CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Independence take on Forward Madison Sunday night with a trip to the USL League One Final on the line. Here is everything you need to know.
MATCH DETAILS:
Date: Sunday, November 8
Time: 7:00 PM
Who: Forward Madison FC
Where: American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
What We’re Wearing: The Jacks will be dressed in their County Kit.
Watch: ESPN+, WCCB
A CHAMPIONSHIP VISIT AWAITS
Sunday’s winner will advance to the USL League One Final. The Independence are looking to reach the championship match for the second time in club history, having previously appeared in the 2023 Final, where they fell to North Carolina FC in extra time. Forward Madison, meanwhile, is seeking its first appearance in the Final and will compete in its third semifinal since 2019.
HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
The two clubs have met 14 times across all competitions, with Charlotte claiming four victories in those meetings. This season, the Independence defeated the Flamingos 3-1 at the Sportsplex at Matthews on May 23, behind goals from Luis Alvarez, Christy Manzinga and Miles Lyons. The sides met again on August 22 in Wisconsin, battling to a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
The clubs also share postseason history, having squared off in the 2024 USL League One Quarterfinals. Goals from former Independence forward Derek Gebhard and Devin Boyce propelled Madison to a 2-0 victory, bringing Charlotte’s season to an end.
AWARD FINALISTS NAMED
USL League One announced individual award finalists Friday and Charlotte dominated the categories, with five members up for six award recognitions. Javen Romero, Matt Levy, Jon Bakero, Souaibou Marou, and head coach Mike Jeffries are all up for awards that will be named starting next week.
SCOUTING FORWARD MADISON
Forward Madison enters Sunday’s semifinal after finishing fourth in the USL League One regular-season standings with a 16-8-8 record and 56 points. The Flamingos enjoyed a balanced campaign, scoring 54 goals while conceding just 30, finishing with the league’s second-best goal differential (+24). Madison advanced to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Spokane Velocity FC in the Quarterfinals, with Hakim Karamoko and Josh Bolma finding the back of the net.
Forward Ryan Carmichael leads Madison’s attack after scoring a team-high 14 goals during the regular season. Carmichael also assisted both goals in the Quarterfinals. Defensively, the Flamingos have been particularly strong away from home, conceding just 19 goals in 16 road matches during the regular season, tied for the fewest in USL League One. Goalkeeper JT Harms earned All-League Second Team honors for his performances between the posts.
