WINGATE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence notched a 2-0 victory on Saturday afternoon against the University of North Carolina, with Enzo Martinez leading the way with the opening goal of the game before trialists Darius Strode added a second to wrap up the win against the Tar Heels on the campus of Wingate University.

Martinez, a finalist for the USL Most Valuable Player award last season after recording nine goals and five assists for the Independence, has been a key figure for the side since its inception. The 26-year-old looked in fine form against his alma mater, a pleasing sign to the club’s coaching staff.

"That's what Enzo does," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "He makes plays and today was no different. He's always in for chances and he's always got clever ideas."

As for who might play a role in aiding Martinez in the Independence’s attack after the departure of Jamaican forward Brian Brown to USL expansion side Reno 1868 FC, the Independence might have happened upon a solution from within. 

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Yann Ekra, who has predominantly played as a midfielder in his USL career with the Harrisburg City Islanders and Independence, was pushed up into a central attacking spot. Ekra’s creative qualities could make him an option for the Independence’s attack this season.

"It was a nice chance for us to look at Yann in a more attacking role," said Jeffries. "He's a great box-to-box guy but he's got some good ideas in the final third. He was dangerous there last season. So it was a good opportunity with us not really having any strikers in training camp to take a look at that.”

With the game being hosted by NCAA Division II champion Wingate University, it also offered a quick return to campus for new Independence midfielder Callum Ross. With preseason now in full swing, a game in familiar surroundings was a nice ending to the second week of camp for the Independence rookie.

"I didn't think I was going to be back this quick," said Ross. "It feels kinda like home. Obviously, I'm happy with the boys and getting the two-nil win. It was a good week."