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Cato, Ekra Shine in Independence Road Win Over Richmond
Richmond (VA) — The Charlotte Independence won a third-consecutive league game on Saturday night topping the Richmond Kickers 3-1. Independence midfielder Cordell Cato scored twice on Yann Ekra assists, and Yann Ekra scored once on a Cordell Cato assist.
“That’s a big confidence booster for us," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "We always have good rivalries in the triangle of us, Charleston, and Richmond, and it’s nice coming up here and winning. It feels good to get one on the road.”
In the 14th minute, Yann Ekra gave the Independence an early lead when he scored his second goal in the past three league games. Just before the halftime break, Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Cordell Cato doubled the Independence's lead. Cato bagged a brace in the 76th minute on a Yann Ekra assist for his team-tying-best fifth goal of the season.
“I am definitely happy," said Cato. "It’s our first road win of the season, and with the next three games on the road, this was an opportunity to start off with a win and that is what we did.”
The Kickers pulled back a goal when Richmond forward Brian Shriver scored in the 80th minute for the final score of the game.
The Independence will carry their three-game winning streak in the midst of a four-game road trip next Saturday traveling to Ottawa Fury FC. In the 2018 season opener, the Independence beat Ottawa 4-1 at the Sportsplex at Matthews.
Scoring Summary:28': CLT – Yann Ekra (Cordell Cato) 49': CLT – Cordell Cato (Yann Ekra) 66': CLT – Cordell Cato (Yann Ekra) 80': RIC – Brian Shriver
Discipline:90+2': CLT – Joel Johnson (YC)
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Shots:CLT – 8 RIC -8 Saves:CLT – 6 RIC – 10 Possession:CLT – 58.4% RIC – 41.6% |
Next Game:
Richmond (VA) — The Charlotte Independence won a third-consecutive league game on Saturday night topping the Richmond Kickers 3-1. Independence midfielder Cordell Cato scored twice on Yann Ekra assists, and Yann Ekra scored once on a Cordell Cato assist.
“That’s a big confidence booster for us,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “We always have good rivalries in the triangle of us, Charleston, and Richmond, and it’s nice coming up here and winning. It feels good to get one on the road.”
In the 14th minute, Yann Ekra gave the Independence an early lead when he scored his second goal in the past three league games. Just before the halftime break, Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Cordell Cato doubled the Independence’s lead. Cato bagged a brace in the 76th minute on a Yann Ekra assist for his team-tying-best fifth goal of the season.
“I am definitely happy,” said Cato. “It’s our first road win of the season, and with the next three games on the road, this was an opportunity to start off with a win and that is what we did.”
The Kickers pulled back a goal when Richmond forward Brian Shriver scored in the 80th minute for the final score of the game.
The Independence will carry their three-game winning streak in the midst of a four-game road trip next Saturday traveling to Ottawa Fury FC. In the 2018 season opener, the Independence beat Ottawa 4-1 at the Sportsplex at Matthews.
Scoring Summary:28′: CLT – Yann Ekra (Cordell Cato) 49′: CLT – Cordell Cato (Yann Ekra) 66′: CLT – Cordell Cato (Yann Ekra) 80′: RIC – Brian Shriver
Discipline:90+2′: CLT – Joel Johnson (YC)
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Shots:CLT – 8 RIC -8 Saves:CLT – 6 RIC – 10 Possession:CLT – 58.4% RIC – 41.6% |
Next Game:
Saturday, june 2nd, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
ottawa fury fc
td place stadium | USL REGULAR SEASON
Saturday, june 2nd, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
ottawa fury fc
td place stadium | USL REGULAR SEASON
Tactics with Troy – Mutaya Mwape
RECENT EPISODE: TACTICS WITH TROY – JE-VAUGHN WATSON
RECENT EPISODE: TACTICS WITH TROY – JE-VAUGHN WATSON
Saturday, may 26th, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
richmond kickers
city stadium | USL REGULAR SEASON
Saturday, may 26th, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
richmond kickers
city stadium | USL REGULAR SEASON
Charlotte Independence Paint with kenT youngstrom
Independence Complete Season Sweep of Toronto FC II
Matthews (NC) — The Charlotte Independence completed the two-game, season-sweep of Toronto FC II by a score of 2-1 on Saturday night. Independence forward Jorge Herrera converted a penalty kick in the 28th minute for his fifth goal of the season. In the second half, rookie midfielder Mutaya Mwape found Eamon Zayed on a back-post header for his second goal in as many games and the first assist of Mwape's professional career.
"I thought Mutaya (Mwape) had a shaper night," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "The cross 45 seconds in that he puts on Jorge's head, the assist — he was a little more clinical in the final third, I thought it was a better night. He found the game a little bit better, it was good to see from him for sure."
"Before the game, (Eamon) Zayed talked to me and told me to cross the ball back post and I did what he told me," said Mwape. "I'm just learning a lot from the older guys, so I just listen to them and do what they tell me to do."
In the 28th minute, Toronto FC II goalkeeper Gianluca Catalano was shown a yellow card for his tackle on Independence forward Jorge Herrera. Herrera converted the penalty kick to give the Independence a 1-0 halftime lead. Following the second goal by Indpendence forward Eamon Zayed, Toronto FC II answered with a goal by Jordon Faria in the 66th minute for the final score of the game.
Charlotte begins a four-game road trip next weekend when they travel to take on the Richmond Kickers. After earning six points in consecutive games, the Jacks will look to string together a third win for the first time this season.
Scoring Summary:28': CLT – Jorge Herrera (PK) 49': CLT – Eamon Zayed (Mwape) 66': TOR – Jordan Faria (Bjornethun)
Discipline:11': TOR – Gianluca Catalano (YC) 35': TOR – Kyle Bjornethun (YC) 87': TOR – Brandon Onkony
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Shots:CLT – 8 TOR -8 Saves:CLT – 1 TOR – 4 Possession:CLT – 59.9% TOR – 40.1% |
Next Game:
Matthews (NC) — The Charlotte Independence completed the two-game, season-sweep of Toronto FC II by a score of 2-1 on Saturday night. Independence forward Jorge Herrera converted a penalty kick in the 28th minute for his fifth goal of the season. In the second half, rookie midfielder Mutaya Mwape found Eamon Zayed on a back-post header for his second goal in as many games and the first assist of Mwape’s professional career.
“I thought Mutaya (Mwape) had a shaper night,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “The cross 45 seconds in that he puts on Jorge’s head, the assist — he was a little more clinical in the final third, I thought it was a better night. He found the game a little bit better, it was good to see from him for sure.”
“Before the game, (Eamon) Zayed talked to me and told me to cross the ball back post and I did what he told me,” said Mwape. “I’m just learning a lot from the older guys, so I just listen to them and do what they tell me to do.”
In the 28th minute, Toronto FC II goalkeeper Gianluca Catalano was shown a yellow card for his tackle on Independence forward Jorge Herrera. Herrera converted the penalty kick to give the Independence a 1-0 halftime lead. Following the second goal by Indpendence forward Eamon Zayed, Toronto FC II answered with a goal by Jordon Faria in the 66th minute for the final score of the game.
Charlotte begins a four-game road trip next weekend when they travel to take on the Richmond Kickers. After earning six points in consecutive games, the Jacks will look to string together a third win for the first time this season.
Scoring Summary:28′: CLT – Jorge Herrera (PK) 49′: CLT – Eamon Zayed (Mwape) 66′: TOR – Jordan Faria (Bjornethun)
Discipline:11′: TOR – Gianluca Catalano (YC) 35′: TOR – Kyle Bjornethun (YC) 87′: TOR – Brandon Onkony
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Shots:CLT – 8 TOR -8 Saves:CLT – 1 TOR – 4 Possession:CLT – 59.9% TOR – 40.1% |
Next Game:
SATURDAY, MAY 26TH, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
RICHMOND KICKERS
CITY STADIUM | USL REGULAR SEASON
SATURDAY, MAY 26TH, 2018 | 7:00 PM ET
RICHMOND KICKERS
CITY STADIUM | USL REGULAR SEASON
FAQs – Charlotte Independence US Open Cup Game
Who?
Charlotte Independence vs Ocean City Nor'easters
When?
Wednesday, May 16th | 7:30 PM Kickoff
Where?
Sportsplex at Matthews (2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105)
What?
How do I get tickets?
2018 Season Members tickets have already received their tickets through their Account Manager. Tickets can be purchased here.
Which sections of the stadium will be open?
Only sections 108-114 will be available for seating (press box side). 2018 Season Members have priority to their reserved seats. 2018 Season Members in sections 101-107 will mirror their reserved seat to the corresponding section. (Example; section 101 to 114; section 105 to 109). All other seating will be general admission.
Which is the Supports section?
Jack's Militia will be standing in section 114
What time will gates open?
The only gate that will be open is the Main Gate which will open at 6:30 PM. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Will parking be $5?
No, for this event only, parking is free!
Will concessions and beer be sold during at the game?
Yes, some of our usual vendors will be at the game, as well as beer vendors.
Did we miss something?
Give us a call and feel free to ask! Contact the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.
Who?
Charlotte Independence vs Ocean City Nor’easters
When?
Wednesday, May 16th | 7:30 PM Kickoff
Where?
Sportsplex at Matthews (2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105)
What?
How do I get tickets?
2018 Season Members tickets have already received their tickets through their Account Manager. Tickets can be purchased here.
Which sections of the stadium will be open?
Only sections 108-114 will be available for seating (press box side). 2018 Season Members have priority to their reserved seats. 2018 Season Members in sections 101-107 will mirror their reserved seat to the corresponding section. (Example; section 101 to 114; section 105 to 109). All other seating will be general admission.
Which is the Supports section?
Jack’s Militia will be standing in section 114
What time will gates open?
The only gate that will be open is the Main Gate which will open at 6:30 PM. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Will parking be $5?
No, for this event only, parking is free!
Will concessions and beer be sold during at the game?
Yes, some of our usual vendors will be at the game, as well as beer vendors.
Did we miss something?
Give us a call and feel free to ask! Contact the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.
Midfield Duo Earn USL Team of the Week Honors
TAMPA, Fla. – Charlotte Independence midfielder Kay Voser was named to the USL Team of Week following a one-goal, one-assist performance against FC Cincinnati in Week 9. Independence midfielder Alex Martinez was named to the Team of the Week Bench for assisting Yann Ekra in the 45th minute giving the Independence a critical 2-0 halftime lead.
RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE HOST SUPRISE HOME GAME
LA Galaxy II forward Efrain Alvarez has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 9 of the 2018 season. The Mexico Under-17 international earned the honor after becoming the youngest player to record a hat trick in the USL’s history, as the 15-year-old led Los Dos to a 6-3 victory against Saint Louis FC last Wednesday night.
Alvarez received 76 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Nashville SC’s Lebo Moloto finished second with 16 percent.
USL Team of the Week
GK – Diego Restrepo, San Antonio FC: Restrepo recorded a five-save shutout to keep his side in the game, as San Antonio earned a point on the road in a 0-0 draw against Rio Grande Valley FC.
D – Colin Falvey, Ottawa Fury FC: Falvey scored a late game-winner against Penn FC and helped Ottawa record back-to-back shutouts while only allowing three shots on goal in two victories over the week.
D – Kalen Ryden, Real Monarchs SLC: Ryden scored a pair of goals as the Monarchs swept to a 4-1 victory against the Swope Park Rangers last Wednesday night.
D – Jordan Dover, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Dover recorded four tackles and four interceptions, as the Hounds held Indy Eleven without a shot on goal and also joined the attack well throughout Friday night’s contest.
M – Alessandro Riggi, Phoenix Rising FC: Riggi recorded a pair of assists and recorded five key passes overall, as Phoenix took a 3-0 victory against OKC Energy FC last Wednesday night.
M – Kay Voser, Charlotte Independence: Voser recorded a goal and an assist, recorded four shots overall and completed 56 of 61 passes as the Independence took a 4-1 victory against FC Cincinnati.
M – Lebo Moloto, Nashville SC: Moloto scored his first two goals for Nashville, as the side took a 2-0 victory against Louisville City FC on Sunday evening to remain undefeated at home this season.
M – Mohamad Thiaw, Reno 1868 FC: Thiaw recorded the game-winning goal and an assist after coming on as a halftime substitute to spark 1868 FC’s 3-2 comeback victory against Sacramento Republic FC.
F – Efrain Alvarez, LA Galaxy II: Alvarez became the youngest player to score a hat trick in the USL’s history, as the 15-year-old struck three times in a 6-3 victory against Saint Louis FC.
F – Ethan Zubak, LA Galaxy II: Zubak recorded his first professional hat trick to provide the other half of Los Dos’ scoring in the side’s 6-3 victory against Saint Louis FC.
F – Didier Drogba, Phoenix Rising FC: Drogba scored a pair of goals, including a spectacular 40-yard free kick, to lead Rising FC to a 5-1 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
Bench: Maxime Crepeau (OTT), Austin Yearwood (RIC), Luke Vercollone (COS), Sebastian Velasquez (SLC), Alex Martinez (CLT), Eryk Williamson (POR), Gordon Wild (CHS)
TAMPA, Fla. – Charlotte Independence midfielder Kay Voser was named to the USL Team of Week following a one-goal, one-assist performance against FC Cincinnati in Week 9. Independence midfielder Alex Martinez was named to the Team of the Week Bench for assisting Yann Ekra in the 45th minute giving the Independence a critical 2-0 halftime lead.
RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE HOST SUPRISE HOME GAME
LA Galaxy II forward Efrain Alvarez has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 9 of the 2018 season. The Mexico Under-17 international earned the honor after becoming the youngest player to record a hat trick in the USL’s history, as the 15-year-old led Los Dos to a 6-3 victory against Saint Louis FC last Wednesday night.
Alvarez received 76 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Nashville SC’s Lebo Moloto finished second with 16 percent.
USL Team of the Week
GK – Diego Restrepo, San Antonio FC: Restrepo recorded a five-save shutout to keep his side in the game, as San Antonio earned a point on the road in a 0-0 draw against Rio Grande Valley FC.
D – Colin Falvey, Ottawa Fury FC: Falvey scored a late game-winner against Penn FC and helped Ottawa record back-to-back shutouts while only allowing three shots on goal in two victories over the week.
D – Kalen Ryden, Real Monarchs SLC: Ryden scored a pair of goals as the Monarchs swept to a 4-1 victory against the Swope Park Rangers last Wednesday night.
D – Jordan Dover, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Dover recorded four tackles and four interceptions, as the Hounds held Indy Eleven without a shot on goal and also joined the attack well throughout Friday night’s contest.
M – Alessandro Riggi, Phoenix Rising FC: Riggi recorded a pair of assists and recorded five key passes overall, as Phoenix took a 3-0 victory against OKC Energy FC last Wednesday night.
M – Kay Voser, Charlotte Independence: Voser recorded a goal and an assist, recorded four shots overall and completed 56 of 61 passes as the Independence took a 4-1 victory against FC Cincinnati.
M – Lebo Moloto, Nashville SC: Moloto scored his first two goals for Nashville, as the side took a 2-0 victory against Louisville City FC on Sunday evening to remain undefeated at home this season.
M – Mohamad Thiaw, Reno 1868 FC: Thiaw recorded the game-winning goal and an assist after coming on as a halftime substitute to spark 1868 FC’s 3-2 comeback victory against Sacramento Republic FC.
F – Efrain Alvarez, LA Galaxy II: Alvarez became the youngest player to score a hat trick in the USL’s history, as the 15-year-old struck three times in a 6-3 victory against Saint Louis FC.
F – Ethan Zubak, LA Galaxy II: Zubak recorded his first professional hat trick to provide the other half of Los Dos’ scoring in the side’s 6-3 victory against Saint Louis FC.
F – Didier Drogba, Phoenix Rising FC: Drogba scored a pair of goals, including a spectacular 40-yard free kick, to lead Rising FC to a 5-1 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
Bench: Maxime Crepeau (OTT), Austin Yearwood (RIC), Luke Vercollone (COS), Sebastian Velasquez (SLC), Alex Martinez (CLT), Eryk Williamson (POR), Gordon Wild (CHS)
Independence Receive Bonus Home Game vs Toronto FC II
Charlotte, N.C. — In order to facilitate recovery time for the playing surface at BMO Field in Toronto, the Charlotte Independence vs Toronto FC II USL regular season match on Saturday, May 19th has been moved to the Sportsplex at Matthews with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
RECENT NEWS: SELLOUT CROWD SEE INDEPENDENCE TAKE DOWN FIRST PLACE
Charlotte Independence 2018 Season Members will receive complimentary tickets to the match, which can be accessed via Account Manager at https://www.charlotteindependence.com. Seating for the match will be General Admission with tickets purchased online for $7 and at the box office for $10. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase on Tuesday, May 15th at 10:00 AM ET via https://www.charlotteindependence.com, Ticketmaster.com, and by calling the box office at 704-206-1515. Per usual, the parking lot at the Sportsplex at Matthews will open at 6:00PM ET and will be $5 per car. The live game stream will be available through ESPN +.
For any further questions regarding Saturday’s game, please contact the Charlotte Independence front office at 704-206-151.
The Independence will next play on Wednesday, May 16th in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup versus the Ocean City Nor’easters. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Tickets are available for purchase at charlotteindpendence.com or by calling the box office at 704-206-1515.
Charlotte, N.C. — In order to facilitate recovery time for the playing surface at BMO Field in Toronto, the Charlotte Independence vs Toronto FC II USL regular season match on Saturday, May 19th has been moved to the Sportsplex at Matthews with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
RECENT NEWS: SELLOUT CROWD SEE INDEPENDENCE TAKE DOWN FIRST PLACE
Charlotte Independence 2018 Season Members will receive complimentary tickets to the match, which can be accessed via Account Manager at https://www.charlotteindependence.com. Seating for the match will be General Admission with tickets purchased online for $7 and at the box office for $10. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase on Tuesday, May 15th at 10:00 AM ET via https://www.charlotteindependence.com, Ticketmaster.com, and by calling the box office at 704-206-1515. Per usual, the parking lot at the Sportsplex at Matthews will open at 6:00PM ET and will be $5 per car. The live game stream will be available through ESPN +.
For any further questions regarding Saturday’s game, please contact the Charlotte Independence front office at 704-206-151.
The Independence will next play on Wednesday, May 16th in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup versus the Ocean City Nor’easters. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Tickets are available for purchase at charlotteindpendence.com or by calling the box office at 704-206-1515.
Independence take down league leaders in front of sell out crowd
Matthews (NC) — Yann Ekra, Kay Voser, and Eamon Zayed scored their first goals as the Charlotte Independence defeated Eastern Conference league leaders FC Cincinnati by a score of 4-1.
"It was nice to see different guys step up and get goals," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "Both Kay [Voser] and Yann [Ekra] were tremendous in winning balls and connecting the right passes. Eamon [Zayed] getting a goal at the end was a big plus."
The Independence scored their first goal since March 31 in the 38th minute. Independence forward Jorge Herrera played a ball across the box to Cordell Cato, who turned and slammed his right-footed shot into the roof of the net. Charlotte grabbed another right before the half when Yann Ekra scored a one-timed shot from outside of the box.
FC Cincinnati started the second half strong with a goal in the 51st minute. Foward Emmanuel Ledesma slipped a ball through to midfielder Danni Konig, who rounded Independence goalkeeper Brandon Miller and played the ball into an empty net. The Independence answered back via midfielder Kay Voser scoring his first goal for the Jacks in the 57th minute. The midfielder received a ball from Jorge Herrera at the top of the box and curled it back post. Forward Eamon Zayed added a fourth for the Independence in the 87th minute.
"I was delighted," said Zayed. "Scoring the first goal for your new club is always the hardest and it's a massive relief seeing the ball hit the back of the net. Hopefully, I can kick on personally and hopefully, the team can as well."
Charlotte will begin a five-game road trip next week when they travel to the Ontario Soccer Centre to take on Toronto FC II. The Jacks defeated Toronto FC II in week two by a score of 2-0 at the Sportsplex at Matthews.
Scoring Summary:38': CLT – Cordell Cato (Jorge Herrera) 45+2': CLT – Yann Ekra (Alex Martinez) 51': CIN – Danni Konig (Emmanuel Ledesma) 57': CLT – Kay Voser (Jorge Herrera) 87': CLT – Eamon Zayed (Kay Voser)
Discipline:45+1’: CIN – Emmanuel Ledesma (YC) 68’: CLT – Alex Martinez (YC) 71': CIN – Richie Ryan (YC) 75': CIN – Forest Lasso (YC) 85': CIN – Dekel Keinan (YC)
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Shots:CLT – 15 CIN – 9 Saves:CLT – 5 CIN – 3 Possession:CLT – 49% CIN – 51% |
Next Game:
Matthews (NC) — Yann Ekra, Kay Voser, and Eamon Zayed scored their first goals as the Charlotte Independence defeated Eastern Conference league leaders FC Cincinnati by a score of 4-1.
“It was nice to see different guys step up and get goals,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Both Kay [Voser] and Yann [Ekra] were tremendous in winning balls and connecting the right passes. Eamon [Zayed] getting a goal at the end was a big plus.”
The Independence scored their first goal since March 31 in the 38th minute. Independence forward Jorge Herrera played a ball across the box to Cordell Cato, who turned and slammed his right-footed shot into the roof of the net. Charlotte grabbed another right before the half when Yann Ekra scored a one-timed shot from outside of the box.
FC Cincinnati started the second half strong with a goal in the 51st minute. Foward Emmanuel Ledesma slipped a ball through to midfielder Danni Konig, who rounded Independence goalkeeper Brandon Miller and played the ball into an empty net. The Independence answered back via midfielder Kay Voser scoring his first goal for the Jacks in the 57th minute. The midfielder received a ball from Jorge Herrera at the top of the box and curled it back post. Forward Eamon Zayed added a fourth for the Independence in the 87th minute.
“I was delighted,” said Zayed. “Scoring the first goal for your new club is always the hardest and it’s a massive relief seeing the ball hit the back of the net. Hopefully, I can kick on personally and hopefully, the team can as well.”
Charlotte will begin a five-game road trip next week when they travel to the Ontario Soccer Centre to take on Toronto FC II. The Jacks defeated Toronto FC II in week two by a score of 2-0 at the Sportsplex at Matthews.
Scoring Summary:38′: CLT – Cordell Cato (Jorge Herrera) 45+2′: CLT – Yann Ekra (Alex Martinez) 51′: CIN – Danni Konig (Emmanuel Ledesma) 57′: CLT – Kay Voser (Jorge Herrera) 87′: CLT – Eamon Zayed (Kay Voser)
Discipline:45+1’: CIN – Emmanuel Ledesma (YC) 68’: CLT – Alex Martinez (YC) 71′: CIN – Richie Ryan (YC) 75′: CIN – Forest Lasso (YC) 85′: CIN – Dekel Keinan (YC)
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Shots:CLT – 15 CIN – 9 Saves:CLT – 5 CIN – 3 Possession:CLT – 49% CIN – 51% |
Next Game: