Charlotte Independence edged Greenville Triumph SC 1–0 on Saturday night, with Souaibou Marou's 62nd-minute strike proving the difference in a bad-tempered USL League One clash.

The first half produced few clear-cut moments but plenty of needle. Greenville's Zane Bubb was the first into the referee's notebook in the 30th minute, setting the tone for what became an increasingly fractious contest.

Things escalated after the break. Connor Evans picked up a yellow for Greenville just two minutes into the second half, and Charlotte's Luis Alvarez followed him into the book on 54 minutes. Greenville's Azaad Liadi was then cautioned in the 59th minute as challenges flew in from both sides.

Three minutes later, Marou broke the deadlock, converting in the 62nd minute to give Charlotte the lead. Greenville pushed for an equalizer but struggled with discipline. Brandon Fricke was booked on 74 minutes, and Liadi collected a second yellow three minutes later — his side's fifth caution of the evening. Louis Herrera added another in the 89th minute, while both Rodrigo Robles and Charlotte's Reudd Manin were cautioned in second-half stoppage time.

In total, the referee brandished nine yellow cards — six of them to Greenville — in a match that grew uglier as it wore on. Charlotte, for their part, kept composure when it mattered and defended resolutely to see out the clean sheet.

The victory gives Charlotte Independence valuable points in the League One standings as the season enters its decisive stretch.