CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence will look to close their season series with AV Alta in style in Matthews Friday night. Here is all you need to know prior.
MATCH DETAILS
- Date: Friday, August 28
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Who: AV Alta FC
- Where: Sportsplex at Matthews (Charlotte, NC)
- What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their Homage Kit.
- Watch: ESPN+
SEASON STANDING
- Charlotte Independence
- USL League One: 13-4-4 (2nd Place – 43 points)
- Last Time Out: 1-1 draw at Forward Madison on Aug. 22
- AV Alta FC
- USL League One: 8-8-8 (8th Place – 32 points)
- Last Time Out: 2-1 loss vs FC Naples on Aug. 22
SEASON SERIES
The two teams met in Antelope Valley when Charlotte was in the process of making history. The Jacks traveled to California after eight straight wins in league play, a new club record. After a Jon Bakero penalty put the Independence ahead for the majority of the match, a late penalty was awarded to the hosts as time dwindled. Alta’s leading goal scorer Jerry Desdunes buried from the spot to end the contest in a 1-1 draw.
The all-time series record rests at a win, a loss, and a draw a piece in the three games.
A WIN AND FIRST PLACE
A victory from Charlotte on Friday night would finally propel the Jacks into first place, leapfrogging Union Omaha, who fell 2-0 in their most recent match. With a game in hand on Omaha, Charlotte would hold the advantage in the race for the top spot and the club’s first Players’ Shield.
LEVY ESSENTIAL IN CLAIMING POINT AT MADISON
Goalkeeper Matt Levy continued his fantastic campaign with eight saves at Madison last Saturday. Levy sits third in the league with 73 saves. His best stop of the night came just prior to the final whistle, as the goalkeeper robbed Kevin Carmichael’s header from point-blank range to secure a point in a matchup with Players’ Shield stakes.
ALTA SPUTTERING INTO FRIDAY
A team that started slowly before finding a strong run of form that vaulted them back into the playoff picture, AV Alta has fallen back down to earth as of late. Alta has dropped four of its last five matches, with a 3-0 victory over Fort Wayne FC serving as the lone bright spot during that stretch. The California side enters Friday on a two-match losing streak following defeats to the New York Cosmos and FC Naples and currently sits at 8-8-8 on the season.
Desdunes remains the player to watch for the visitors. The forward leads Alta with eight league goals while also pacing the club with six assists, putting him among League One’s most productive attacking players. Desdunes has found the net twice in August, scoring against FC Naples before adding another in the 3-0 win over Fort Wayne. Adam Aoumaich provides another attacking threat with seven league goals, giving Charlotte’s back line multiple players to account for Friday night.
HISPANIC HERITAGE NIGHT
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