corporate-logo
#UnitedForSoccer

Charlotte Independence

Just another sportsengine.go-vip.net Sites site

HomeArchives for Home

Home

Independence Come From Behind Twice, Continue Unbeaten Streak

Matthews (NC) — Jorge Herrera’s brace helped the Charlotte Independence (2-0-1) tie Atlanta United II (1-0-1), 2-2, in what was a thrilling game at the Sportsplex at Matthews. 
 
"I give a lot of credit to my teammates because it's not easy to come back and we had to do that twice tonight," said Herrera.  "At the end of the day, we are not happy because this is a home game and we need to win these games but we walk away with a point which is better than nothing at all."
 

WATCH: CLTvATL POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE 

 
 
After an evenly matched first half, the Independence trailed for the first time all season after an own goal in the 28th minute. The Independence responded very well by creating a couple of good chances immediately after Atlanta’s goal. Jorge Herrera drew the Independence level in the 37th minute. This was Herrera’s third consecutive game with a goal.
 
“The measure of a good team is how you do when you give up the first goal and if you can get back in games and get something out of it," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "We managed to today and that's a credit to the guys on the field."
 
The start of the second half mirrored the first half. Even though the Independence saw advantages in possession, shots on goal, and corners, Atlanta managed to break the deadlock against the run of play after a brilliant individual effort from Lagos Kunga.
 
In the 87th minute, Charlotte again drew level after being behind when Joel Johnson whipped a ball into the box to Jorge Herrera who slammed it home and helped secure the Independence a point.
 
“To have to come back twice, I give our group credit but it was a tough spot to be in," said Coach Jeffries. "We have always been able to play on the front foot in our other games, so this was really our first test in having to bounce back from being down a goal.”
 
South Korean international and Independence defender Jung-soo Lee made his highly anticipated debut for the Independence and did not disappoint.
 
“I thought he did well," said Jeffries. "His passing out of the back is exceptionally good, so that was a nice plus for us. We didn't skip a beat with him back there. I think he made a lot of good defensive plays, stepped in and won some balls, he is very strong in the air and he won his fair share of headers. I thought it was a good debut.”
 
After earning seven points in the first three games, Charlotte will play their first game away from the Sportsplex at Matthews as they face Nashville next Saturday. The official watch party will be held at Noda Brewing at 8:30 PM. 
 
Scoring Summary: 

28’: ATL – Own Goal (Jungsoo Lee)

37’: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Caleb Calvert)

82’: ATL – Lagos Kunga (Oliver Shannon)

85’: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Joel Johnson)

 

Discipline:

32’: CLT – Alex Martinez (YC)

61’: CLT – Kevan George (YC)

 
Shots:

CLT – 15 

ATL – 18 

Saves: 

CLT – 2

ATL – 1

Possession:

CLT – 52.5%

ATL – 47.5%
Matthews (NC) — Jorge Herrera’s brace helped the Charlotte Independence (2-0-1) tie Atlanta United II (1-0-1), 2-2, in what was a thrilling game at the Sportsplex at Matthews. 
 
“I give a lot of credit to my teammates because it’s not easy to come back and we had to do that twice tonight,” said Herrera.  “At the end of the day, we are not happy because this is a home game and we need to win these games but we walk away with a point which is better than nothing at all.”
 

WATCH: CLTvATL POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE 

 
 
After an evenly matched first half, the Independence trailed for the first time all season after an own goal in the 28th minute. The Independence responded very well by creating a couple of good chances immediately after Atlanta’s goal. Jorge Herrera drew the Independence level in the 37th minute. This was Herrera’s third consecutive game with a goal.
 
“The measure of a good team is how you do when you give up the first goal and if you can get back in games and get something out of it,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “We managed to today and that’s a credit to the guys on the field.”
 
The start of the second half mirrored the first half. Even though the Independence saw advantages in possession, shots on goal, and corners, Atlanta managed to break the deadlock against the run of play after a brilliant individual effort from Lagos Kunga.
 
In the 87th minute, Charlotte again drew level after being behind when Joel Johnson whipped a ball into the box to Jorge Herrera who slammed it home and helped secure the Independence a point.
 
“To have to come back twice, I give our group credit but it was a tough spot to be in,” said Coach Jeffries. “We have always been able to play on the front foot in our other games, so this was really our first test in having to bounce back from being down a goal.”
 
South Korean international and Independence defender Jung-soo Lee made his highly anticipated debut for the Independence and did not disappoint.
 
“I thought he did well,” said Jeffries. “His passing out of the back is exceptionally good, so that was a nice plus for us. We didn’t skip a beat with him back there. I think he made a lot of good defensive plays, stepped in and won some balls, he is very strong in the air and he won his fair share of headers. I thought it was a good debut.”
 
After earning seven points in the first three games, Charlotte will play their first game away from the Sportsplex at Matthews as they face Nashville next Saturday. The official watch party will be held at Noda Brewing at 8:30 PM. 
 
Scoring Summary: 

28’: ATL – Own Goal (Jungsoo Lee)

37’: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Caleb Calvert)

82’: ATL – Lagos Kunga (Oliver Shannon)

85’: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Joel Johnson)

 

Discipline:

32’: CLT – Alex Martinez (YC)

61’: CLT – Kevan George (YC)

 
Shots:

CLT – 15 

ATL – 18 

Saves: 

CLT – 2

ATL – 1

Possession:

CLT – 52.5%

ATL – 47.5%

Calvert, Vines Named to USL Team of the Week

TAMPA, Fla. –  Charlotte Independence forward, Caleb Calvert has been named to the USL Team of the Week for his one goal, one assist performance last Saturday night in a 2-0 win over Toronto FC II. Independence defender Sam Vines was named to the Team of the Week Bench after recording his second career start and aiding the defense for the first clean sheet of the season. Calvert, 21, and Vines, 18, are both on loan from the Independence's MLS affiliate Colorado Rapids. 

HIGHLIGHTS: INDEPENDENCE NOTCH 2ND WIN AT HOME

 

Phoenix Rising FC forward Chris Cortez has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 2 of the 2018 season. Cortez scored the first hat trick in Rising FC history, and also notched an assist, to lead the side to a 4-1 victory against OKC Energy FC this past Saturday at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex to earn the honor. 

 

USL Team of the Week

GK – J.T. Marcinkowski, Reno 1868 FC: Marcinkowski recorded four saves, including an excellent stoppage-time stop that preserved a point in a 1-1 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC.

D – Alex Cooper, Fresno FC: Cooper scored the game-tying goal in the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy II, and completed 58 of 67 passes while notching three tackles and interceptions apiece.

D – Mitchell Taintor, Sacramento Republic FC: Taintor notched four clearances and three interceptions as Sacramento recorded a road shutout in its victory against Orange County SC.

D – Jarad van Schaik, Charleston Battery: Van Schaik notched four tackles and four interceptions as the Battery held Penn FC to only three shots in a 1-0 victory at MUSC Health Stadium.

M – Maikel Chang, Real Monarchs SLC: Chang recorded two assists on his debut for the Monarchs, including on Chandler Hoffman’s late goal that sparked a 3-2 comeback victory in Tulsa.

M – John Gallagher, ATL UTD 2: Gallagher scored twice to lead his side to victory in its inaugural USL outing, a 3-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II.

M – Mikey Lopez, San Antonio FC: Lopez had a goal and assist to lead San Antonio to a comeback 2-1 victory against Saint Louis FC.

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.

F – Caleb Calvert, Charlotte Independence: Calvert notched a goal and assist to lead the Independence to their second consecutive win to start the season, a 2-0 win against Toronto.

F – Kharlton Belmar, Swope Park Rangers: Belmar continued his hot start to the second with another two-goal performance as the Rangers took a 4-2 win against Seattle Sounders FC 2. 

F – Chris Cortez, Phoenix Rising FC: Cortez scored the first hat trick in Rising FC’s history and added an assist as Phoenix took a 4-1 victory against OKC Energy FC.

Bench: Jeff Attinella (POR), Sam Vines (CLT), Yosef Samuel (ATL), Jack McInerney (IND), David Estrada (SEA), Kris Tyrpak (SA), Joaquin Rivas (TUL)

TAMPA, Fla. –  Charlotte Independence forward, Caleb Calvert has been named to the USL Team of the Week for his one goal, one assist performance last Saturday night in a 2-0 win over Toronto FC II. Independence defender Sam Vines was named to the Team of the Week Bench after recording his second career start and aiding the defense for the first clean sheet of the season. Calvert, 21, and Vines, 18, are both on loan from the Independence’s MLS affiliate Colorado Rapids. 

HIGHLIGHTS: INDEPENDENCE NOTCH 2ND WIN AT HOME

 

Phoenix Rising FC forward Chris Cortez has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 2 of the 2018 season. Cortez scored the first hat trick in Rising FC history, and also notched an assist, to lead the side to a 4-1 victory against OKC Energy FC this past Saturday at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex to earn the honor. 

 

USL Team of the Week

GK – J.T. Marcinkowski, Reno 1868 FC: Marcinkowski recorded four saves, including an excellent stoppage-time stop that preserved a point in a 1-1 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC.

D – Alex Cooper, Fresno FC: Cooper scored the game-tying goal in the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy II, and completed 58 of 67 passes while notching three tackles and interceptions apiece.

D – Mitchell Taintor, Sacramento Republic FC: Taintor notched four clearances and three interceptions as Sacramento recorded a road shutout in its victory against Orange County SC.

D – Jarad van Schaik, Charleston Battery: Van Schaik notched four tackles and four interceptions as the Battery held Penn FC to only three shots in a 1-0 victory at MUSC Health Stadium.

M – Maikel Chang, Real Monarchs SLC: Chang recorded two assists on his debut for the Monarchs, including on Chandler Hoffman’s late goal that sparked a 3-2 comeback victory in Tulsa.

M – John Gallagher, ATL UTD 2: Gallagher scored twice to lead his side to victory in its inaugural USL outing, a 3-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II.

M – Mikey Lopez, San Antonio FC: Lopez had a goal and assist to lead San Antonio to a comeback 2-1 victory against Saint Louis FC.

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.

F – Caleb Calvert, Charlotte Independence: Calvert notched a goal and assist to lead the Independence to their second consecutive win to start the season, a 2-0 win against Toronto.

F – Kharlton Belmar, Swope Park Rangers: Belmar continued his hot start to the second with another two-goal performance as the Rangers took a 4-2 win against Seattle Sounders FC 2. 

F – Chris Cortez, Phoenix Rising FC: Cortez scored the first hat trick in Rising FC’s history and added an assist as Phoenix took a 4-1 victory against OKC Energy FC.

Bench: Jeff Attinella (POR), Sam Vines (CLT), Yosef Samuel (ATL), Jack McInerney (IND), David Estrada (SEA), Kris Tyrpak (SA), Joaquin Rivas (TUL)

Rain Soaked Independence Takes Down Toronto

Matthews (NC) —  The Charlotte Independence topped Toronto FC II 2-0 at the Sportsplex at Matthews on  Saturday night. The Independence struck first in the 18th minute with ball slotted home from forward Jorge Herrera off a headed assist from Caleb Calvert. Calvert then got in on the act himself with a headed goal on the back post from Alex Martinez before halftime.  Andrew Dykstra made the Well’s Fargo Save of the Game with his 39th minute, two-handed stop on the way to Charlotte’s first clean sheet of the season.

"In this league, the more organized you are, the harder it is for them to break you down," said Dykstra. "Offensively, when you win the ball you make it easy on yourself and the next part is scoring goals which the guys keep doing. Once they put those goals away we have to look at ourselves (the defense) and say now it's our time to close this out."

"I am excited that we did get the first clean sheet and I think that was important," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "It was definitely a goal of our group, especially at home. Tonight we defended stoutly at times."

Already off to the best start in franchise history, the Independence will go for a third-consecutive win next Saturday night as the Jacks host USL expansion side Atlanta United II. 

 

Scoring Summary: 

18’: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Caleb Calvert)

48’: CLT – Caleb Calvert (Alex Martinez)

 

Discipline:

22’: CLT – Ben Spencer (YC)

70’: CLT – Joel Johnson (YC)

 
Shots:

CLT – 8 

TOR – 10 

Saves: 

CLT – 1 

TOR – 3

Possession:

CLT – 54.9%

TOR – 45.1%
 
Next Game:

Atlanta United II at Charlotte Independence – March 31th, 7:00 p.m. ET, Sportsplex at Matthews

Matthews (NC) —  The Charlotte Independence topped Toronto FC II 2-0 at the Sportsplex at Matthews on  Saturday night. The Independence struck first in the 18th minute with ball slotted home from forward Jorge Herrera off a headed assist from Caleb Calvert. Calvert then got in on the act himself with a headed goal on the back post from Alex Martinez before halftime.  Andrew Dykstra made the Well’s Fargo Save of the Game with his 39th minute, two-handed stop on the way to Charlotte’s first clean sheet of the season.

“In this league, the more organized you are, the harder it is for them to break you down,” said Dykstra. “Offensively, when you win the ball you make it easy on yourself and the next part is scoring goals which the guys keep doing. Once they put those goals away we have to look at ourselves (the defense) and say now it’s our time to close this out.”

“I am excited that we did get the first clean sheet and I think that was important,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “It was definitely a goal of our group, especially at home. Tonight we defended stoutly at times.”

Already off to the best start in franchise history, the Independence will go for a third-consecutive win next Saturday night as the Jacks host USL expansion side Atlanta United II. 

 

Scoring Summary: 

18’: CLT – Jorge Herrera (Caleb Calvert)

48’: CLT – Caleb Calvert (Alex Martinez)

 

Discipline:

22’: CLT – Ben Spencer (YC)

70’: CLT – Joel Johnson (YC)

 
Shots:

CLT – 8 

TOR – 10 

Saves: 

CLT – 1 

TOR – 3

Possession:

CLT – 54.9%

TOR – 45.1%
 
Next Game:

Atlanta United II at Charlotte Independence – March 31th, 7:00 p.m. ET, Sportsplex at Matthews

Sportsplex at Matthews Construction Regulations for Home Games

For safety purposes, and due to the current stadium expansion, the Charlotte Independence and Sportsplex at Matthews staffs are asking fans attending home games to follow the below regulations:

  • All Sportsplex at Matthews Stadium Policies and Fan Code of Conduct apply; can be found here  

  • Fans must enter through the Main Gate (south entrance)

  • Concourse areas under construction  with designated gates are off limits

  • Only authorized personnel will be allowed on the field  

Charlotte Independence, a USL professional soccer team, is seeking a second-consecutive win this Saturday, March 24th at the Sportsplex at Matthews versus Toronto FC II. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:00pm ET. Single-game tickets are available. For details on the upcoming schedule and Season Memberships visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call 704-206-1515.

For safety purposes, and due to the current stadium expansion, the Charlotte Independence and Sportsplex at Matthews staffs are asking fans attending home games to follow the below regulations:

  • All Sportsplex at Matthews Stadium Policies and Fan Code of Conduct apply; can be found here  

  • Fans must enter through the Main Gate (south entrance)

  • Concourse areas under construction  with designated gates are off limits

  • Only authorized personnel will be allowed on the field  

Charlotte Independence, a USL professional soccer team, is seeking a second-consecutive win this Saturday, March 24th at the Sportsplex at Matthews versus Toronto FC II. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:00pm ET. Single-game tickets are available. For details on the upcoming schedule and Season Memberships visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call 704-206-1515.

Independence Bulks Up Backline, Offense

Charlotte, N.C. — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team announced the signing of defender Henry Kalungi, and forward Éamon Zayed. Zayed’s signing is pending P-1 visa approval. Kalungi enters his fourth season with the Independence, previously appearing in 68 games with 5,538 minutes. Zayed comes to the Independence from Indy Eleven (USL) where he scored 26 goals over 59 games in two seasons.

Kalungi, 30, has not only established himself as a presence on the pitch, but also in his community. The Rock Hill, South Carolina resident coaches a youth team from Discoveries SC and has made multiple charity efforts through the Henry Kalungi Foundation in his hometown of Kampala, Uganda. Kalungi returns to the Independence as a key figure in the makeup of the roster.

RECENT NEWS: CATO NAMED TO USL TEAM OF THE WEEK

 

“Henry is so much a part of the history of our group and the successes we've had, so it's good to have him back,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He clearly knows what is expected and has been a stalwart defender in the league for a number of years. It's a real positive addition bringing him back.”

This past Saturday, Independence defenders Donnie Smith and Bilal Duckett made up the center back pairing in the 4-1 Season Opening win vs Ottawa Fury FC. Defender Jungsoo Lee was out with an injury. Kalungi, who started 27 games for the Independence a season ago, will certainly factor into the defensive group in 2018.

“We don't have depth at the current moment, so having another guy that can play almost anywhere along the back line, it's a plus and necessary,” said Jeffries. “It's a long season and it does require the whole group to contribute and step up.”

In addition to depth along the backline, the Independence bolstered their scoring threat with 34-year-old, 6’2” forward Éamon Zayed. The Dublin, Ireland native provides an additional attacking presence in an already potent offense.

“Zayed gives us the opportunity to have different options up front,” said Jeffries. “Some of the strikers on the team have different qualities, so it does give us the ability to have some different looks and tweak the system a little bit more than what we've had in previous years. Clearly, it adds to the opportunities to play directly with two strikers, or at times have another guy coming off the bench who is a real threat to score goals.”

Akin to the 11 Independence teammates with international backgrounds, Zayed is a Libyan national with eight call-ups since 2011. A prolific striker with clubs such as Drogheda United Football Club (Ireland), Derry City Football Club (Ireland), Persepolis Football Club (Iran), and Sabah Football Association (Malaysia), Zayed now brings his scoring pedigree to the Independence.  

“Similar to [signing] Henry, it's important we have depth throughout the squad,” said Jeffries. “[Zayed] has an excellent goal-scoring record. He's a guy that is clever in and around the box.”

Charlotte Independence, a USL professional soccer team, is seeking a second-consecutive win this Saturday, March 24th at the Sportsplex at Matthews versus Toronto FC II. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:00pm ET. Single-game tickets are available. For details on the upcoming schedule and Season Memberships visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call 704-206-1515.

Charlotte, N.C. — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team announced the signing of defender Henry Kalungi, and forward Éamon Zayed. Zayed’s signing is pending P-1 visa approval. Kalungi enters his fourth season with the Independence, previously appearing in 68 games with 5,538 minutes. Zayed comes to the Independence from Indy Eleven (USL) where he scored 26 goals over 59 games in two seasons.

Kalungi, 30, has not only established himself as a presence on the pitch, but also in his community. The Rock Hill, South Carolina resident coaches a youth team from Discoveries SC and has made multiple charity efforts through the Henry Kalungi Foundation in his hometown of Kampala, Uganda. Kalungi returns to the Independence as a key figure in the makeup of the roster.

RECENT NEWS: CATO NAMED TO USL TEAM OF THE WEEK

 

“Henry is so much a part of the history of our group and the successes we’ve had, so it’s good to have him back,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He clearly knows what is expected and has been a stalwart defender in the league for a number of years. It’s a real positive addition bringing him back.”

This past Saturday, Independence defenders Donnie Smith and Bilal Duckett made up the center back pairing in the 4-1 Season Opening win vs Ottawa Fury FC. Defender Jungsoo Lee was out with an injury. Kalungi, who started 27 games for the Independence a season ago, will certainly factor into the defensive group in 2018.

“We don’t have depth at the current moment, so having another guy that can play almost anywhere along the back line, it’s a plus and necessary,” said Jeffries. “It’s a long season and it does require the whole group to contribute and step up.”

In addition to depth along the backline, the Independence bolstered their scoring threat with 34-year-old, 6’2” forward Éamon Zayed. The Dublin, Ireland native provides an additional attacking presence in an already potent offense.

“Zayed gives us the opportunity to have different options up front,” said Jeffries. “Some of the strikers on the team have different qualities, so it does give us the ability to have some different looks and tweak the system a little bit more than what we’ve had in previous years. Clearly, it adds to the opportunities to play directly with two strikers, or at times have another guy coming off the bench who is a real threat to score goals.”

Akin to the 11 Independence teammates with international backgrounds, Zayed is a Libyan national with eight call-ups since 2011. A prolific striker with clubs such as Drogheda United Football Club (Ireland), Derry City Football Club (Ireland), Persepolis Football Club (Iran), and Sabah Football Association (Malaysia), Zayed now brings his scoring pedigree to the Independence.  

“Similar to [signing] Henry, it’s important we have depth throughout the squad,” said Jeffries. “[Zayed] has an excellent goal-scoring record. He’s a guy that is clever in and around the box.”

Charlotte Independence, a USL professional soccer team, is seeking a second-consecutive win this Saturday, March 24th at the Sportsplex at Matthews versus Toronto FC II. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:00pm ET. Single-game tickets are available. For details on the upcoming schedule and Season Memberships visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call 704-206-1515.

Cato Named to USL Team of the Week

TAMPA, Fla. – Charlotte Independence, and Trinidad & Tobago international midfielder Cordell Cato earned USL Team of the Week Honors behind a two-goal performance in a 4-1 victory over Ottawa Fury FC. Saturday night's, Season Opening win marked the USL debut for Cato. 

The 25-year-old has made 20 appearances for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team in addition to six seasons, with over 100 games played in the MLS. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF qualification, Cato made starts in “The Hex” versus Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and Mexico. Cato has two goals for the Soca Warriors including a 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup score versus Guatemala in front of a crowd of 54,126 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE TOPS OTTAWA IN SEASON OPENER

 

Swope Park Rangers forward Kharlton Belmar has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 1 of the 2018 season. Belmar scored two goals and recorded two assists, including the game-winner in stoppage time, as the Rangers took a 4-3 victory against Reno 1868 FC on Saturday afternoon at Greater Nevada Field. 

Belmar received 88 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Charlotte Independence midfielder Cordell Cato finished second with eight percent and New York Red Bulls II midfielder Andrew Tinari third with four percent.

USL Team of the Week

GK – Jake Fenlason, Saint Louis FC: Fenlason recorded four saves to help Saint Louis claim a point on the road in its opening game of the season against Rio Grande Valley FC.

D – Paco Craig, Louisville City FC: Craig made four tackles, four interceptions and eight clearances to lead Louisville to a shutout victory against Nashville SC.

D – Dekel Keinan, FC Cincinnati: Keinan notched 11 clearances and won five of eight duels as he played a key role in FCC’s 1-0 road victory against the Charleston Battery.

D – Taylor Hunter, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Hunter won five of six duels, completed 85.7 percent of 28 passes and registered seven clearances as the Switchbacks held the LA Galaxy II to only one shot on goal.

M – Nick Hinds, Seattle Sounders FC 2: Hinds capped his professional debut with the game-winning goal in S2’s 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 and also won two tackles and five of eight duels in the midfield.

M – Cordell Cato, Charlotte Independence: Cato scored the opening two goals as the Independence romped to a 4-1 victory against Ottawa Fury FC in their home opener.

M – Andrew Tinari, New York Red Bulls II: Tinari scored twice and recorded five key passes as the Red Bulls II rallied to take a 2-1 victory against Toronto FC II.

M – Jack Blake, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Blake completed 35 of 45 passes, registered two tackles and two clearances and capped the Rowdies’ 3-1 win against North Carolina FC with a fine long-range goal.

F – Brandon Allen, Bethlehem Steel FC: Allen notched a pair of goals in his debut for Steel FC as the hosts pulled away for a 4-1 victory against the Richmond Kickers.

F – Matt Thomas, Las Vegas Lights FC: Thomas’ goal after 70 seconds set a record for the opening goal in a USL expansion club’s history and paved the way for a 3-2 road win against Fresno FC. 

F – Kharlton Belmar, Swope Park Rangers: Belmar had two goals and two assists, including the stoppage-time game-winner, as the Rangers took a 4-3 victory on the road against Reno 1868 FC.

Bench: Cody Mizell (TBR), Francis Atuahene (OKC), Niall McCabe (LOU), Carlos Alvarez (LV), Solomon Asante (PHX), Hadji Barry (SPR), Villyan Bijev (SAC)

TAMPA, Fla. – Charlotte Independence, and Trinidad & Tobago international midfielder Cordell Cato earned USL Team of the Week Honors behind a two-goal performance in a 4-1 victory over Ottawa Fury FC. Saturday night’s, Season Opening win marked the USL debut for Cato. 

The 25-year-old has made 20 appearances for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team in addition to six seasons, with over 100 games played in the MLS. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF qualification, Cato made starts in “The Hex” versus Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and Mexico. Cato has two goals for the Soca Warriors including a 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup score versus Guatemala in front of a crowd of 54,126 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE TOPS OTTAWA IN SEASON OPENER

 

Swope Park Rangers forward Kharlton Belmar has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 1 of the 2018 season. Belmar scored two goals and recorded two assists, including the game-winner in stoppage time, as the Rangers took a 4-3 victory against Reno 1868 FC on Saturday afternoon at Greater Nevada Field. 

Belmar received 88 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Charlotte Independence midfielder Cordell Cato finished second with eight percent and New York Red Bulls II midfielder Andrew Tinari third with four percent.

USL Team of the Week

GK – Jake Fenlason, Saint Louis FC: Fenlason recorded four saves to help Saint Louis claim a point on the road in its opening game of the season against Rio Grande Valley FC.

D – Paco Craig, Louisville City FC: Craig made four tackles, four interceptions and eight clearances to lead Louisville to a shutout victory against Nashville SC.

D – Dekel Keinan, FC Cincinnati: Keinan notched 11 clearances and won five of eight duels as he played a key role in FCC’s 1-0 road victory against the Charleston Battery.

D – Taylor Hunter, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Hunter won five of six duels, completed 85.7 percent of 28 passes and registered seven clearances as the Switchbacks held the LA Galaxy II to only one shot on goal.

M – Nick Hinds, Seattle Sounders FC 2: Hinds capped his professional debut with the game-winning goal in S2’s 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 and also won two tackles and five of eight duels in the midfield.

M – Cordell Cato, Charlotte Independence: Cato scored the opening two goals as the Independence romped to a 4-1 victory against Ottawa Fury FC in their home opener.

M – Andrew Tinari, New York Red Bulls II: Tinari scored twice and recorded five key passes as the Red Bulls II rallied to take a 2-1 victory against Toronto FC II.

M – Jack Blake, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Blake completed 35 of 45 passes, registered two tackles and two clearances and capped the Rowdies’ 3-1 win against North Carolina FC with a fine long-range goal.

F – Brandon Allen, Bethlehem Steel FC: Allen notched a pair of goals in his debut for Steel FC as the hosts pulled away for a 4-1 victory against the Richmond Kickers.

F – Matt Thomas, Las Vegas Lights FC: Thomas’ goal after 70 seconds set a record for the opening goal in a USL expansion club’s history and paved the way for a 3-2 road win against Fresno FC. 

F – Kharlton Belmar, Swope Park Rangers: Belmar had two goals and two assists, including the stoppage-time game-winner, as the Rangers took a 4-3 victory on the road against Reno 1868 FC.

Bench: Cody Mizell (TBR), Francis Atuahene (OKC), Niall McCabe (LOU), Carlos Alvarez (LV), Solomon Asante (PHX), Hadji Barry (SPR), Villyan Bijev (SAC)

Sponsored by