CHARLOTTE, NC (November 8, 2026) – The Charlotte Independence defeated Forward Madison 2-1 on Sunday night to advance to the 2026 USL League One Final.
Sega Coulibaly’s first goal as a Jack served as the game-winner and Matt Levy made six saves in goal as Charlotte heads to their second league final in the last three seasons. Jon Bakero tacked on to his sensational season by opening the scoring and adding another assist.
In front of them sits first-year side Athletic Club Boise, who defeated Chattanooga Red Wolves in extra time Saturday to play for the title. The Final will be played at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 PM.
The Flamingos came out on the front foot, forcing Levy into action just three minutes in. Following a Madison corner kick, Kevin Carmichael unleashed a half-volley from the top of the box, but Levy reacted quickly, diving to his right to make his first save of the evening.
For the second consecutive playoff match, the Independence struck early. Madison surrendered possession deep in its own half, allowing Souaibou Marou to break forward into space. The striker picked out Christopher Jaime, who quickly returned the ball to Marou inside the area. His initial effort was denied by goalkeeper JT Harms, but Bakero was perfectly positioned to bury the rebound from close range.
Madison responded almost immediately. The Flamingos sprung a quick counterattack, with Ryan Carmichael sending a lofted ball into the path of Hakim Karamoko. The forward took two touches before delicately lifting his effort past an onrushing Levy to level the score just two minutes later.
Charlotte continued to look dangerous in transition. In the 18th minute, Marou pounced on a loose ball in midfield and drove forward with numbers. He slipped a pass through to Bakero, who found Jaime near the edge of the area. Jaime attempted to pick out Marou at the back post, but his cross narrowly eluded the Golden Boot winner.
The Independence reclaimed the lead in the 40th minute through an unlikely source. Following the second ball from a corner kick, Bakero whipped a delivery back into the box, picking out Coulibaly perfectly. The center back rose highest to power a header past Harms, scoring his first goal in an Independence uniform.
Charlotte nearly doubled its advantage moments later. The Jacks sprung a three-on-one counterattack, with Jaime leading the charge before slipping Bakero into space. The Spaniard squared the ball to Marou, whose effort forced Harms into a diving save. The rebound fell kindly to Prince Saydee, but Harms produced another outstanding stop to keep the deficit at one heading toward halftime.
Coulibaly continued his inspired performance with a crucial goal-line clearance in the 58th minute. Joshua Bolma found space between Charlotte defenders and chipped an effort over Levy, but the retreating Coulibaly raced back to volley the ball away before it could cross the goal line.
Harms kept Madison within striking distance with a tremendous save in the 66th minute. Bakero once again delivered a pinpoint ball, lofting a set piece over the defense and onto the head of Joey Skinner. The defender directed his header toward goal, but Harms reacted brilliantly to deny him from close range.
Madison threatened at the other end moments later, with Karamoko searching for his second goal of the evening. The forward raced down Charlotte’s left flank and used Coulibaly as a screen before firing toward goal, but Levy reacted sharply, diving to his right to produce an impressive one-handed save.
Levy came up with his sixth save of the evening in the 71st minute as Madison continued to ramp up the pressure. Roman Torres found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful strike, but the Charlotte goalkeeper was once again up to the task, diving to deny the effort.
The Independence held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time to secure their place in the USL League One Final, sparking celebrations with supporters at the final whistle.
POST-GAME SOUND
Head Coach Mike Jeffries on hosting the Final next week:
“To have a chance to get the championship game in our city, at our home field, means a lot to us. We’re excited to be able to play at the Sportsplex in less than a week.”
Jeffries on Coulibaly rising to the occasion:
“Huge. I’m happy for him. Sega has been fantastic for us. Great leadership, as well as just strong, day-in and day-out play. Great timing, obviously, for the goal. No question about that.”
Clay Dimick on what it means to host the Final:
“Everything. Like I said, this city’s home — home to my wife, my kids and me. To be able to bring success back to the city, we’ve already brought the Players’ Shield, but now we’ve shown that we want to battle for a second trophy. That means everything.”
Matt Levy on Coulibaly scoring:
“The number of times I’ve seen him do it in practice, I was waiting for him to do it in a game. For him to be in the right spot at the right time, and for Jon — Jon’s always going to find somebody in the box. If you’re open, Jon’s going to find your head. It’s just for us to finish the chances he provides. I’m super happy for him.”
