Charlotte Independence left it late but got the job done, edging Athletic Club Boise 1–0 in USL League One action on Wednesday night thanks to a Luis Alvarez strike in the 81st minute.

The first half produced no goals and, based on the limited card activity, relatively little controversy. The game's tension began to ratchet up after the break. Athletic Club Boise's Jonathan Kliewer picked up a yellow card in the 59th minute, and teammate Nick Moon followed him into the book seven minutes later. Blake Bodily made it three Boise cautions in the 77th minute as the visitors grew increasingly frustrated.

Charlotte's Jefferson Amaya was also booked in the 79th minute, but the hosts channeled their energy more productively just two minutes later. Alvarez latched onto a Souaibou Marou delivery and found the net to break the deadlock with nine minutes of regulation remaining. It was the kind of patient, decisive moment that separates tight games at this level.

Boise, now chasing the match, couldn't muster an equalizer. Miles Lyons picked up a late yellow for Charlotte deep in stoppage time as the Independence saw the game out comfortably enough.

Neither side was sent off, but the five bookings across the second half painted a clear picture of a scrappy, physical contest that was there for the taking for whichever team kept its composure longest.

The three points give Charlotte Independence a valuable home win as the spring stretch of the USL League One season continues to take shape.