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Bethlehem (PA) — The Charlotte Independence’s four-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon in a 4-1 loss to Bethlehem Steel FC. On two days rest and a side without defenders Donnie Smith and Joel Johnson serving red card suspensions, the Independence were topped by the largest goal margin thus far this season.

Steel FC opened up the scoring in the 10th minute when Chris Nanco got his 3rd goal of the season. The home side would add a goal immediately after the half as Fabian Herbers found Santi Moar in the 46th minute. Herbers would finish the game with two assists and a goal of his own in the 80th minute.

At the death, Independence forward Jorge Herrera scored his eighth goal of the season and his second goal in as many games. After gaining the Independence franchise lead on Wednesday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Herrera is now just one goal off the league-lead. The Independence have not been shutout since May 5th against the Charleston Battery.

The Independence will take on USL newcomers, Indy Eleven next Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM ET and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+. The Independence official watch party will be held at Jack's House Soccer Bar and Retail store. More information online at jackshouseclt.com.

Scoring Summary: 10': BST – Chris Nanco (Drew Skundrich) 46': BST – Santi Moar (Fabian Herbers) 72': BST – Drew Skundrich (Fabian Herbers) 80': BST – Fabian Herbers (Santi Moar 90+4': CLT – Jorge Herrera (Eamon Zayed)              Discipline: 11': CLT – Henry Kalungi (YC)      69': CLT – Je-Vaughn Watson (YC) 83': CLT – Jake Areman (YC) 90+2': BST – Olivier Mbaizo (YC)

Shots: CLT – 11 BST -17   Saves: CLT – 2 BST – 5   Possession: CLT – 45.9% BST – 54.1%

 

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Bethlehem (PA) — The Charlotte Independence’s four-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon in a 4-1 loss to Bethlehem Steel FC. On two days rest and a side without defenders Donnie Smith and Joel Johnson serving red card suspensions, the Independence were topped by the largest goal margin thus far this season.

Steel FC opened up the scoring in the 10th minute when Chris Nanco got his 3rd goal of the season. The home side would add a goal immediately after the half as Fabian Herbers found Santi Moar in the 46th minute. Herbers would finish the game with two assists and a goal of his own in the 80th minute.

At the death, Independence forward Jorge Herrera scored his eighth goal of the season and his second goal in as many games. After gaining the Independence franchise lead on Wednesday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Herrera is now just one goal off the league-lead. The Independence have not been shutout since May 5th against the Charleston Battery.

The Independence will take on USL newcomers, Indy Eleven next Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM ET and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+. The Independence official watch party will be held at Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Retail store. More information online at jackshouseclt.com.

Scoring Summary: 10′: BST – Chris Nanco (Drew Skundrich) 46′: BST – Santi Moar (Fabian Herbers) 72′: BST – Drew Skundrich (Fabian Herbers) 80′: BST – Fabian Herbers (Santi Moar 90+4′: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Eamon Zayed)              Discipline: 11′: CLT – Henry Kalungi (YC)      69′: CLT – Je-Vaughn Watson (YC) 83′: CLT – Jake Areman (YC) 90+2′: BST – Olivier Mbaizo (YC)

Shots: CLT – 11 BST -17   Saves: CLT – 2 BST – 5   Possession: CLT – 45.9% BST – 54.1%

 

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Charlotte (NC) — On Wednesday night, 37-year-old Independence forward Jorge Herrera became the franchise leader in goals scored. With 32 goals in all competitions and 30 goals in league competitions, Herrera passes Enzo Martinez in both categories.  

"It's something I'm humbled and grateful and to get," said Herrera. "Those are the things you cherish once you stop playing and get past the day-in, day-out, and look back on, but for right now we just need to keep it going."

Herrera also holds other Independence milestones including being the first player signed to the inaugural team in 2015 and the franchise’s first hat-trick in USL play versus Saint Louis FC on July 8th, 2017.

“Since the beginning of the Independence, I wanted to be apart of it,” said Herrera. “I've been in Charlotte since I came to the United States. Charlotte is home for me and my family and I'm honored to be a part of that community.”

At 37-year-old, Herrera is two goals off the USL lead for this season and has the most assists for the Independence. He was the second-ever USL player to reach 50 league goals and is eight goals off of Dane Kelly’s USL career-goals lead of 67.  

"I'm excited for Jorge,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He's been the face of the franchise since day one. I think it's tremendous and every time I see him out there I am impressed with his ability to maintain this level against young guys and still be successful."

 Jorge Herrera and the Independence will next be in action on Saturday, June 30th as the team travels to take on Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET. Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Retail Store will be open France vs Argentina at 10:00AM ET, Uruguay vs Portugal at 2:00PM ET and for the official Independence watch party at 5:00PM. For more information and bar hours, please visit jackshouseclt.com.

Charlotte (NC) — On Wednesday night, 37-year-old Independence forward Jorge Herrera became the franchise leader in goals scored. With 32 goals in all competitions and 30 goals in league competitions, Herrera passes Enzo Martinez in both categories.  

“It’s something I’m humbled and grateful and to get,” said Herrera. “Those are the things you cherish once you stop playing and get past the day-in, day-out, and look back on, but for right now we just need to keep it going.”

Herrera also holds other Independence milestones including being the first player signed to the inaugural team in 2015 and the franchise’s first hat-trick in USL play versus Saint Louis FC on July 8th, 2017.

“Since the beginning of the Independence, I wanted to be apart of it,” said Herrera. “I’ve been in Charlotte since I came to the United States. Charlotte is home for me and my family and I’m honored to be a part of that community.”

At 37-year-old, Herrera is two goals off the USL lead for this season and has the most assists for the Independence. He was the second-ever USL player to reach 50 league goals and is eight goals off of Dane Kelly’s USL career-goals lead of 67.  

“I’m excited for Jorge,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He’s been the face of the franchise since day one. I think it’s tremendous and every time I see him out there I am impressed with his ability to maintain this level against young guys and still be successful.”

 Jorge Herrera and the Independence will next be in action on Saturday, June 30th as the team travels to take on Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET. Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Retail Store will be open France vs Argentina at 10:00AM ET, Uruguay vs Portugal at 2:00PM ET and for the official Independence watch party at 5:00PM. For more information and bar hours, please visit jackshouseclt.com.

Matthews (NC) — The Charlotte Independence drew  2-2 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday night at the Sportsplex at Matthews. The Independence’s fourth consecutive draw came via goals by Jorge Herrera and Cordell Cato. 

“We blew it," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "I mean at 2-0 we should’ve closed the game out. It didn’t go our way, but we didn’t manage the game as well as we should have at the end. I’ll take responsibility for that.”

Paced by midfielder Yann Ekra's three shots and 75 percent pass-completion in the first half,  the Independence owned a 66-34 percent advantage in possession over the Rowdies. However, neither team was able to break through for a score.

In the 57th minute, Independence forward Jorge Herrera scored his seventh goal of the season when Cordell Cato found the veteran alone in the box. Tied for the highest scoring duo in the USL, Herrera found Cato at the back post to put the Jacks up 2-0 in the 64th minute. The goal puts Cato one goal back of the leauge-most on the season.

"It was a good night to break down a team that was sitting with everyone behind the ball," said Jeffries. "We broke them down, created chances, and found ways to get goals. We've had trouble at times in the situations so that's a real positive. "

The Rowdies responded with a goal by defender Tamika Mkandawire in the 66th minute. Joel Johnson’s second yellow card in the 89th minute forced the Independence to play the remainder of the game with ten men.  Rowdies midfielder Dominic Oduro scored the equalizer in the 90th minute in his debut for the club.

"We can take positives out of this, we won 4 games in a row and now tied  4 in a row, so I guess we can turn it around and win 4 more in a row again," said Independence defender Je-Vaughn Watson. "We have a lot of positives, we came out today and scored 2 goals, that's a positive."

In stoppage time, Independence defender Donnie Smith received a straight red for violent conduct. Both Johnson and Smith will miss the Independence's next game this Saturday as the team travels to take on Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. 

Scoring Summary: 57': CLT – Jorge Herrera (Cordell Cato) 64’: CLT – Cordell Cato (Jorge Herrera)  66': TBR – Tamika Mkandawire 90’: TBR – Dominic Oduro               Discipline: 44': TBR – Hunter Gorskie (Yellow) 76': Max Lachowecki (Yellow) 86': CLT – Joel Johnson (Yellow) 89': CLT – Joel Johnson (Second Yellow/Red) 90': CLT – Donnie Smith (Red)

Shots: CLT – 14 TB – 7   Saves: CLT – 2 TB – 1   Possession: CLT – 57.4% TBR – 42.6%

Matthews (NC) — The Charlotte Independence drew  2-2 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday night at the Sportsplex at Matthews. The Independence’s fourth consecutive draw came via goals by Jorge Herrera and Cordell Cato. 

“We blew it,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I mean at 2-0 we should’ve closed the game out. It didn’t go our way, but we didn’t manage the game as well as we should have at the end. I’ll take responsibility for that.”

Paced by midfielder Yann Ekra‘s three shots and 75 percent pass-completion in the first half,  the Independence owned a 66-34 percent advantage in possession over the Rowdies. However, neither team was able to break through for a score.

In the 57th minute, Independence forward Jorge Herrera scored his seventh goal of the season when Cordell Cato found the veteran alone in the box. Tied for the highest scoring duo in the USL, Herrera found Cato at the back post to put the Jacks up 2-0 in the 64th minute. The goal puts Cato one goal back of the leauge-most on the season.

“It was a good night to break down a team that was sitting with everyone behind the ball,” said Jeffries. “We broke them down, created chances, and found ways to get goals. We’ve had trouble at times in the situations so that’s a real positive. “

The Rowdies responded with a goal by defender Tamika Mkandawire in the 66th minute. Joel Johnson’s second yellow card in the 89th minute forced the Independence to play the remainder of the game with ten men.  Rowdies midfielder Dominic Oduro scored the equalizer in the 90th minute in his debut for the club.

“We can take positives out of this, we won 4 games in a row and now tied  4 in a row, so I guess we can turn it around and win 4 more in a row again,” said Independence defender Je-Vaughn Watson. “We have a lot of positives, we came out today and scored 2 goals, that’s a positive.”

In stoppage time, Independence defender Donnie Smith received a straight red for violent conduct. Both Johnson and Smith will miss the Independence’s next game this Saturday as the team travels to take on Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. 

Scoring Summary: 57′: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Cordell Cato) 64’: CLT – Cordell Cato (Jorge Herrera)  66′: TBR – Tamika Mkandawire 90’: TBR – Dominic Oduro               Discipline: 44′: TBR – Hunter Gorskie (Yellow) 76′: Max Lachowecki (Yellow) 86′: CLT – Joel Johnson (Yellow) 89′: CLT – Joel Johnson (Second Yellow/Red) 90′: CLT – Donnie Smith (Red)

Shots: CLT – 14 TB – 7   Saves: CLT – 2 TB – 1   Possession: CLT – 57.4% TBR – 42.6%

Next Game: 

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TAMPA, Fla. – Ottawa Fury FC forward Adonijah Reid has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 15 of the 2018 season. Reid scored the first hat trick in Fury FC's professional era in a 3-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls II this past Sunday, which also stood as the first hat trick of the 18-year-old's career.
 
Reid received 58 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Rio Grande Valley FC's Michael Nelson and Penn FC's Lucky Mkosana finished tied for second place with 13 percent.

TAMPA, Fla. – Ottawa Fury FC forward Adonijah Reid has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 15 of the 2018 season. Reid scored the first hat trick in Fury FC’s professional era in a 3-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls II this past Sunday, which also stood as the first hat trick of the 18-year-old’s career.
 
Reid received 58 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Rio Grande Valley FC’s Michael Nelson and Penn FC’s Lucky Mkosana finished tied for second place with 13 percent.

USL Team of the Week
GK – Michael Nelson, Rio Grande Valley FC: Nelson recorded a six-save shutout in his professional debut for the Toros, as RGVFC played to a 0-0 draw with second-place Phoenix Rising FC.

D – Skylar Thomas, Charleston Battery – Thomas won 11 of 15 duels overall, completed 44 of 50 passes and recorded seven clearances and one interception as the Battery played to a 0-0 draw with Pittsburgh.

D – Hugh Roberts, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Roberts won 17 of 24 duels overall and recorded five clearances, four tackles and three interceptions in Riverhounds SC's 0-0 draw with the Charleston Battery.

D – Je-Vaughn Watson, Charlotte Independence: Watson recorded four interceptions and three clearances while completing 54 of 59 passes in Charlotte's 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers.

M – Antoine Hoppenot, Reno 1868 FC: Hoppenot recorded his sixth assist of the season, and consistently linked up play, as he recorded five key passes in Reno's 2-0 victory on the road against San Antonio FC.

M – Aodhan Quinn, Orange County SC: Quinn recorded a goal and two assists while completing 57 of 65 passes, as Orange County swept to a 6-1 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday.

M – Chase Minter, Swope Park Rangers: Minter recorded one assist and logged six key passes while completing 34 of 40 passes in Swope Park's victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Sunday.

M – Chris Nanco, Bethlehem Steel FC: Nanco recorded two assists after coming on as a substitute late in the first half, as Bethlehem rallied for a 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls II last Wednesday evening.

F – Daniel Rios, North Carolina FC: Rios scored twice, including an 87th-minute equalizer, as North Carolina earned a 2-2 draw with Louisville City FC on Saturday night.

F – Adonijah Reid, Ottawa Fury FC: Reid scored the first hat trick in Fury FC's professional history, as he led the side to a 3-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls II on Sunday evening.

F – Lucky Mkosana, Penn FC: Mkosana scored both goals, as Penn rallied to take a 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Friday night, which handed Tampa Bay its first home loss of the season.

Bench: Maxime Crepeau (OTT), Drew Beckie (OKC), Cameron Iwasa (SAC), Christian Volesky (OKC), Stefano Bonomo (NY), Brian Shriver (RIC), Thomas Enevoldsen (OC)

USL Team of the Week
GK – Michael Nelson, Rio Grande Valley FC: Nelson recorded a six-save shutout in his professional debut for the Toros, as RGVFC played to a 0-0 draw with second-place Phoenix Rising FC.

D – Skylar Thomas, Charleston Battery – Thomas won 11 of 15 duels overall, completed 44 of 50 passes and recorded seven clearances and one interception as the Battery played to a 0-0 draw with Pittsburgh.

D – Hugh Roberts, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Roberts won 17 of 24 duels overall and recorded five clearances, four tackles and three interceptions in Riverhounds SC’s 0-0 draw with the Charleston Battery.

D – Je-Vaughn Watson, Charlotte Independence: Watson recorded four interceptions and three clearances while completing 54 of 59 passes in Charlotte’s 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers.

M – Antoine Hoppenot, Reno 1868 FC: Hoppenot recorded his sixth assist of the season, and consistently linked up play, as he recorded five key passes in Reno’s 2-0 victory on the road against San Antonio FC.

M – Aodhan Quinn, Orange County SC: Quinn recorded a goal and two assists while completing 57 of 65 passes, as Orange County swept to a 6-1 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday.

M – Chase Minter, Swope Park Rangers: Minter recorded one assist and logged six key passes while completing 34 of 40 passes in Swope Park’s victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Sunday.

M – Chris Nanco, Bethlehem Steel FC: Nanco recorded two assists after coming on as a substitute late in the first half, as Bethlehem rallied for a 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls II last Wednesday evening.

F – Daniel Rios, North Carolina FC: Rios scored twice, including an 87th-minute equalizer, as North Carolina earned a 2-2 draw with Louisville City FC on Saturday night.

F – Adonijah Reid, Ottawa Fury FC: Reid scored the first hat trick in Fury FC’s professional history, as he led the side to a 3-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls II on Sunday evening.

F – Lucky Mkosana, Penn FC: Mkosana scored both goals, as Penn rallied to take a 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Friday night, which handed Tampa Bay its first home loss of the season.

Bench: Maxime Crepeau (OTT), Drew Beckie (OKC), Cameron Iwasa (SAC), Christian Volesky (OKC), Stefano Bonomo (NY), Brian Shriver (RIC), Thomas Enevoldsen (OC)

RECENT NEWS: QUEEN CITY CUP TO BE AIRED ON ESPN2

RECENT NEWS: QUEEN CITY CUP TO BE AIRED ON ESPN2

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League and ESPN announced today that the national USL Game of the Week broadcast featuring FC Cincinnati and the Charlotte Independence scheduled for July 18 at Nippert Stadium will now air on ESPN2. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

The Queen Cities Cup contest was originally scheduled to air on ESPNews as one of six over-the-air regular-season broadcasts this season – part of the multi-year partnership between USL and ESPN which includes all the league's matches airing on the innovative ESPN+ platform.

"The Queen Cities Cup will be an exciting, action-filled match and we are thrilled to have it air on ESPN2," said USL President Jake Edwards. "Our partnership with ESPN has delivered significant awareness to the league, and this match will further extend the reach of our league to millions of viewers nationwide. We look forward to the first whistle on July 18 for these clubs and our fans."

FC Cincinnati currently sits on top of the USL's Eastern Conference with a conference-leading nine victories this season. The side is led by Emmanuel Ledesma, who has recorded seven goals and a league-leading seven assists and was recently nominated for the USL's Player of the Month award for May. Danish striker Danni Konig has also scored seven goals this season to sit tied for the team lead. Konig is six away from recording his 50th career regular-season goal in the league since arriving before the 2015 season.

The Independence, meanwhile, are currently on course for a third consecutive trip to the USL Cup Playoffs, sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with new addition Cordell Cato and veteran forward Jorge Herrera each having scored six goals this season. The Independence took a 4-1 victory when the sides met on May 12 and earned a 1-1 draw when they visited Nippert Stadium a season ago.

On Saturday, May 12th the Independence defeated Cincinnati 4-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at the Sportsplex at Matthews. 

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League and ESPN announced today that the national USL Game of the Week broadcast featuring FC Cincinnati and the Charlotte Independence scheduled for July 18 at Nippert Stadium will now air on ESPN2. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

The Queen Cities Cup contest was originally scheduled to air on ESPNews as one of six over-the-air regular-season broadcasts this season – part of the multi-year partnership between USL and ESPN which includes all the league’s matches airing on the innovative ESPN+ platform.

“The Queen Cities Cup will be an exciting, action-filled match and we are thrilled to have it air on ESPN2,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “Our partnership with ESPN has delivered significant awareness to the league, and this match will further extend the reach of our league to millions of viewers nationwide. We look forward to the first whistle on July 18 for these clubs and our fans.”

FC Cincinnati currently sits on top of the USL’s Eastern Conference with a conference-leading nine victories this season. The side is led by Emmanuel Ledesma, who has recorded seven goals and a league-leading seven assists and was recently nominated for the USL’s Player of the Month award for May. Danish striker Danni Konig has also scored seven goals this season to sit tied for the team lead. Konig is six away from recording his 50th career regular-season goal in the league since arriving before the 2015 season.

The Independence, meanwhile, are currently on course for a third consecutive trip to the USL Cup Playoffs, sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with new addition Cordell Cato and veteran forward Jorge Herrera each having scored six goals this season. The Independence took a 4-1 victory when the sides met on May 12 and earned a 1-1 draw when they visited Nippert Stadium a season ago.

On Saturday, May 12th the Independence defeated Cincinnati 4-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at the Sportsplex at Matthews. 

Richmond (VA) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League professional soccer team, battled the Richmond Kickers to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at City Stadium. The Independence equalized in the first half thanks to a long-range assist by Kay Voser finished by Cordell Cato for his team-leading, seventh goal of the season. 

The Kickers jumped out to an early lead when forward Brian Shriver’s snap header beat the Independence defense in the 6th minute. However, the Independence would quickly respond in the 20th minute when midfielder Kay Voser lobbed in a pass from beyond midfield, setting up Cordell Cato. The goal moves the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder tied-for-fourth most in the league this season. The game would remain tied for the remainder of the game.  

The Independence have taken away at least a point in the last seven of eight games. On a quick turn around, the Independence will next play the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Wednesday, June 27th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.

Scoring Summary: 6': RIC – Brian Shriver 20’: CLT – Cordell Cato (Kay Voser)              Discipline: None

Shots: CLT – 15 RIC – 13   Saves: CLT – 4 RIC – 6   Possession: CLT – 57.4% RIC – 42.6%

 

Next Game:

Richmond (VA) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League professional soccer team, battled the Richmond Kickers to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at City Stadium. The Independence equalized in the first half thanks to a long-range assist by Kay Voser finished by Cordell Cato for his team-leading, seventh goal of the season. 

The Kickers jumped out to an early lead when forward Brian Shriver’s snap header beat the Independence defense in the 6th minute. However, the Independence would quickly respond in the 20th minute when midfielder Kay Voser lobbed in a pass from beyond midfield, setting up Cordell Cato. The goal moves the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder tied-for-fourth most in the league this season. The game would remain tied for the remainder of the game.  

The Independence have taken away at least a point in the last seven of eight games. On a quick turn around, the Independence will next play the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Wednesday, June 27th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.

Scoring Summary: 6′: RIC – Brian Shriver 20’: CLT – Cordell Cato (Kay Voser)              Discipline: None

Shots: CLT – 15 RIC – 13   Saves: CLT – 4 RIC – 6   Possession: CLT – 57.4% RIC – 42.6%

 

Next Game: