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Charlotte Independence vs Charleston Battery
The match between Charlotte Independence and Charleston Battery was one of the most dramatic encounters in the U.S. Open Cup, with the former beating the latter 3-2 after extra time, producing a real cup classic filled with momentum changes and late heartbreak.
Charlotte Independence started the match strongly, dominating the opening half and opening the scoring in the 37th minute through Souaibou Marou, who slotted the ball into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The hosts’ strong performance was maintained in the second half, with Luis Álvarez doubling the hosts’ score to 2-0 in the 58th minute.

However, Charleston Battery was not ready to give up the fight just yet. Showing some resilience, they managed a remarkable comeback with Houssou Landry scoring in the 70th minute and then Maalique Foster leveling the match just seven minutes later. With the match now level at 2-2, the match was forced into extra time, and the action would continue towards a climactic finish.

However, the match’s momentum would shift late on when the home team was forced to play with 10 men on the field. Recognizing the opportunity, Charlotte launched a relentless assault on the opponent’s goal. Their efforts would pay off in the 118th minute of the match when Viggo Ortiz would find the winning goal and propel the home team into the next round of the competition.

• Key Moments
• Marou opens the scoring (37’)
• Álvarez doubles the advantage (58’)
• Charleston Battery comeback: Landry (70’), Foster (77’)
• Red card shifts momentum late
• Ortiz wins it in the 118th minute

photos by Arturo Rosales