Vereinigung Erzgebirge welcomed Charlotte Independence to Carin University in Langhorne, Pa. on Thursday night. The rain and wind stayed away, and cool temperatures gave the perfect playing conditions for Open Cup soccer. The match was Vereinigung Erzgebirge’s first time playing in the first round in 22 years (though they did qualify for the 2020 tournament, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). In one of the most important matches in V.E.’s long history, which dates back to 1969, over 400 people showed up to support the club and its program.
However, despite being a scoreless game well into the second half, the Independence scored a pair of late goals to prevail, 2-0 and advance to the Second Round. It was a positive start for a Charlotte club that came into the game having been eliminated in five of their last six Open Cup games.
Photos: https://twitter.com/phlsoccernow/status/1770977008777847273
Vereinigung Erzgebirge’s best chance of the night came early in 5th minute of play. A corner kick fell to Chris Baker, who directed it onto the crossbar. It inspired the team as Baker immediately turned to the crowd to wave for more noise and support. Big chances would be few and far between for Vereinigung Erzgebirge. Meanwhile, their counterparts, Charlotte Independence, had a relentless attack for much of the night.
In the 17th minute, Tresor Mbuyu received the ball in midfield and charged at goal. He fired a shot from outside the area that rose above the crossbar. It was a warning for Vereinigung Erzgebirge: no matter how well they created and played, Charlotte could turn the match instantly.
The game intensified just before halftime as Vereinigung Erzgebirge striker Jaylon Weatherspoon went to meet a cross with his head but was clattered into by the on-rushing Charlotte goalkeeper Austin Pack. Moments later, Charlotte’s Omar Ciss appeared to body-check Vereinigung Erzgebirge’s former pro Antoine Hoppenot after the whistle had gone. This sudden coming together of players playing the ball and defending their teammates boiled into a shouting match, resulting in yellow cards for each side. Both teams went into halftime without any severe consequences.
The halftime score was 0-0, as this would be a game of tactics, creation, and who would blink first. Given the gulf in resources, funding, and experience between the two teams, it was incredible that the match had remained this close.
In the second half, Vereinigung Erzgebirge did their best to go for the win. However, as the match wore on, it was clear that Charlotte was the more fit of the two sides. In the 72nd minute, Kharlton Belmar received a pass at the top of the 18-yard box, and laid it off for Omar Ciss. He fired a low shot past Vereinigung Erzgebirge goalkeeper Steve Paul for the game’s first goal and a well-deserved Charlotte lead. For Belmar, it was his first Open Cup assist since 2018 when he was a member of Sporting Kansas City.
Vereinigung Erzgebirge would go for it all shortly afterward. They made three attacking-minded substitutions and went to three at the back as they chased a goal. It wouldn’t pan out for them, as Charlotte took advantage and sealed the win in the 86th minute. This time, Omar Ciss set up the assist as he sent in a cross, which Kharlton Belmar guided perfectly into the net. It was Belmar’s fourth career Open Cup goal for his fourth different professional club (Portland Timbers 2, Sporting Kansas City, Nashville SC).
The final score at full-time was 2-0 in favor of the visitors. After the match, head coach Mike Jefferies praised Vereinigung Erzgebirge for its professionalism and good nature.
“They’ve been fantastic,” Jeffries said, “I think they are a very proud club, and you can see that in how they handle themselves. They had a strong group today, and you can see that it’s a club the community is behind.”
Jeffries, who now has 13 career US Open Cup coaching wins (seven of them with Charlotte) was also pleased with the goal and the assist from Omar Ciss.
“This is his third year playing with us. We’re really pushing him to be more of a final third presence, and he showed up tonight.”
Vereinigung Erzgebirge head coach Rob Oldfield was sullen, but proud of his squad.
“We had them zero-zero at half,” said Oldfield. “We can’t ask for much better than that. It would have been nice if the shot that hit the crossbar had gone in, but nobody is kicking themselves. It was a well-played game by both sides.”
The dream for Vereinigung Erzgebirge may have ended, but they can look back on a historic night for their team, youth programs, and history. Meanwhile, Charlotte will focus on their Round 2 opponent and their return to league play.
