Charlotte Independence Beat Charleston Battery 3-2 as Viggo Ortiz Scores Late Winner in U.S. Open Cup

The Charlotte Independence delivered one of the most dramatic moments of their 2026 campaign, defeating the Charleston Battery 3–2 in extra time during the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Played at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, North Carolina, the match had all the chaos and unpredictability the Open Cup is known for. Charlotte struck first in the 37th minute through Souaibou Marou, setting the tone early. Luis Álvarez doubled the lead shortly after halftime, giving the home side a 2–0 cushion and control of the match. 

But Charleston responded with resilience. Houssou Landry pulled one back in the 70th minute before Maalique Foster leveled the score at 2–2 just seven minutes later, shifting momentum completely toward the visitors. 

The turning point came late in regulation when Charleston’s Jeremy Kelly was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time, forcing the Battery to play extra time with 10 men. 

Despite being down a man, Charleston continued to push forward, but Charlotte held firm defensively. As penalties loomed, 17-year-old Viggo Ortiz delivered the defining moment. In the 118th minute, Ortiz found space and buried the game-winning goal, sealing a 3–2 victory and sending the home crowd into celebration. 

Charleston dominated possession and created more chances throughout the match, but Charlotte proved clinical when it mattered most. 

The result sends Charlotte Independence into the next round of the competition, reinforcing the magic of the Open Cup where late heroes like Ortiz can turn a tense night into a statement win.