Charlotte –The Young Reds stormed back to shock the Charlotte Independence in an incredible second half comeback on Saturday night in North Carolina.
The host Kicks jumped out in front on Enzo Martinez’s team leading 14th goal of the season as the forward made his way into the box and slipped his shot past Angelo Cavalluzzo.
The hosts doubled their lead off an unfortunate deflection. Jaime Siaj’s shot took a bad bounce off Ashtone Morgan and caught Cavalluzzo going the other way.
TFC II had two tremendous opportunities right at the end of the first half but Independence ‘keeper Cody Mizell made two athletic stops to keep the Reds off the board.
The turning point of the match came in the 49th minute as Charlotte’s Alex Martinez was sent off after a scuffle with Jordan McCrary.
With the Independence down to 10 men, the Young Reds turned the game on its head.
The comeback started off a corner kick as the ball found its way to Ashtone Morgan just above the mark and the defender volleyed in his first of the year with TFC II.
Just two minutes later Ben Spencer leveled the game at two. Ryan Telfer swung in a cross for Jordan Hamilton who stooped to head it but Mizell made the initial stop. However, Spencer dove in to send home his first of the year!
With momentum in the Reds favour, Jordan McCrary streaked down the right wing and picked out Hamilton in the box. Hamilton, who scored a last minute equalizer with his left foot the last time these two teams met, turned on his right, and blasted his shot into the top right corner.
The second place Independence frantically pushed for an equalizer but Angelo Cavalluzzo stood tall, including a pair of incredible stops in injury time.
The win means the Young Reds win the season series over the Independence 1-1-0. Next up for TFC II is a battle with Saint Louis FC at the Ontario Soccer Centre on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM and Toronto FC’s Justin Morrow will be meeting and greeting fans from 6:30-7:30. Tickets available here.
