Jacks recorded 2-0 win; goals by #6 Omar Ciss and #9 Kharlton Belmar
LANGHORNE, P.A. (March 21, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence beat Vereinigung Erzgebirge, 2-0, in the First Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to advance to the Second Round. The draw for the next round matchups will take place on Friday, March 22nd.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After pressuring extensively for the whole match, the Independence found the breakthrough goal in the 72nd minute. #9 Kharlton Belmar collected a ball over the top of the defense from #8 Joel Johnson. He then passed the ball to #6 Omar Ciss at the top of the penalty area for a shot inside the post.
In his second game for the Jacks, Belmar scored to double the lead in the 86th minute. The same pairing that combined for the first goal connected for the second as Ciss crossed the ball to Belmar on the left post for a header into the back of the net.
NOTABLES:
- #24 Denzel Akyeampong made his first professional start.
- #13 Anton Sorenson and #29 JC Obregón Jr. made their first starts for the Independence.
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence return home on Thursday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. against Spokane Velocity FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Purchase your tickets for Thirsty Thursday at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.