Independence improves to 6-6-5 on the year
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 1, 2015) — The Charlotte Independence triumphed over the Rochester Rhinos on a balmy evening in the Queen City, 4-2. The result marked the first loss of the 2015 season for the Rhinos, who were 12-0-7 coming into the contest. For Charlotte it was an ensemble performance with goals from Tomasz Zahorski, Alex Martinez, Enzo Martinez and Carlos Alvarez, but Zahorski’s performance stole the show. The Rhinos’ goals came form Grant Vandecasteele andChristian Volesky.
Despite being the victors, the Independence fell behind early when Vandecasteele met Rochester midfielder Jonny Mendoza’s corner kick in the 34th minute. The ball was swung into a dangerous area and Vandecasteele just got enough on it to put it in the back of the net past a helpless Matt Lampson.
But it did not take long for Charlotte to answer. It was just two minutes later when Zahorski picked out Alex Martinez from across the box. Not typically known for his speed, Zahorski blew past his man and curled a perfectly placed ball to Alex’s feet. A strong curling shot saw the Independence tie the game.
A second salvo from Zahorski put the Independence in the lead minutes later. Independence workhorse Paolo Del Piccolo knocked down a header for the Polish striker, who flicked the ball over an onrushing Brandon Miller to make it 2-1.
“It’s great to be back on the field, especially after an injury,” Zahorski said. “It can be hard to get back to fitness, but tonight was a great game for us as a team. We fell behind early, but we fought back. It was a big credit to all of us. It proves a lot to everybody that we can beat the first place team.”
In the 51st minute, Enzo Martinez got his name on the board after Alvarez skinned his man. It was a bit of luck that Alvarez got on the ball after a slip from a Rhinos defender, but his quick turn and cross caught the Rochester defense flat-footed. Enzo powered his chance into the net for the eventual game-winner.
The Rhinos thought they had a lifeline when, in the 59th minute, a slip from Charlotte’s backline saw Volesky through on goal. It was a classy finish to a messy chance, as he chipped a stranded Lampson. Rochester’s hope was dashed just seconds after the restart when Del Piccolo was dragged down in the box and awarded a penalty kick. Alvarez stepped up to take and, despite Miller’s correct dive, he finished the job.
Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries made several defensive changes and the boys in blue saw out the game with no hiccups.
“I think we had one of those nights we were waiting for this season,” Jeffries said. “We’ve had a lot of chances in a bunch of games, but hadn’t got the finishes quite right.Tonight the first three were just excellent finishes. It was one of those days where it did go our way. We knew we could create chances, but we didn’t think we would end up getting four.”
The Independence will try to continue its strong home form next Wednesday when they host New York Red Bulls II. As the playoffs loom large in the distance,Wednesday’s game will be vital in determining who is playing into the fall. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm at Ramblewood Stadium.
