Goals scored by Dane Kelly (11’) and Tresor Mbuyu (55’)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 9, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence secured a home win, 2-1, over Lexington SC on Sunday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks are on the road next weekend to face Richmond Kickers on Saturday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. at City Stadium.
After the first win in five games, Head Coach Mike Jeffries provided his overall thoughts. “We started really well with that early chance and early goal. We settled into the game too much after that and allowed them to push the tempo. We have to be better about making some of these mistakes; we’ve given away too many penalties in the last couple of games. The guys showed a little bit of fight coming out of the second half to find a way to win, and then it’s a big confidence booster to close the game out.”
The Independence started fast with a break down the right side by #8 Joel Johnson in the 1st minute. #21 Rayan Djedje fed a pass to Johnson who found #9 Dane Kelly at the center of the goal, but his shot was directly at Lexington goalkeeper #13 Amal Knight.
Kelly made his next attempt count with a header into the side netting off a cross by #6 Omar Ciss in the 11th minute, giving the Jacks a 1-0 lead.
“The team started to get used to me making those runs and tried to play the ball close to the goal wherever I can get to it,” Kelly said about his goal.
Both teams traded attacking chances, threatening on corners in the first half. Lexington evened the score with a penalty kick by #32 Ates Diouf in the 36th minute.
Halftime: Charlotte Independence 1, Lexington SC 1.
10 minutes into the second half, #11 Tresor Mbuyu scored a skillful solo goal, dribbling towards a defender and slotting a shot into the far side netting.
“We feel like we’re creating decent chances, and we’re getting goals in the run of play, so I think it’s a positive on that end,” Jeffries commented.
The Jacks continued pressuring the Lexington defense thanks to technical footwork by Johnson and a full-team attack.
Austin Pack made a huge close-range save in the 90th minute to hold onto the win for the Independence.
Full time: Charlotte Independence 2, Lexington SC 1.
“It feels good to be back home and win,” Mbuyu shared. “The fans were great, and the team was ready to play for the fans. The team came together, and everyone chipped in and did their part.”
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will travel to face Richmond Kickers on Saturday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. All away matches are available to livestream for free with Bahakel Sports.
