The Charlotte Independence were still wringing out their waterlogged socks from Saturday’s win over the Rochester Rhinos when their game kicked off against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the gorgeous Highmark Stadium. Charlotte entered the game as one of the hottest teams in the league following a 4-game unbeaten streak that saw them move up to 5th in the Eastern Conference standings, and they kept that momentum, winning 3–1 thanks to an Enzo Martinez opener, a PK, and an absolute GOLAZO from Jorge Herrera.

Charlotte started a little slow, which was not unexpected considering the quick turnaround and the lack of squad rotation (the starting 11 was identical to Saturday other than Lewis Hilton in for a suspended Callum Ross). Once they settled in though, we saw Charlotte play their typical style… with a few hiccups trying to play out of the back, resulting in some anxious moments for Independence fans.

Both teams had good shots blocked by defenders early in the game, but the chances were few and far between until the Martinez brothers started to do their thing. In the 29th minute, Enzo and Alex linked up to create the Jacks first true chance on a low cross that was ultimately smothered by the keeper. In the 32nd minute, Enzo hit a great ball that Macklin Robinson pushed away with a remarkable fingertip save. The score was still 0–0 but the Jacks were starting to put the pressure on.

Then the soccer gods decided to give Enzo and the Independence a tiny little break when Alex Martinez’ cross was deflected directly into the path of Enzo who put it away for the 0–1 lead. The finish was certainly opportunistic, but the first ball over the top from Jun Marques Davidson to Alex Martinez was inch perfect and should be admired.

In similar fashion to their game against the Richmond Kickers, the Jacks had to endure a good bit of pressure from the Riverhounds early in the second half.

Once again, Cody Mizell made a pair of incredible saves. Seriously, there just needs to be sentence we can copy and paste about how well Cody is playing because he keeps doing amazing things!

Once we all recovered from watching the Air Mizell show, the Independence took back control and it was clear that a second goal was imminent. In the 61st minute, Jorge Herrera won a penalty after taking a cleat to the hip just inside the penalty box and he scored from the spot for the second time against the Riverhounds this season.

There was some action after the goal, but let’s be honest, you’re all here to read about Jorge’s second goal, and what a goal it was!

Jorge scored an “Olimpico,” which is a goal scored directly from a corner kick. You don’t see it often, but Jorge keeps spreading the Jorge magic all over the field for the Charlotte Independence this season. Just watch, and then watch it again.

I should just let that be the end of this recap, but the Riverhounds did score a goal. A very well taken goal it was, but it was scored by a player that easily could have been sent off for hitting Lewis Hilton in the face and possibly elbowing someone else on a corner kick. Oh well… Charlotte didn’t get the shutout but got the win 1–3.

That’s four straight wins and five straight unbeaten. The Jacks are the hottest team in the league!

Man of the Match

This week’s Sweet Tea MOTM is the one and only Jorge Herrera! One penalty drawn, one penalty converted and one incredible, SportsCenter-Top-10-worthy golazo! He’s done it again folks. Great job Jorge!

(Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Up Next

The Independence will face Saint Louis FC on Saturday, July 8th at 7 p.m. at Matthews Sportsplex. I’ll be there in section 108 cheering on the Jacks, so come say hi! I want to see y’all there! Let’s #PackThePlex and support the hottest team in the USL! COYJ!