Champions League Recap, Independence Get First Win
Barcelona down Manchester United, Ajax oust Juventus.
In what is sure to go down as one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history, Ajax Amsterdam have taken down “The Old Lady” of Italy. In a thrilling 2-1 victory, Ajax went into Turin and walked out with a 3-2 Aggregate victory and a spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Cristiano Ronaldo would draw first blood with a 28thminute goal. The lead would only last for six minutes as Donny van de Beek would equalize for Ajax in the 34th. With annual revenue of 20 million Euros LESS than what Juventus paid for Cristiano Ronaldo’s services, it’s safe to say that Ajax would stand little chance of advancing.
Over at the Camp Nou, Barcelona would advance with a 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Lionel Messi, Cristiano’s La Liga nemesis, would net a brace as Barca eased past The Red Devils 4-0 on aggregate. Messi’s goals came in the 16thand 20thminutes, while Philippe Coutinho would add a goal in the 61stminute to see off Man United. Ronaldo and Juve can concentrate on Serie A action from here on out, while the Blaugrana move on to the semis and will face the winner of the Liverpool vs Porto series. This blogger would love to see Messi and Co. at Anfield.
Bringing it back to States now. On a rare early week game, the Charlotte Independence FINALLY got their first win of the 2019 season in a 2-1 victory over Bethlehem Steel. Current Hermann Trophy holder Andrew Gutman would get the Jacks on the scoreboard first. Following a set piece from Mark Hill that came off the crossbar, Gutman would head it in in the 29thminute to put Charlotte ahead 1-0.
Charlotte soccer legend Jorge Herrera would add the second goal in the 72ndminute. A beautiful looping header past the fingertips of Bethlehem goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel. The match would get a little nervy in the 80thminute as Willis Chavany would get one back for Bethlehem. However, that was the only time they would find the back of the net. The Independence is back in action this Saturday (4/20) in the North Carolina Derby as they will welcome North Carolina FC to the Sportsplex at Matthews.
Written by Guest Blogger David Hodges
