CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence brought a five-game winless streak to an end as they took a 1-0 victory against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night at Ramblewood Stadium. Both teams had chances early, but the Independence opened the scoring in the 30th minute as Caleb Calvert volleyed home a corner kick by Enzo Martinez into the left corner of the net. Charlotte had the chance to double its lead moments later when it was awarded a penalty kick, but after Brian Brown converted – only for it to be called back for a penalty area violation – he missed on the second try. Richmond hit the crossbar 10 minutes into the second half on a fierce shot by Fred Owusu Sekyere, and continued to push forward in search of an equalizer as the game saw both teams create chances, but the Independence held on to take a valuable victory.

Scoring:
30’ – CLT – Caleb Calvert (Enzo Martinez)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. After the way his side approached its game against Bethlehem Steel FC a week ago, Coach Mike Jeffries will probably have been much happier with the positive energy the Independence put on display on Saturday. The team looked much brighter, and got a fine goal from Caleb Calvert to take the lead on the half-hour mark as the Independence got back to the manner that had brought them success earlier this season.

• 2. As has been evident throughout the season, you can never rule out the Richmond Kickers in any contest they’re in. The Kickers were persistent throughout the game in getting forward in attack, and that only grew as they looked for a late equalizer on Saturday night. While the bounces didn’t go their way for a second time in Charlotte this season, the fight the Kickers displayed will likely result in good things down the line.

• 3. While the score might not reflect it with only one goal, Saturday night’s game was a tremendous display for the fans from both teams, who both looked to get forward aggressively throughout the game. Charlotte came out on top for a second consecutive meeting between the teams at Ramblewood Stadium as Brian Brown’s penalty miss didn’t come back to haunt them, but the rivalry between these two squads is clearly becoming a very good one between two good teams.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Caleb Calvert, Charlotte Independence – On loan from the Colorado Rapids, Calvert broke his own three-game scoreless streak for the Independence at just the right moment with a fine finish to give Charlotte a big victory.

Upcoming Games:

Charlotte Independence at Harrisburg City Islanders – June 24, 7 p.m. ET, FNB Field

Richmond Kickers vs. Bethlehem Steel FC – June 25, 7 p.m. ET, City Stadium