For the second time this month the Young Reds are poised to take on a first place Charlotte Independence, this time on the road. Here is everything you need to know about the Jacks.
2017 Season
The Independence are enjoying a great 2017 season. They currently sit in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 12-4-8 record. Charlotte boasts a +17 goal differential. The Independence have the 3rd highest scoring offense in the USL with 45 goals. The team rode a 12 game unbeaten streak from early June till mid-august.
Current Form
DWLDW
Draw vs. Orlando City B (1-1)
Win vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (1-0)
Loss at Ottawa Fury FC (3-1)
Draw at Toronto FC II (2-2)
Win vs. Louisville City (3-1)
Last time we met
August 9th 2017. It was a theatrical affair at BMO Field. A 10-men Independence looked to have stolen three points from the home Reds before Jordan Hamilton curled home a dramatic equalizer.
Key Player: Enzo Martinez
The forward was suspended for the last match between the two clubs. The former first round SuperDraft pick by Real Salt Lake is in his third season with the Independence. Martinez is currently fourth in the league scoring with 13 goals. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has chipped in five assists.
Unsung Hero: Jun Marques Davidson
The former Vancouver Whitecap is having a solid season in a defensive midfield role for the Independence. The native of Tokyo, Japan is in his second season with the Independence after spending time in the J1 and J2 leagues. Davidson made 50 MLS appearances for the ‘Caps between 2012-2013. Davidson currently leads the Independence in passes completed with 1256 at a 90.5% completion rating. He has chipped in one assist.
Projected Lineup:
The Independence have trotted out in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Davidson and Callum Ross man the d-mid spots with three midfielders ahead of them. The Independence plays with a lone striker which will most likely be Martinez.
As always you can catch all of Saturday’s action, live on TFC2.ca. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM in Charlotte.
