Charlotte FC dominates Independence, but 2 other things take the spotlight
It only took four passes.
One was a right-handled launch from Charlotte FC’s goalie to a defender pressing up toward midfield. The next was from that defender to a midfielder. The third was from that midfielder to a winger streaking down the right side of the pitch. And then came the cross from Rodolfo Aloko to striker Archie Goodwin, who then ricocheted the ball into the net.
In those four passes, maybe 20 seconds elapsed. But that’s all it took for Charlotte FC to break through — before utterly dominating — Wednesday night in a 6-0 win over USL League One side Charlotte Independence at Sportsplex in Matthews. The win marked the first in the team’s quest for the U.S. Open Cup; the club now advances to the round of 16 and hosts Atlanta United at the same place.
There were other notes from Wednesday evening that affected the outcome of the game. That included a hope-draining red card issued to Independence starting goalkeeper Giorgos Tasouris in the 23rd minute that forced the Independence to play a man down for the bulk of the match — David’s matchup against Goliath getting a bit more steep.
But in truth, Charlotte FC’s win and advancement in the tournament was secondary to two things: what Charlotte FC was able to accomplish from a player development perspective, and the spectacle of the two Charlotte pro soccer clubs going at it for the first time.
First, what CLTFC accomplished, courtesy of head coach Dean Smith:
“We’ve got a squad and depth I believe can go and compete in matches throughout the season,” Smith said. “It was good tonight to get so many of the young players on. … That was really important for us. They will only mature and get better for that.”
Six different Charlotte FC players scored Wednesday, which shouldn’t go unnoticed. Two in particular drew special interest.
The first is Henry Kessler. The defender is working his way back from a hamstring strain that he’s been battling since arriving at the club. He’s back at full training with Charlotte FC now; Smith said he’s “clearly” ready now.
More good news? A good day from Nimfasha Berchimas, an 18-year-old player Smith contemplated starting a few years ago, when Smith first arrived in 2024. Berchimas, a homegrown Charlotte FC prospect, battled injury last season but was marvelous off the bench Wednesday.
“Great to see it,” Smith said of Berchimas. “You saw him come off the bench today, get a goal and contribute to the game. And that’s what we want. We want players to come through. I’m not stopping players from coming through. And he came in today, and did what he had to do. … He created some opportunities. Worked really hard. And he’s maturing as a player. That’s what we want from him, to put himself into first-team contention.”
Next, the spectacle:
This was the first sanctioned competition between the clubs since CLTFC arrived on the city’s sports landscape and played its first season in 2022. The squads have scrimmaged each other a bunch — and even have some connective tissue in Brandt Bronico, who is now with CLTFC but played for the Independence for a time — but never in a real setting like this one.
Head coach Mike Jeffries said he appreciated the opportunity to compete against Charlotte FC, but he couldn’t mask his disappointment.
“Look, we were excited about it, for sure,” Jeffries said. “And I think guys were really looking forward to it. The game clearly didn’t go the way we wanted, and we feel like we maybe lost an opportunity to showcase what we’re about in front of a super atmosphere and crowd.
“So really disappointed. Certainly there was an edge in this game that you don’t get in scrimmages. I give Charlotte FC and Dean credit. They came out and were 100% tuned in, and ready to play from minute one.”
The spectacle rang loud and clear in other ways, too. One of Charlotte FC’s largest and most passionate fan groups, Blue Furia, was out in full force, singing songs at the top of their lungs and playing instruments all game. Fans lined the chain-link fence for autographs and photos from CLTFC players after the match.
But still, it wasn’t a typical game.
After all, the score wasn’t what took center stage.
And for Smith, that’s best-case scenario.
“Listen, I said to the players before, there’s an expectation tonight because we’re the MLS team, they’re in the USL,” Smith said. “So there’s the expectation that you’re going to win. And if you don’t treat (the game) and the opposition with the respect they deserve, you can sometimes get egg on your face.
“I thought the application from the players tonight was spot on. And that’s what you have to have against any team you play against.”
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
