appeared to have a majority of the possession throughout the first half, it was the Charlotte Independence who earned the first corner kick of the match. It was #4 Isabel Aguilar who took a shot from distance forcing the Wake FC goalkeeper to make a diving save. #21 Carolina Peters served up the corner kick, but sent it long and out of play.
In the 18th minute, a 1v1 opportunity almost allowed for an early goal after a strong shot by #11 Victoria DellaPeruta was blocked by Charlotte goalkeeper #1 Madison Howard.
Only one minute later, a strike by #9 Alexandra Kerr of Wake FC deflected off a Charlotte defender resulting in Wake FC’s first corner kick of the game. The service was then cleared away by the Independence defense.
Another 1v1 opportunity in the 31st minute found Wake FC back on the attack. Kerr battled it out against #9 Kendyl Lauher of Charlotte, who was able to clear it out of play for Wake FC’s second corner kick of the match. Following the service, Wake FC #12 Kai Hayes won the ball and took a strong shot to the top right side of the net, but was denied with a punch out by Howard.
With only a few seconds left, #25 Ryder Perry of Wake FC sent a powerful strike towards frame, but missed quite wide over the net to finish the half.
Halftime: Wake FC 0 – Charlotte Independence 0
Early into the second half, #4 Kendall Fletcher of Wake FC dribbled the ball out wide to the left side of the pitch and sent the clinical ball into the middle of the 18 yard box to find her teammate Perry waiting at the six. Perry put her team ahead after a header into the back of the net in the 51st minute.
Second half action again forced many saves for Independence goalie, #1 Madison Howard. In the 64th minute, #7 of Wake FC dribbled the ball up the pitch and took a strong shot towards the bottom right corner of the net. Howard made impressive back to back saves after Kerr beat her defender to the rebound.
The Independence found a couple late opportunities to try and find the equalizer. In the 86th minute, Peters of the Independence took a few dribbles inside the 18 yard box. She took the shot, but sent it high over the net.
In the last minute of the match, Aguilar of the Independence took another hopeful shot from about 30 yards out. She sent it soaring way over the crossbar for one last attempt.
The Charlotte Independence were unable to convert and dropped their third consecutive match on the road.
Final: Wake FC 1 – Charlotte Independence 0
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence women are back home as they host Asheville City SC this Saturday, June 24 at Community School of Davidson – Spartan Athletic Complex and Park. The match kicks off in Huntersville, North Carolina at 7:00 p.m.