Charlotte Independence secured a 3-2 victory over Portland Hearts of Pine in USL League One's Group Stage on Tuesday night. The result keeps the hosts in first place with 49 points after 23 matches. Portland remain in 15th with 23 points from 24 games.
J. Bakero gave Charlotte an early lead in the 20th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure after R. Manin's yellow card in the 15th. Portland responded through M. Kidd's goal in the 59th, but M. Poon-Angeron restored the advantage at the 65th-minute mark. O. Wright had a penalty saved at the same stage of play, and here's the thing — Portland had opportunities but couldn't convert them.
Charlotte changed shape at the break with four substitutions including K. Riascos, V. Ortiz, E. Martinez and M. Mohamed. The visitors brought on J. Amaya in the 77th minute. Stefano Pinho scored the decisive goal in the 90+6th minute to seal the result.
Charlotte dominated possession at 55 per cent and registered 97 attacks compared to Portland's 81. The hosts had 9 shots on target from 15 attempts while Portland managed 5 from 8. Charlotte earned 5 corners to Portland's 1.
The victory extends Charlotte's lead at the summit of the table. Portland's recent form shows 1 win in their last 5 matches, including a 1-4 defeat to Fort Wayne. Charlotte's run includes a 5-0 thrashing of Alt.
