CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It took nearly 100 minutes, but Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC got their third consecutive win in USL League One play, taking home a 2-1 victory over Charlotte Independence.
“At the business end of the season it’s all about getting as many points on the table as possible, but tonight I thought the performance was decent as well, just some things to tidy up around the box,” Hailstorm coach Colin Falvey said.
David Garcia headed home a corner in the 98th minute, providing Hailstorm the match-winning goal. It was Garcia’s third stoppage time winner this year, following late goals against Colorado Rapids 2 and One Knoxville SC.
“Obviously very happy with the goal,” Garcia said. “It’s been a couple times where I’ve been able to score the late goal and give is the win, it’s just about believing until the end.”
Charlotte got onto the board first when forward Dustin Corea got onto the end of a cross in the 20th minute, heading past Hailstorm keeper Lalo Delgado to put the hosts on top.
The Hailstorm answer came in the 43rd minute, midfielder Pat Langlois got onto the end of a Chelo Martinez free kick, and while his initial effort was saved by Charlotte keeper Austin Pack, his second attempt was poked into the back of the net.
“Obviously great to contribute, and the important part is we got three points,” Langlois said.
It was Langlois’ first goal for the club and leveled the score at 1-1 at halftime.
“He’s a bit of an unsung hero with the work that he does,” Falvey said. “Nice to see him get his rewards and get on the end of one tonight.”
With three more points in hand, Hailstorm will return home next Saturday to take on Spokane Velocity FC at 4Rivers Equipment Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Mountain time.
Late Goal Lifts Hailstorm over Charlotte
