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Independence Open in Style

By CHARLIE CORR - charlie.corr@uslsoccer.com, 06/17/17, 9:15PM EDT

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Herrera leads Charlotte past Harrisburg at sold-out Matthews


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

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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