The Charlotte Independence dropped the first leg of the Queen City Cup Challenge to FC Cincinnati 2-1 at Nippert Stadium in Ohio on Saturday, April 9. FC Cincinnati was strong in the attack, scoring the first two goals of the game. The Independence seemed to be making an exciting comeback in the late minutes, yet fell just short as they were unable to create enough opportunities to offset the FCC defense.
The Independence began the first half with early momentum, creating opportunities and keeping possession. However, it was not long before FC Cincinnati made their presence known. In the fifth minute of play, FCC made a quick drive up the left hand side, sending a low cross through the box that found Sean Okoli at the top of the eighteen. The touch brought the ball up just enough for him to send a right-footed volley past Independence goalkeeper Cody Mizell.
Following the initial goal, the Independence saw several good opportunities come off corner kicks and free kicks, however, they struggled to keep possession during the run of play. In the 20th minute, FCC drove with another attack. Okoli sent a pass back to Jimmy McLaughlin, who took a shot – low and hard – to a diving Mizell, but the keeper was able to grasp the ball firmly. The save would keep the Independence in the game and earn Mizell the Wells Fargo Save of the Game. Physical play from both sides lead to some controversy late in the first half. Regardless, FC Cincinnati took a 1-0 lead into the locker room at the break.
Both teams came out with a lot of energy to begin the second half of play. Unfortunately for the Independence, the momentum seemed to stay with the home side, as FCC’s Austin Berry found the back of the net with a diving header in the 52nd minute. The cross came from the right side of the field. The ball was relatively low and placed precisely in front with just enough room for Berry to run on to, putting FCC in front 2-0.
The Independence began to feel the pressure, and shortly after – in the 54th minute – the visitors found a cross from the right side. It was headed towards FCC keeper Mitch Hildebrandt, who made the initial save, yet could not recover the ball. A lot of confusion and deflections occurred right in front of the goal before the ball landed at the feet of David Estrada. The midfielder buried it in the back of the net, and the goal pulled Charlotte within one. It marked Estrada’s second straight game with a goal for the Independence.
As the game wound down, Charlotte began to look more dangerous in the attacking third. They had one final chance in the 88th minute when Christopher Hellmann received a cross from the right side. With plenty of time and space in front him, Hellmann took a touch but sent the ball soaring high over the cross bar. Four minutes of stoppage time was not enough for the Independence to complete a comeback as FCC effectively managed the late minutes of play.
Despite the Independence’s efforts and aggressive play, FCC pulled away with the 2-1 victory, winning the first of two matches in the Queen City Cup Challenge. FCC will travel to Charlotte for the second leg of the QCCC on Saturday, May 21.
The Independence will return home to Ramblewood Stadium next Saturday, April 16, to take on the Charleston Battery at 7:00pm ET. Charleston is coming off a 2-1 victory over fellow Southern Derby rival the Wilmington Hammerheads. Tickets are available at www.charlotteindependence.com/tickets or by calling 704-206-1515.
