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Sellout Crowd Sees Independence, Swans Put on Show

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/13/16, 11:30PM EDT

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Charlotte players enjoy chance to test themselves against Premier League opponents


Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence’s players knew Wednesday night’s international exhibition in front of a sellout crowd against the Premier League’s Swansea City A.F.C. would be a chance for them to showcase the club in front of a wider audience.

While the final score might not have gone their way, though, the side was happy with the entertainment they offered in the first game of its kind in club history.

“I felt like the first half … we did a good job of creating some pretty good chances,” said Independence Coach Mike Jeffries. “The goal they scored was just a cracking goal, full marks for that, but I also feel like most of the first half we did a decent job of keeping the game in front of us and not giving away chances.”

The Independence did in fact create the first good scoring chances of the game midway through the first half. First forward Brian Brown forced a low save from Swansea goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt, who was also called into action to deny chances for Henry Kalungi and Zach Pfeffer.

With the heat a factor, the Swans proved a little more lively following a water break midway through the first half, and the visitors took the lead on a beautiful curling finish from Oliver McBurnie that just found the corner of the net past Independence goalkeeper Cody Mizell’s fingertips.

The Swans took more control in the second half as the Independence gave most of their roster a chance to see action. Wayne Routledge scored twice after the break to give Swansea a comfortable lead before Kenju Gorre wrapped up the scoring late on, but the Independence players hoped the fans in attendance had been happy with what they’d seen from them as the side pushes for a place in the USL Playoffs.

“We just wanted to put on a good show for the people here to see what we do and hopefully for them to like us so they keep coming to the games,” said midfielder Enzo Martinez. “You can see the quality of them and why they play in the best league in the world. I think everyone did well, and I think we are very proud. We gained respect, but I also think we showcased ourselves.”

For players like rookie Austin Yearwood, the experience is one he’ll carry with him as he looks to push higher in his professional career.

“Playing an EPL team, that’s a once in a lifetime experience for me,” Yearwood said. “It’s one for the books, I’ll remember that forever.”

Now, though, the focus for the Independence returns to the USL, and a massive game this Saturday against a New York Red Bulls II team that sits second in the Eastern Conference. With the playoff push about to get into full swing, Martinez said he hoped the fans would be back in force at Ramblewood again soon.

“This could be something special and you could see that tonight,” Martinez said. “The fans were great and it was a fun time and I think if people keep coming, keep seeing us play hard, they will enjoy it.”

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