The Charlotte Independence quickly found themselves in a hole when they allowed a third-minute goal against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday.

The response was much to Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries’ liking.

The Independence rallied for a lead before halftime and then shut down Harrisburg in the second half for a 2-1 victory, the team’s first win of the season.

“We were a little bit shell-shocked by the early goal but it was a good wake up and we said we’re way better than this,” Jeffries said.

“This win showed the character of the team,” said forward David Estrada, who scored what proved to be the game-winning goal. “Going down early on a goal, we just tried to be positive and thankfully that resulted in us getting two goals back.”

Estrada was impressed with the club’s defensive effort against the Independence down the stretch.

“Our center backs were aware of their height and we dealt with it as a team,” Estrada said. “It was an overall defensive effort to hold onto the lead.” 

The difference ultimately was Estrada who made a strong run down the right side of the pitch for his 33rd-minute goal. He found enough of a gap to take aim at the far left post.

“Brian Brown got closed down in the middle so that left me with the opportunity to take the defender on, and I was looking for the far post and it went right there,” Estrada said.
    
Jeffries praised Brown’s contributions overall as he made his debut.

“Brian did a great job holding up play and connecting guys going forward and it’s unfortunate he didn’t get a goal himself,” Jeffries said. “He was close on a couple of chances, but overall it was an excellent debut for him and it’s good to have him involved.”