The Charlotte Independence are off and running in 2018 after an impressive 4–1 victory against an Ottawa Fury side that many pundits are expecting to be one of the most improved teams in the USL Eastern Conference.

The first half was closely contested, with Ottawa controlling most of the possession but Charlotte creating more chances in front of goal, including the opening goal from Cordell Cato.

The second half was all Independence aside from the 64th minute goal from Ottawa that made the game interesting for a brief period. Charlotte controlled the game better in the second half than in the first and remained dangerous on the break with the speed of Joel Johnson, Cordell Cato and Mutaya Mwape.

This is a great result for a Charlotte team who has historically struggled coming out of the gate. The Jacks sit at the top of the USL table thanks to goal differential after week one. Not bad at all.

The turning point

The turning point came late in this one when Caleb Calvert was pulled down in the box during a corner kick, resulting in a penalty in the 79th minute. Jorge Herrera calmly stepped up to the spot and buried the PK to restore the Jacks’ two goal lead.

Before this moment, Ottawa was gaining a little momentum following their goal in the 64th minute, so it was important that Charlotte took back control before the final whistle to ease the pressure on their make-shift defense.

Three who mattered

Cordell Cato

Cato scored twice in his Charlotte Independence debut and was a constant threat both in build up play and on the counter. He showed off his soft touch and creativity on the first goal, his finishing ability on the second and his blazing speed throughout the 90 minutes.

Jorge Herrera

Jorge showed that quality never gets old. The seemingly ageless Herrera was a constant presence in front of goal and in defense with his pressing. He originally was credited with the fourth goal, but later it was determined to be an own goal, so wipe away the brace. Boo!

Donnie Smith

Smith filled in at centerback for an injured Jung-Soo Lee and held his own in a way that surprised me. It was obvious at times that he was a left back playing in an unfamiliar position, but there were no glaring mistakes and he was still able to notch an assist on the night!

Up next

Charlotte’s next game is Saturday, March 24th at the Matthews SportsPlex against Toronto FC II, a team they surprisingly struggled against last season, only earning one point of a possible six.

Box score

Charlotte Independence — 4

Ottawa Fury FC — 1

Goals

Charlotte Independence — Cato ’41, ’58, Herrera ’80 (PK), Porter (OG)‘83

Ottawa Fury FC — Seoane ‘64