Charlotte Independence beat Bethlehem Steel 2-1 on Tuesday night.
It was the club's first win with Jim McGuinness as boss.
The 2012 All-Ireland winning manager was appointed by Charlotte in December. Last night was his sixth game in charge. A bonkers 3-3 draw with the Atlanta United reserves was their only other point earned under McGuinness.
Charlotte took the lead in the 29th minute when Mark Hill and Andrew Gutman combined. Both players are on loan at the USL Championship club from Celtic.
Their lead was doubled in the 72nd minute when 38-year-old Colombian Jorge Herrera headed to the net.
There followed a nervy final ten minutes for the Donegal man and his team after Willis Chavany pulled one back for Bethlehem following some woeful defending.
"I’m really relieved more than anything," McGuinness told the Charlotte Post after the game.
"It’s been a long time coming. Our performance was good tonight. It was strong. We kept the ball well. We defended a lot better."
McGuinness gave a debut to former Manchester City goalkeeper Curtis Anderson. The 18-year-old, who was England goalkeeper when they won the U17 World Cup two years ago, joined Charlotte last month.
"It’s a big night for Curtis," said McGuinness.
"It’s his first professional game at first-team level. He did very well. He used the ball well—really good with the ball at his feet. He was calm. He was composed."
The win leaves Charlotte 15th of the 18 teams in the league's Eastern Conference.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
