MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Sylvain Marveaux’s first goal for the Charlotte Independence proved the winner as the visitors took a 3-2 victory against the New York Red Bulls II on Wednesday night at MSU Soccer Park in a contest that saw former Premier League title-winner Christian Fuchs make his debut for the Independence and Charlotte earn its first win against the Red Bulls II in three meetings this season.

After an hour delay due to lightning – following which persistent rain remained – the Red Bulls II looked to get on the front foot early, but it was the Independence that took the lead in the 13th minute. The visitors were awarded a free kick beyond the left edge of the penalty area, and Marcelo Palomino produced an outstanding free kick that crept inside the near post and into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season.

The Red Bulls II hit back six minutes later, however, as Jeremy Rafanello lifted a ball into the right channel for Omar Sowe that saw the forward shrug off the challenge from Fuchs before cutting inside onto his left foot for a low finish to the far corner and his fifth goal of the season. Charlotte quickly responded in the 25th minute, however, as Marveaux sprayed a ball to the left flank for Adam Armour, who controlled and fired a low cross to the top of the six-yard area where Enzo Martinez was on hand to finish.

Sowe had a chance at his second of the game just past the half-hour mark as he received a pass from Jake LaCava near the top of the penalty area and created space to shoot, only to have his effort to the left corner parried away by Independence goalkeeper Austin Pack.

Inside the opening minute of the second half, though, Sowe had his second as first held possession and found Rafanello on the right side before the attacking midfielder cut past a defender and then sent a pass back to Sowe as he arrived in right side of the penalty area for a right-footed shot that curled into the left side of the net.

The Independence struck again to regain the lead again just past the hour-mark through Marveaux, who tucked home a smooth finish into the left corner of the net from 14 yards after Brandt Bronico had controlled a cross from the left by Armour in the right side of the penalty area. Bronico then slipped a pass centrally to set up the French veteran for the finish.

New York once again tried to rally and midway through the second half the hosts created a fine chance for Sam Williams off a free kick that saw the midfielder strike first time from 20 yards toward the top-right corner of the net only to be turned away by Pack with a one-handed save. Both Irvin Parra and Dane Kelly then had chances for the visitors, but both were unable to hit the target with their efforts, while the Red Bulls II almost leveled with five minutes to go as Austin Brummett sent a header toward the right corner that Pack turned wide of the post.

New York had one final chance to level in second-half stoppage time as after a free kick was half-cleared by the Independence, LaCava controlled and fired a looping volley back on target toward the left corner that Pack got across to save. Moments later the final whistle sounded and Charlotte had another important three points toward their playoff push.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Enzo Martinez, Charlotte Independence - Martinez scored once and had three shots and two key passes while completing 26 of 33 passes and winning 10 of 19 duels in a battling performance across the park.

Scoring Summary
CLT – Marcelo Palomino 13’
NY – Omar Sowe (Jeremy Rafanello) 19’
CLT – Enzo Martinez (Adam Armour) 25’
NY – Omar Sowe (Jeremy Rafanello) 46’
CLT – Sylvain Marveaux (Brandt Bronico) 61’

Full Box Score