Charlotte Independence dismantled AV ALTA FC 5–0 at home on Friday night in USL League One action, with Jon Bakero delivering a masterclass performance. Bakero scored twice — in the ninth and 53rd minutes — and provided assists on the other three goals, from Souaibou Marou (14'), Reudd Manin (45'), and Enzo Martínez (81').

The hosts wasted no time taking control. Bakero opened the scoring just nine minutes in, then turned provider five minutes later, setting up Marou to double the lead. AV ALTA FC's Brian Kleiban picked up a yellow card in the 23rd minute as the visitors struggled to contain Charlotte's attack. Manin, who had been cautioned in the 34th minute, added a third right before halftime, finishing off another Bakero delivery to send the Independence into the break with a commanding 3–0 advantage.

The second half brought more of the same. Bakero grabbed his second of the night early in the half to make it 4–0, effectively ending the contest. AV ALTA FC's Kaloyan Pehlivanov and Godwin Antwi were both booked as frustration mounted for the visitors, who offered little going forward throughout the 90 minutes. Martínez completed the rout in the 81st minute, converting from a Bakero pass for Charlotte's fifth.

Bakero's four direct goal involvements — two goals and three assists — stood as the defining performance of the match, pulling the strings in every phase of Charlotte's attack.

The emphatic victory reinforces Charlotte Independence's credentials as serious contenders in USL League One this season and could prove significant on goal difference as the campaign enters its final stretch.