The Charlotte Independence dropped another game at the Matthews Sportsplex 3-0 to Louisville City FC. After a tremendous effort against Pittsburgh on the road, the Jacks just came out flat during the first half and especially in the opening minutes of the match.
With the game only 13:00 minutes into the contest the Jacks found themselves down 1-0 when there was a defensive breakdown leaving goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra with a one on one situation inside the box to be beat by attacker Cameron Lancaster for the first goal of the night. Lancaster would score his second goal of the first half at the 29th minute to give the visitors a comfortable 2-0 lead at the intermission.
In fact it appeared to this reporter, the Independence defense was slow or not willing to take risks to respond to the excellent attacking style of Louisville who applied offensive pressure all night. The defenders were one step behind in defending the net, thus leaving their solid goalkeeper vulnerable.
In the second half the Independence came out more aggressive offensively, however, could not mount any real consistent attack. In the 65th minute, Luke Spencer shot a rocket passed Dykstra on another defensive breakdown to make the score 3-0, which nullified any chance for the Jacks to bounce back for a much needed draw to gain a point in the standings.
Head Coach Mike Jeffries again was not pleased with the teams performance. However, the team has a big game coming up on the road against North Carolina, FC in Cary. “It’s a plus to have a game in three days to get tonight’s out of our system and with it being a rivalry game, it keeps us motivate.
North Carolina won the first match in Matthews, so the Jacks would like to reciprocate with an important win and obtain three points to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Key injuries have not helped the Jacks with Jorge Herrera, Donnie Smith and Cordell Cato, all unable to participate. Cato suited and was available, however, there was no need to risk further injury and rush him onto the field.
