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Goals: Own Goal (24’ & 74’) and Obregón Jr. (59’)

STATESBORO, Ga. (September 21, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence split points with South Georgia Tormenta FC after a 3-3 draw at Tormenta Stadium on Saturday evening. The Jacks host Forward Madison FC on Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available at charlotteindependence.com/tickets. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The possession was mostly even in the first 10 minutes, but Charlotte had the most dangerous chances until Tormenta unexpectedly took the lead in the 13th minute. #10 Pedro Fonseca snuck a shot in the back of the net from a tight angle after a quick break.

#6 Omar Ciss tested the goalkeeper in the 20th minute with his first shot of the night as a low strike from distance was deflected out of bounds for a corner kick.

The Jacks tied the score in the 24th minute with an own goal by #28 Aaron Walker. A dribble from #11 Tresor Mbuyu set up a cross aimed towards #14 Luis Álvarez who pressured the defender enough to force the ball past the Tormenta goalkeeper.

Mbuyu had a similar chance again in first-half stoppage time, but his cross was cleared before reaching an Independence player.

Halftime: South Georgia Tormenta FC 1, Charlotte Independence 1.

Charlotte’s leading scorer, #29 J.C. Obregón Jr., fired the Jacks into the lead in the 59th minute with a stunning strike. #27 Bachir Ndiaye blocked an attempted long ball by Tormenta in the middle of the pitch. It deflected towards Obregón Jr. who dribbled for a few yards before unleashing a swerving shot from distance.

The lead was extended to 1-3 after a corner kick swung in by #21 Dustin Corea was headed in the back of the net by #11 Jackson Khoury for an own goal in the 74th minute. 

Down two goals, South Georgia fought hard on the attack looking for a way to get back in the game. #1 Austin Pack saved a long-range shot, but the rebound landed right at the feet of #9 Sebastián Vivas who netted the ball for a Tormenta goal.

In the final few minutes of stoppage time, Tormenta tied the game with a goal by #21 Philip Spengler from the top of the penalty area.

Fulltime: South Georgia Tormenta FC 3, Charlotte Independence 3.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• #29 J.C. Obregón Jr. scored his 12th goal of the USL League One season, which is tied for the lead in the golden boot race.
• #27 Bachir Ndiaye was credited with his first assist of the season.
• Ndiaye won 11 of 13 duels in the match, including three of three aerial duels.
• #19 Nathan Gray became the youngest player to appear for the Independence in club history at 16 years, 9 months, 28 days.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On dropping points
“I’m really disappointed that we gave away two points and were in a really good position to finish the game out and we should have. I thought we played pretty solidly for most of it, but we didn’t manage the end of the game as well as we needed to.”

On the offensive production
“The game had a pretty open flow. We had a few chances early that we didn’t finish or were saved. We pushed the game the rest of the first half and did well to get it to 1-1. We felt pretty good coming into halftime, managed to find a couple goals in the second half, and put ourselves in a position to win the game, but we needed to close it out.” 

#27 Bachir Ndiaye

On controlling the midfield
“We had to squeeze the space defensively when they had possession as well as pick the right moments to press, which I believe we did really well at times. Offensively, with the quality we have on the team, we trusted each other and made sure we controlled the tempo of the game and had good rotation in the middle.”

#19 Nathan Gray

On making his professional debut
“Making my debut tonight was incredibly special. It’s a moment I’ve been dreaming about for a long time, and to finally experience it is surreal. I’m grateful for the support and can’t wait to keep building from here.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

The Charlotte Independence return home against Forward Madison FC on Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at charlotteindependence.com/tickets.

The Charlotte Independence fell to Richmond Kickers by a score of 0-1 on Saturday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. 

How It Happened: 

The match began with good spells of possession for both sides. Charlotte had the first look at goal in the 11th minute with #29 JC Obregon Jr. hitting a strike from the top of the box. The shot was saved by Richmond GK #35 James Sneddon. 

Independence went on the attack again in the 22nd minute when a through ball to #11 Tresor Mbuyu resulted in a first-time shot on frame. Sneddon got a touch on it, to push the ball out for the Jacks first corner kick of the match. The corner was taken by #21 Dustin Correa and served deep towards the back of the box. A header away by Richmond fell to the feet of #13 Anthony Sorenson. He struck the shot low and missed just wide. 

In combination play up the right wing, Richmond was able to get endline and cut a pass back towards the top of the box. The shot missed high over the crossbar. Richmond tested Independence goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack in the 26th minute. The free kick was hit straight to the hands of Pack. 

Charlotte’s best look came in the 31st minute. Obregon intercept a pass across Richmond’s back line that fell to #6 Omar Ciss. Ciss played a pass wide to Mbuyu who dribbled down the left wing. Taking on his defender, he cut towards the endline. The shot floated across the frame of goal and knocked off the back post. 

The Jacks saw a couple more chances to finish the half but were unable to find the back of the net. 

Halftime, Charlotte Independence 0 – Richmond Kickers 0

Pack made an early diving save to keep the Jacks level early into the second half. 

A corner kick taken by #14 Luis Alvarez curved into the box in the 73rd minute. Congestion near the goalkeeper forced a drop, but Sneddon was quick to recover. 

An error on the Jacks defense left #8 Joao Gomiero one on one with Pack. He faked a shot, cut to the left and slotted a pass in for the goal. 

The Independence final good look at goal came in the 80th minute off a cross from Sorenson. The ball was low and Alvarez tried to push a pass through with his heel, but it was ultimately cleared out of play by the Richmond defense. 

Final Score, Charlotte Independence 0 – Richmond Kickers 1.

Quotes: 

Head Coach, Mike Jeffries
On his overall thoughts on the match:

“Frustrated. We knew it was going to be a hard night with the schedule that we’ve had and playing against a fresh group. We weren’t sharp enough throughout a lot of the early parts of the game, but still had chances. We hit the post twice and had a lot of good looks the first half and couldn’t finish, couldn’t get the first goal. I felt like we were in a good place the second half for the most part and then we conceded an absurd goal. I think that took the wind out of us completely and we didn’t respond like we needed to after the goal. We’re frustrated because it was an important game for us and where we are and it feels like we didn’t put our best foot forward tonight.”

On preparations for leading into next few matches:

“We’ve got 5 games left, two at home and three on the road. We knew this going in and when we get to this part of the season, every game is vital for points, in terms of the standings, so we’ll prepare for each game as best we can. We’ll see where we are injury wise and getting guys back and get ready for Tormenta.”

#13 Anthony Sorenson
On finding success on the wing

“The team’s been playing well, carrying on our streak. Our intensity as been very good off the start. I thought offensively we were giving them some pressure. It’s always my goal to help the team as much as I can getting forward, so just look to keep doing that as much as I can.”

#29 JC Obregon Jr. 
On first game back with Charlotte after International play with Honduras

“Really happy to be back with the team and get back in the groove with the tough season. Unlucky result tonight, but we have to flip the page and prepare for next week’s game. I thought the team played decent tonight. It wasn’t our best night for sure, I think we’ve created clearer chances in the past, but again, we’ll flip the page and get better this week and try to get the three points next weekend. 

Next On The Schedule: 

Charlotte Independence are on the road next Saturday, September 21 to face South Georgia Tormenta FC at Tormenta FC. First kick is scheduled for 7:30 pm. Fans can stream the match on ESPN+.

Goal scored by Álvarez (45+)

MADISON, Wis. (September 11, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence were eliminated from the USL Jägermeister Cup after dropping the semifinal match against Forward Madison, 1-2, at Breese Stevens Field on Wednesday evening. The Jacks return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. against the Richmond Kickers. Tickets are available at charlotteindependence.com/tickets. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

#14 Luis Álvarez took an early shot from outside the penalty area, forcing the Madison goalkeeper to make a diving save in the second minute.

Another dangerous attacking chance came in the ninth minute as a long ball found #8 Joel Johnson who managed to cut around a defender, but his shot was saved by #1 Bernd Schipmann. This led to three consecutive corner kicks, but the Jacks could not capitalize on the set pieces.

Everyone was joining the attack as #13 Anthony Sorenson unleashed a powerful, long-range shot in the 16th minute, resulting in another save for Schipmann.

The first major save #1 Austin Pack was forced to make came in the 21st minute as an attempted clearance by #7 Rayan Djedje hit a Forward Madison player and bounced back towards Pack, requiring a quick reaction save. Pack was then called into action again in the 23rd minute for a kick save after a through ball for the Flamingos.

Charlotte was inches away from scoring in the 25th minute as #56 Gabriel Obertan’s cross into the center of the penalty area was struck by a sliding Madison defender into the goalpost. Álvarez nearly got a shot in before the defender made contact with the ball.

A scramble in the penalty area led to the Flamingos’ opening goal in the 34th minute. Multiple failed clearances and deflections put the ball in the path of #4 Mitchell Osmond whose strike went into the top netting.

Pack put his body on the line in the 38th minute as he saved a first-time volley by #22 Stephen Payne stemming from a cross.

Seconds before halftime, the Jacks equalized through a goal scored by Álvarez. A cross from Sorenson bounced through the penalty area to Johnson. He was only able to get a touch on the ball which sent it back to Álvarez. After a cut back to avoid a defender, he sent the ball in the back of the net.

Halftime: Forward Madison FC 1, Charlotte Independence 1.

The even scoreline did not last long as Madison took the lead in the 47th minute. Another loose ball in front of goal was fatal for the Jacks as #9 Christian Chaney scored for the Flamingos.

The match took a turn in the 67th minute when Madison’s second goalscorer, Chaney, was sent off for his second yellow card of the night for a reckless foul on Álvarez. Despite the imbalance, the Flamingos continued attacking and caused another important save for Pack in the 75th minute.

Giving flashbacks to the Jacks’ previous USL Jägermeister Cup match, the Independence received a red card in the 82nd minute, leveling the playing field. #27 Bachir Ndiaye was sent off for violent conduct.

Head Coach Mike Jeffries used all substitute options possible in search of a tying goal, but Charlotte was unable to find an equalizer.

Fulltime: Forward Madison FC 2, Charlotte Independence 1.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• The Independence have scored six goals in the final five minutes of the first half in all competitions this season. The goal against Forward Madison was the second in as many games for the Jacks.
• #14 Luis Álvarez scored his eighth goal in all competitions this season.
• #8 Joel Johnson recorded his fifth assist in all competitions this season.
• The Jacks notched eight shots on target which is the highest for the team in the USL Jägermeister Cup and third-best across all USL competitions this season.
• The loss to Forward Madison snapped an 11-game unbeaten streak.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the disappointment of not advancing
“I’m heartbroken for the guys. They put a lot into this game, and I thought we played well. It was an intense cup game that both teams had a lot to play for, and we showed up and played well.” 

On the first half
“Definitely disappointed that we didn’t get the first goal; I thought we had a lot of good chances early. Frustrated about how we conceded the goal off the second ball in the corner. Credit to the group to fight back to get to 1-1 just before halftime.”

On the second half
“We didn’t start well in the second half, and they took advantage of that and broke us down to get the goal. We fought through and battled and really pushed the game at the end trying to get the equalizer, but we just weren’t able to do it.”

On the goalkeeper showdown
“Austin was fantastic and kept us in it. Their goalkeeper also made a lot of big plays that helped them out.”

On loose balls and deflections playing a part in the game
“Bounces are a part of the game. On the first goal, we had chances to clear the ball and didn’t do it, so that’s disappointing. The bounces went their way today and not ours. The piece from Joel in the first half was a great save and bounced out. Then Luis’ hit the post in the first half and bounced out. Sometimes that’s the way the ball bounces in a tight game.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE:

The Charlotte Independence host the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available at charlotteindependence.com/tickets. 

Goal scored by Obertan (42’)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (September 7, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence tied One Knoxville SC, 1-1, extending the unbeaten streak to 11 matches on Saturday afternoon at Regal Soccer Stadium. The Jacks face Forward Madison FC on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. (ET) in the USL Jägermeister Cup semifinal. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The chances were few and far between for both sides for most of the first half. Each team recorded a shot on target in the opening 10 minutes, but neither challenged the goalkeeper greatly.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the Jacks took the lead in the 42nd minute through a goal by #56 Gabriel Obertan. #27 Bachir Ndiaye sent a looping ball into the penalty area which Knoxville goalkeeper #1 Sean Lewis batted away from goal directly to #21 Dustin Corea. Corea then tried to cross the ball centrally, but it was deflected into open space. Obertan charged towards the ball and took a shot, which was blocked back to him, and struck a fast-paced shot off the rebound into the back of the net.

Halftime: One Knoxville SC 0, Charlotte Independence 1.

Charlotte managed to avoid danger in the 52nd minute after a ball made its way across the face of goal and was directed towards the net but was never finished despite multiple efforts by One Knox.

#1 Austin Pack was called into action in the 61st minute, making a low diving save to send the ball out for a corner kick. On the ensuing cross, Pack’s reflexes were key as he quickly blocked a mid-height header from inside the six yard box.

Knoxville was awarded a penalty kick in the 68th minute after a tackle from #7 Rayan Djedje was a split second too late and narrowly inside the penalty area. Pack guessed correctly on the shot but could not get a hand on it.

The Jacks were extremely unlucky to not retake the lead in the 86th minute as a shot from Obertan hit the left goalpost and rolled across the face of goal and out of bounds for a goal kick.

Fulltime: One Knoxville SC 1, Charlotte Independence 1.

IN THE NUMBERS: 

• #18 Nelson Pierre made his first start for the Independence.
• #56 Gabriel Obertan scored his third goal of the USL League One season.
• The Independence have not lost on the road in USL League One play when scoring the opening goal.
• Charlotte has scored in 13 of 16 league games this season which leads the league.
• The Independence are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions and six away matches in all competitions for the first time since 2017.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Jeffries

On the lineup adjustments made today
“We shaped ourselves a little bit differently as the result of some changes and also, I felt like it was a way to match up better with Knoxville. Guys that hadn’t played in some time came on and did excellent work. It was nice for Dustin and Nelson to get starts, for Denzel to come in and make a positive impact, and for Shalom to get a start and play solidly. That’s good and bodes well for the confidence of the group as we head into this part of the season.”

On the game flow
“The game today was very intense. We knew that they’re a talented group and good with possession of the ball. They were able to move us around, but I thought we did a good job limiting chances for them. Definitely nice to come in 1-0 at halftime. Probably disappointed with how we conceded, but I thought we did a great job maintaining composure when the game got to 1-1, not only seeing the game out, but we had a good look from Gabi [Obertan] that hit the post on a play where he was in behind their group.”

#5 Shalom Dutey

On how the teams’ similar styles impacted the game plan
“We played our game and didn’t allow what they were effective at to bother us defensively. We’ve been training all week and preparing for this match up so we were confident.”

#24 Denzel Akyeampong

On his role entering as a substitute
“I felt that it was a good opportunity for me to step in and help the team. We were facing a good team possession-wise, so it was vital for me to do the job defensively and be ready to counter in transition. Overall it was a good point on the road but unfortunate for us not to walk away with three points.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE:

The Charlotte Independence face Forward Madison FC in the USL Jägermeister Cup semifinal on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 4, 2024) – The Honduras Men’s National Team announced that Charlotte Independence forward J.C. Obregón Jr. was called up for the Concacaf Nations League matches set to take place during the September international window.

This is Obregón Jr.’s first senior national team call up after he represented Honduras at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the U-23 squad. He scored the first goal in Honduras’ 2-1 win over the United States to qualify for the Olympics, and he netted another in Olympic Group Play against New Zealand in a 3-2 victory.

HONDURAS MATCH SCHEDULE:

Friday, September 6 at 10:00pm (ET) vs. Trinidad and Tobago | Watch on Paramount+

Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00pm (ET) vs. Jamaica | Watch on Paramount+

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team celebrating a decade of competitive soccer in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2024. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and reached its first league final in club history at the end of the 2023 season. The Independence plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.