CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence will look to get back to winning ways against the Richmond Kickers Saturday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Here is all you need to know.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Who: Richmond Kickers
- Where: American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
- What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their County Kit.
- Watch: ESPN+
Clay Dimick Bobblehead Night
Charlotte vs. Richmond
Saturday, July 25 | 7 PM | American Legion Memorial Stadium
Season Standing
- Charlotte Independence
- USL League One: 9-4-3 (3rd Place – 30 points)
- Last Time Out: 3-0 loss at Spokane Velocity FC on July 22
- Richmond Kickers
- USL League One: 3-10-3 (16th Place – 12 points)
- Last Time Out: 2-0 loss at Spokane Velocity FC on July 18
Jacks Look to Get Back in the Win Column
For the first time since April, the Independence have lost back-to-back matches. After losing their first home match of the season to Chattanooga last Saturday, shorthanded Charlotte fell to Spokane midweek 3-0. The Independence were without threats Joey Skinner, Enzo Martinez, and Christopher Jaime, while Luis Alvarez came off the bench as he works his way back to full fitness.
A Pro Debut for Jaylen Orr
After being signed on a 25-day contract just a day before the Spokane trip, Jaylen Orr came on as a substitute to make his first professional appearance. The youngster out of Gardner-Webb joined the first team after a strong season with Charlotte Independence’s USL League Two team, helping the club reach the postseason. Orr played the final five minutes and will again be available for a home debut on Saturday night.
Another Meeting with the Kickers
Saturday night will be the 27th all-time meeting between the Independence and the Kickers – the most of any opponent in Independence history. Charlotte has taken the last five contests, including a Prinx Tires USL Cup battle earlier this saeson 2-1 in Virginia. Martinez scored both goals in the victory that set Charlotte on the foot within the group. The matchup this weekend will be the first of two in league play this season, as Charlotte will head back to Richmond on September 19.
Scouting Richmond
It has not been the season the Kickers envisioned. After a difficult 2025 campaign, Richmond has struggled to turn things around in 2026, going nine consecutive USL League One matches without a win. The prolonged run of poor form ultimately led to a change in management, with head coach Darren Sawatzky departing after seven seasons at the helm.
Finding the back of the net has been one of Richmond’s biggest challenges. The Kickers have scored just 12 goals in league play, while Charlotte has tripled that output with 36. Joshua Kirkland has remained one of Richmond’s primary attacking threats after scoring eight times last season, contributing three goals across all competitions in 2026.
