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Independence, Kickers End Deadlocked

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/26/17, 9:06PM EDT

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Charlotte extends undefeated streak to nine games in 0-0 draw.


Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence

MATTHEWS, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence and Richmond Kickers played to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night at the Sportsplex and Matthews as the Independence extended their undefeated streak to nine games. The game opened evenly, with the Independence creating the first good chance on goal as Jorge Herrera’s free kick from 22 yards was saved by Kickers goalkeeper Matt Turner. Enzo Martinez also went close minutes later, sending a shot wide of the left post from the right side of the penalty area. The Kickers almost grabbed the lead just past the half-hour mark as a good move sprang Raul Gonzalez into the right side of the penalty area, but his low cross to the back post was just out of a sliding Oliver Minatel’s reach. Sunny Jane also went close just before the halftime break for the Kickers, forcing a save from Independence goalkeeper Kyle Renfro, and the Lesotho international fired just over the bar two minutes into the second half. The Independence again went close just before the hour-mark, but Martinez’s shot went just wide of the right post, and Charlotte’s playmaker forced a low save from Turner a few minutes later as the Kickers were able to just clear the rebound. Richmond’s Yudai Imura shot high as the game went into stoppage time, while Charlotte’s Lewis Hilton had a shot tipped over from a deflected cross as both teams looked to find a late winner.

Scoring:
None

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. The Independence were unable to find a way to break through against a solid defensive effort by the Kickers, but the side was able to extend its undefeated streak to nine games as it moved into sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Independence are looking a very confident side right now, and will be hoping for better fortune when they head to face Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday in a crucial game for both in the race for position at the top of the conference standings.

  • 2. After taking their first victory since April on Saturday, the last thing the Richmond Kickers wanted on Wednesday night was to backslide to a defeat. While a win would certainly have been preferable for the visitors, getting a point on the road allowed the side to maintain some positive momentum as it looks to claw its way back into the race for a place the Eastern Conference postseason. More wins will need to come soon, likely starting on Saturday at home to Saint Louis FC, but give Charlotte’s recent run of form this result will do.

  • 3. Whenever watching the Independence, the technical ability Enzo Martinez brings to the game highlights his quality, but it’s his work-rate that has put him among the very best players in the league over the past three seasons. The attacking midfielder was once again everywhere in the attacking half for the Independence on Wednesday night, and while his efforts didn’t pay off with a goal, his influence was visible as the Independence pushed hard for the lead throughout the second half.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

William Yomby, Richmond Kickers – Yomby patrolled the back line expertly for the Kickers, recording three interceptions, two tackles and eight clearances to help the side earn a shutout.

Upcoming Games:
Charlotte Independence
at Bethlehem Steel FC – July 29, 5 p.m. ET, Goodman Stadium
Richmond Kickers vs. Saint Louis FC – July 29, 7 p.m. ET, City Stadium

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