
Huntersville, N.C. (June 24, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team looked to bring a spark back to their season on Saturday night as they hosted Asheville City SC at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex. The Independence have dropped the last 3 games on the road, starting Saturday’s match with an overall 3-5-1 record.
Charlotte’s #15 Jenna Butler attacked from the get go and took a shot from 40 yards out that bounced off the crossbar, testing the Asheville City SC goalkeeper early.
In the 13th minute of play, Charlotte’s #21 Caroline Peters scored on a string of passes from #14 Kennedy Jones and #4 Isabel Aguilar. Peters put the ball into the back of the net and gave the Independence 1-0 lead.
Minutes later, Charlotte’s #22 Mary Grier sent a cross into the box. A collision between Asheville players led the ball to the feet of #17 Olivia Simon.She put the ball into an empty net to put the Independence up 2-0.
Asheville looked to get one back in the 23rd minute when #3 Riley Thompson dribbled into the box and tried to take a shot at Charlotte’s goalie Madison Howard. Howard came up with a great save to keep her clean sheet alive.
With about 6 minutes left in the first half, Jones received a through ball from Aguilar. She took it down the pitch for the Independence and dribbled into the box. Beating her defender, she took the shot and fired it past the Asheville goalie putting Charlotte up 3-0.
Halftime: Charlotte Independence 3 – Asheville City SC 0
The second half presented a different tone from both teams. Charlotte, up 3 goals to none, relied on their defense to hold off the Asheville SC attack. On the other end, Asheville struggled to get things going offensively.
It wasn’t until the 71st minute when Asheville’s #10 Kennedy Bell dribbled around her defender and right up to the face of Howard. Howard came up with the stop to keep the visitors scoreless.
Howard capped the night with one last save, earning another clean sheet.
Final: Charlotte Independence 3 – Asheville City SC 0
Next on the Schedule: The Charlotte Independence return home to host NC Fusion at Community School of Davidson – SPARTAN ATHLETIC COMPLEX & PARK on Wednesday, June 28th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.