Swansea City swept Charlotte independence 4-0, but what was learned from the game?
The opening 20 minutes saw little action, but Charlotte were the first side with a real chance as a corner wasn’t cleared by Swansea, which saw a shot from Brian Brown tipped round the post by Kristoffer Nordfeldt.
After 27 minutes, young striker Oliver McBurnie curled a beautiful strike from 25 yards into the far corner. The Scotsman held the ball up before realising he had no options, before unleashing a superb effort that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Five minutes after the restart, substitute Wayne Routledge doubled the lead after a sweet move involving new signing Leroy Fer and Angel Rangel.
Routledge then scored his second of the game, running behind the defence after a superb through ball from Modou Barrow, outsprinted the defender on his shoulder and finished after rounding the Charlotte goalkeeper.
Kenji Gorre rounded off the scoring, tapping in the fourth goal from close range. Barrow whipped the ball in from the right flank, Routledge flicked the ball on to the Dutchman who stabbed home.
McBurnie showed fans that perhaps a new striker isn’t needed
It shows that Francesco Guidolin has a lot of faith in young McBurnie, as he is the only recognised striker on the American tour. If his goal today is an indication of the Scot’s forthcoming season, it’s going to be incredible. Overall, his hold up play was very good and linked up well with the midfield. It’s early days, but McBurnie looks like a real player.
Youngster Kenji Gorre makes his mark on the side
Swansea have high hopes for Gorre, and with good reason. The winger has scored a bucket-load of goals at under-21 level for the club and seems to be one of the most highly rated youngsters at the club. He played centrally today, behind McBurnie and was quite active. Managed to score the Swans’ fourth goal, poking home from a few yards out following a Routledge backheel after Barrow’s cross.
Van der Hoorn makes his debut
He almost scored just 10 minutes into his Swansea debut, a header from a Routledge corner just skimmed past the post. Overall the defender looked competent and today’s performance is a good one to build on.
Leroy Fer-nominal
New signing Fer put in a good shift after coming on as a substitute at half time. He was involved in the build up for the second goal and looked like a commanding presence in midfield. He wasn’t afraid to put a challenge in and was very impressive.
Nathan Dyer’s experience is invaluable
If there’s one reason to keep Nathan Dyer around this season, it’s because he will be invaluable in the locker room. Coming back from the success story that is Leicester City, he will have learnt so much and even when he isn’t playing, he’ll add a lot to the team.