CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence will host Sarasota Paradise at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday that mark the first meeting between the two clubs. Here is all you need to know looking ahead.
MATCH DETAILS
- Date: Saturday, August 15
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Who: Sarasota Paradise
- Where: American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
- What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their County Kit.
- Watch: ESPN+, WCCB-Charlotte
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
SEASON STANDING
- Charlotte Independence
- USL League One: 12-4-3 (2nd Place – 39 points)
- Last Time Out: 1-0 win vs Greenville on Aug. 8
- Sarasota Paradise
- USL League One: 5-11-3 (15th Place – 18 points)
- Last Time Out: 1-2 loss at One Knox on Aug. 8
IN-FORM vs. OUT OF FORM
These two teams are seemingly going the opposite directions as Saturday night comes to a head. Charlotte has won their last three matches, while Sarasota is winless in their last four and attempt to climb out of the bottom half of the table. Sarasota remained competitive last time out against One Knox, but came out on the wrong side of a 95th-minute go-ahead goal.
TAKING CARE OF THE HOMESTAND
A win over Sarasota would mark a perfect four-game home stand for the Jacks in league play. Charlotte took down Richmond Kickers, One Knoxville SC, and Greenville Triumph in succession to stay right on Union Omaha’s heels for the league’s top spot. Souaibou Marou has scored five goals in his last five matches in league play, now topping the league charts with 10 goals.
ALVAREZ REACHES 100 CLUB APPEARANCES
Midfielder Luis Alvarez reached 100 appearances with the Independence midweek in the USL Cup bout with Hartford Athletic. The Honduran has been spectacular in his Charlotte career, adding 25 goals and 16 assists along the way. This season, Alvarez has been one of the best players in USL League One, sitting second in total goals (9) and goal contributions (13).
ASSESSING SARASOTA PARADISE
Sarasota Paradise have endured an up-and-down inaugural season in USL League One. Through 19 league matches, Paradise sit near the bottom of the table with a 5-11-3 record and 18 points. After opening the season with a loss to Athletic Club Boise, Sarasota earned its first professional victory with a 1-0 result over Portland Hearts of Pine on March 28. The expansion side has struggled to find consistency since, entering Saturday’s matchup tied on points with Richmond and carrying a minus-12 goal differential.
Despite the results, Sarasota have shown they can cause problems going forward. Midfielder Sivert Haugli Røed has emerged as one of the league’s top creators, entering the weekend tied for the USL League One lead with six assists. Paradise have also picked up notable victories during their first professional campaign, including a 2-1 home win over Corpus Christi and a 2-0 victory over Portland in June, but have struggled as of late as previously mentioned.
