Photo courtesy of Charlotte Independence
MATTHEWS, N.C. – Jorge Herrera scored the first goal during the grand opening of the Independence’s permanent home venue, the Sportsplex at Matthews, on Saturday as the club enjoyed a 2-0 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders. This is the first of 12 regular-season home matches at Matthews after playing at Winthrop University’s Eagle Field. Alex Martinez provided a second tally in the second half. Charlotte improves to 4-3-4 (16 points) overall and 2-1-2 at home (1-0-0 at Matthews). Harrisburg drops to 2-6-4 (10 points) overall and 1-6-1 on the road.
Scoring:
13’ – CLT – Jorge Herrera
62’ – CLT – Alex Martinez
#CLTvHAR: Full match and Opta box score
Three Things That Mattered:
1. With 2016 USL MVP Finalist Enzo Martinez serving a one-game suspension for his two yellow cards and subsequent sending off against FC Cincinnati, host Charlotte needed some other scoring options to step up. Veteran midfielder Jorge Herrera has enjoyed a strong 2017 campaign and he delivered Saturday night with Charlotte’s first tally at the Sportsplex at Matthews. The first goal came off a right-footed free kick in the 13th minute, sneaking his shot inside the far right post.
2. Herrera moves even with Enzo Martinez for the team goal-scoring lead with four this season. Herrera has also pushed his career total to 44. Herrera has certainly made the most of his opportunities this year after playing in a more limited role for the 2016 Independence, when he scored seven goals in 30 matches and 1,109 minutes of play.
3. Independence goalkeeper Cody Mizell and the defense posted the clean sheet, including a late diving save down the stretch. It marked Charlotte’s first clean sheet of the season.
USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:
Jorge Herrera, Charlotte Independence – The Charlotte veteran notched the first goal at Matthews to provide a winning result in the grand opening.
Upcoming Games:
Charlotte Independence at Richmond Kickers – June 24, 7 p.m. ET, City Stadium
Harrisburg City Islanders vs. Bethlehem Steel FC – June 20, 7 p.m. ET, FNB Field
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