July 7, 2021 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence suffered their second loss to New York Red Bulls II tonight by a score of 2-3 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Your Jacks are back at home this Saturday, July 10 to face Phoenix Rising FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).
Although an unfortunate result, the team was energized by the 4,231 fans who came out in support of the club and the new venue.
“Yeah it was incredible, it was much needed honestly. It was great to hear everyone chanting,” stated Charlotte Independence Defender, #3 Hugh Roberts. “Not just chanting, but when a ‘Meg’ would happen they would cheer and that shows that they have a good understanding of the game. We appreciate those little things … and it was a great turnout for a Wednesday night. Even after the game people came up and shook our hands and gave us their appreciation. We really appreciated that, and it was great to see.”
New York Red Bulls II kicked off the scoring in the 13th minute after a goal from #36 Jeremy Rafanello. Then, it was the Jacks leading scorer, #29 Dane Kelly who took matters into his own hands for the rest of the first half.
In the 19th minute, he ran onto a ball over the top from #17 Clay Dimick and opted for a cheeky chip over the goalkeeper. Then, in the 42nd minute Kelly had some fun at the top of the box taking a couple juggles before hitting the volley across frame and placing it into the side netting. The Charlotte Independence took the lead at halftime, 2-1.
When asked about how it felt to score Charlotte’s first two goals at the new stadium, Kelly explained, “I mean it feels good, like I told the guys, I think we are gonna be able to score some goals against them, but unfortunately they [NY Red Bulls] came out in front. It was good for me, but it was tough for the team.”
The Jacks came out strong to start the second half with several positive looks at goal, but the team approached a setback in the 63rd minute when Kelly suffered an injury that sent him to the bench for the remainder of the match.
New York Red Bulls II were able to capitalize at the other end with goals from #67 Omar Sowe in the 70th minute and #71 Austin Brummett in the 79th minute.
“Disappointed in many, many ways,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I thought Brandon was fantastic for the first fifteen minutes, and we were in a pretty big hole on plays that we just don’t make, like giving possession away easily and not being in spots to cover it. I thought when we went down a goal, we actually managed the game pretty well. Dane was fantastic to come through and get the two goals. I think I’m really disappointed that when we were up 2-1 we couldn’t hold the lead. We’ve been really good this year, for the most part, we’ve been ahead in terms of managing games and limiting chances and the way we were broken down, it was just too easy and that was the game.”
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will take on Phoenix Rising FC this Saturday, July 10 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).
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