Charlotte Independence wins in Martinez brothers’ homecoming

The Charlotte Independence made the most of the Martinez brothers’ return to Rock Hill on Friday.

The Independence beat the Richmond Kickers 3-0 in a United Soccer League game at Winthrop’s Eagle Field, Charlotte’s second consecutive victory.

And it was a homecoming for Charlotte midfielders Alex and Enzo Martinez, who grew up in Rock Hill and played at Northwestern High. Several members of the Martinez family were at the game.

“Both me and my brother really enjoyed playing here,” said Alex Martinez, a former N.C. State star who had seven shots and was instrumental in helping break down the Richmond defense in the first half. “It was great to make it happen here and bring them the (win).”

Enzo Martinez substituted for his brother in the second half, doing his own part in punishing a Kickers team that was playing with 10 men.

The Independence (2-2-2) got goals from Ryan Finley, Patrick Slogic and Marlon Hairston. It was the second consecutive shutout for goalkeeper John Berner.

Quoting

“It was nice to see us close the game out really, really well. That was a step we hadn’t been able to take and we did (Friday).” – Independence coach Mike Jeffries.

Worth mentioning

Friday’s victory was the Independence’s second straight against a team that had been unbeaten. Charlotte handed Louisville City its first loss on May 2 ... The closest Richmond (4-1-3) came to scoring came early in the game when Charlotte defender Bilal Duckett mis-hit a pass back to goalkeeper John Berner. Richmond’s George Davis intercepted it, but his shot went wide … The Kickers went down a man in the first half when defender Alex Lee hit Independence striker Alex Martinez in the head with his forearm. That earned Lee a red card from referee Doug Hartemann ... Independence general manager Tom Engstrom said he hopes the team will play its first game at Ramblewood Soccer Complex on June 13 against Pittsburgh. The Independence is building a temporary stadium at Ramblewood, but has had permitting delays … The game drew a capacity crowd of 2,177 ... Finley’s goal, a rocket from the right side, was his team-leading third of the season. Finley set up Charlotte’s third goal came after a 60-yard run with the ball, which he then passed to a breaking Hairston, who knocked it past Richmond goalkeeper Travis Worra.

What’s next

The Independence starts a three-game road trip with at Harrisburg City on May 16. Charlotte then plays at Charleston on May 23 and at Richmond on June 7.

This story was originally published May 8, 2015 at 10:25 PM with the headline "Charlotte Independence wins in Martinez brothers’ homecoming."