The Charlotte Independence just cannot escape wild matches here lately. This matchup was always going to be tougher than it appeared on paper as Toronto was coming off of a 1–0 win over the then first place Charleston Battery on Saturday, and they used that momentum to earn a tough 2–2 draw against the current-first-place Jacks.

Mike Jefferies shook up the starting 11 for the first time in what seems like forever… in part due to suspensions, fixture congestion and visa issues. Despite that, the Independence looked strong starting out. Making his first career start, Jaime Siaj would be a factor all night long starting early with a headed chance pushed just wide and followed up by a shot that was saved by the Toronto keeper. Despite the bright start, the Jacks were unable to finish any early chances in front of goal, and Toronto was able to settle into the game free from the pressure of being down.

Toronto looked the more likely to score for the last 15 minutes of the half, but Cody Mizell and the rest of the Charlotte defense made a couple of nice stops, and the game remained 0–0 going into the half.

That changed early in the second, as the Jacks conceded the opening goal in the 48th minute with some suspect defending and a calm finish from Jordan Hamilton.

Charlotte then went to the bench far earlier than normal and brought on Jorge Herrera (back from injury) in the 57th minute and David Estrada in the 60th. This seemed to turn things around for the Jacks almost instantly as the Independence equalized in the 62nd minute.

At the time of writing, the team’s first goal has been ruled an own goal by TFC2 goalkeeper Mark Pais, but I think it was either Joel Johnson’s first goal of the season or David Estrada’s 5th. Hard to tell if Estrada got a touch, but it was definitely on frame and a great cross from Johnson regardless.

Moments later, the Jacks were hit with a bit of bad luck (seriously, I know we’re in first place and all, but it feels like we’ve gotten the short end of the stick a lot this year) when Donnie Smith went in for a 50–50 ball with a TFC2 player and his studs ended up high on that player’s chest/face. Smith was shown straight red, and you won’t hear any arguments from the Jacks. Nothing malicious about the challenge, but certainly red-card worthy.

That actually seemed to serve as another wake-up call for Charlotte, as they played their best soccer in the remaining minutes of the game while down a man. Henry Kalungi launched an incredible long pass for Jaime Siaj, who beat the defender and the keeper to put the Jacks ahead 2–1 in the 79th minute.

Charlotte nearly held on to take all three points, and for probably nine of the remaining thirteen minutes (stoppage time included), they looked like the team that was playing up a man. But sometimes it just isn’t your night, and tonight was Jordan Hamilton’s night. The young Toronto forward had already scored once, and in the 92nd minute he collected a long pass inside the Charlotte box, took a touch, turned, and fired a low curling rocket around Mizell and just inside his post to tie the game at 2–2.

Nothing anyone could do there but tip your cap.

A point on the road is never something to complain about, so I’ll do my best not to. It’s hard not to be disappointed with the way it happened though. Jorge Herrera was inches wide of making it 3–1 just seconds before the equalizer, and David Estrada hit the post with a well placed shot earlier in the game as well. Still, the Jacks extended their #beatless streak to 12 games and can build on that in Ottawa on Saturday.

Man of the Match

Jaime Siaj

Siaj made his first career start in league play for the Independence in place of Alex Martinez, who normally occupies the left wing spot. I’ve talked highly of Siaj here and on our podcast, Talkin’ Jacks, so I was pumped to see what he would do with more minutes.

Siaj went against his former club, the Charlotte Eagles in US Open Cup play (photo: Alex Warren)

He definitely didn’t disappoint with a goal, five shots, three shots on goal and one key pass to his name. He impressed me with his skills with the ball at his feet and his ability to dribble around defenders as well as blow by them with pace as he did for the goal. He also showed a great amount of determination and hustle once we went down a man. Cheers Jaime, enjoy a sweet tea!

Three Takeaways

Depth

The Jacks showed that they can rely on some of their squad rotation players when they are called upon to start and play significant minutes. Guys like Siaj, Yann Ekra and David Spies all had solid outings and contributed to the Independence staying unbeaten.

Passing Clinic

I’m sure it’s been said before, but the Independence have a lot of guys who can pick a pass. Henry Kalungi’s assist was gorgeous and highlights the threat that Charlotte has even when a centerback has the ball at his feet. Callum Ross also had a beautiful line-breaking pass early in the game that nearly ended up as a Siaj goal.

Beatless Lives On

Beatless will never die… at least that’s what Independence fans hope! The Jacks tied a club record with 12 straight games unbeaten. They go for the outright record on Saturday against the Ottawa Fury.

Stay tuned for more previews and recaps this weekend of all the Independence action, and if you haven’t yet, check out Talkin’ Jacks wherever you listen to podcasts! Come on you Jacks!