Swansea City kicked off their pre-season schedule with a win on Wednesday night, beating American side Charlotte Independence 4-0 in a positive performance.

Despite a bright start from the home side, it was Swansea who took the lead just before the half hour mark when young Oliver McBurnie fired a rocket into the top corner from 25 yards.

This looked set to open the floodgates the way the Swans started the second half, with four good chances created within 10 minutes of the second half.

Just one was put away though, with Wayne Routledge putting the finishing touches on a lovely team move to double the lead.

He then bagged a lovely solo goal later in the second half, using his pace to burst in behind the Charlotte defence before coolly finishing to make it three.

Routledge would round off a terrific 45 minutes with an assist - Kenji Gorre the grateful party as he found the back of the net following his teammate's cute backheel. 

Swansea's second and final fixture Stateside will be against Richmond Kickers this weekend, before they head back to the UK for number of friendlies in England and one home game at the Liberty.

McBurnie musters up some magic

If a game could ever typify that 'pre-season feel', then this was it. 

Swansea enjoyed most of the early possession, but they were very patient with their build-up - in stark contrast to their fast, counter-attacking opposition.

Charlotte were a big threat on the break and Swansea struggled with this in the opening exchanges, with Kristoffer Nordfeldt forced into three good saves as a result while his opposing number remained unchallenged.

However, the Premier League side would break the deadlock, and with a moment of real magic too.

Swansea have travelled Stateside without a recognised senior striker in their squad, so step-forth Oliver McBurnie; the under-21's regular centre-forward.

With nothing on for the former Bradford City man, he picked his spot and pulled the trigger from all of 25 yards, his effort looping up and over the goalkeeper to nestle into the top corner.

Mass changes take place at the break. (Photo: Joma)
Mass changes take place at the break. (Photo: Joma)

Swans turn on the style

A couple of close calls - Nathan Dyer and Daniel James not far away from doubling the lead before the break - and nine half time changes later, Swansea had suddenly sparked into life.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, they could well have been five up such was the creativity going forward, with Routledge poking home Leroy Fer's cross in a well worked goal.

Prior to that, Modou Barrow was thwarted in a one-on-one, McBurnie's chip was just too high, while Routledge had a bending effort tipped around the post.

Mike van der Hoorn even came close to a debut goal, but after his header bounced wide, Routledge would be the one to make it three as he sprinted clear and finished in style.

The wideman then added an assist to his brace, teeing up Gorre to make it four and put the cherry on the cake after a comprehensive and entertaining team display.

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]