Charlotte Independence Takes Season Opener Over Richmond Kickers
Anton Sorenson's second half goal sealed the win at home
Charlotte Independence entered the week with a roster of just 13 players. By yesterday, they had filled out a roster of 20 with the addition of some veterans, a new professional and three academy players.
The last minute scramble did not appear to affect team chemistry, as the squad pulled off a 1-0 win on the strength of its returning veterans.
After a scoreless first half, Charlotte opened things up early in the second. Richmond’s defense got caught in a poor transition, giving up the ball to Charlotte’s Bachir Ndiaye on an errant pass. Ndiaye pressed forward, sending the ball to Luis Álvarez, who sent a cross into the box which finding Anton Sorenson, who sent the ball past Richmond keeper James Sneddon.
Richmond had a chance to counter just minutes later when a Charlotte hand ball in the box resulted in a penalty kick. Emiliano Terzaghi, the league’s all-time leading goal scorer, stepped up to take it, but sent the shot over the crossbar.
Charlotte pulled back and bunkered down defensively for the remainder of the half, in which Richmond controlled a majority of possession. Charlotte keeper Matt Levy made five saves in the match, securing his second career full 90 minute clean sheet.
Match Notes
Miles Rice made his professional debut in the starting 11 for Charlotte. The striker signed a 25 day contract earlier in the week after finishing his NCAA career at Chico State.
In addition to Rice, the following players made their debuts with Charlotte Independence: Jon Bakero, Christian Chaney, Mike DeShields, Rafael Jauregui, Souaibou Marou and Pele Ousmanou. Chaney subbed in at halftime for Rice, while Ousmanou entered late in the second half for Jauregui and Marou replaced Bachir Ndiaye late in the match.
Bakero left the match in the 31st minute after several incidents in which he appeared to have aggravated his hamstring. He was replaced by Anton Sorenson.
Levy has yet to concede a goal in three professional appearances. His first was a split clean sheet with Austin Pack in July 2024, while his two full 90’ clean sheets were both against Richmond.
Richmond’s Matt Bolduc made his first season appearance, subbing on for Terzaghi in the 71st minute. The midfielder signed in the off season, after previously playing for Richmond from 2017 through 2022.
Adrian Billhardt and Gui Franca also made their first appearances of the season for Richmond. Billhardt replaced Darwin Espinal in the 71st minute, while Franca replaced Griffin Garnett in the 82nd minute. Billhardt scored seven across league competitions for Richmond in 2024.
Match Details
Attendance: 956
Goals
CLT: Sorenson, 50’ (Álvarez)
Discipline
RIC Schenfeld 42’ - Yellow
CLT Ndiaye 58’ - Yellow
CLT Jauregui, 83’ - Yellow
CLT Ciss, 85’ - Yellow
Charlotte Roster
Not used: Arango, Bonus, Gray, Renteria, Romig
Scratched: none
Richmond Roster
Not used: Howell, Jara
Scratched: Landon Johnson, Jonathan Kanagwa, Melvin Pierre-Louis