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Forward – #19 Enzo Martinez: Martinez makes his fourth consecutive start as team captain today against the Charleston Battery. He and brother, Alex Martinez lead the team in assist with, two apiece, and in chances created, with nine apiece. Both have assisted Dominic Oduro for the game's first goals. Martinez leads the team in shots (11) and is one of six player to play every minute this season. 

Forward – #7 Dominic Oduro: The team-leading goal scorer makes his third start of the season against the Charleston Battery. In two of the Independence’s game, Oduro has served up the first goal against the opponent.  

Midfielder – #23 Alex Martinez: Martinez makes his fourth consecutive start today against the Charleston Battery. Along with his brother, Enzo Martinez, the pair leads the team in assists (2), as well as, chances created (9). He has the second-most crosses and tackles won and is one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Midfielder – #25 Mark Hill: Hill makes his first start for the Charlotte Independence. The Celtic FC loanee has made two prior appearances as a substitute, including going 25-for-25 in passes completed against Saint Louis FC in 29 minutes.  

Midfielder – #13 Kevan George: George makes his second start today against the Charleston Battery.  In his last appearance, George came on an 80th-minute substitute and scored the equalizing goal five minutes later against Atlanta United 2. Recently, George was called up for national team duty for Trinidad & Tobago versus Wales.

Midfielder – #4 Jake Areman: Two weeks after recording the go-ahead assist, Areman is back in the starting XI for a fourth consecutive week versus the Charleston Battery. Areman ranks fourth on the team in passes and ranks fifth on the team in duels won.  

Defender – #15 Andrew Gutman: Gutman makes his fourth consecutive start this afternoon versus the Charleston Battery. Last week versus Saint Louis, Gutman lead the team in passes and tackles.  After scoring a week one goal, Gutman ranks second on the team in shots and first in tackles won, interceptions and total passes. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Defender – #22 Joel Johnson: Johnson makes his second start this afternoon against the Charleston Battery. Last week he came on as a 61st-minute substitution and logged six possessions gained. Recently, Johnson has played two games for Liberia during the international window. 

Defender – #3 Hugh Roberts: Roberts makes his third consecutive start this afternoon against the Charleston Battery. Last week versus Saint Louis, Roberts leads the team in clearances and interceptions. Roberts leads the Independence in clearances and blocks on the season. 

Defender – #18 Aaron Maund: After starting week 1 at center back, Maund returns to the middle of the defense after two consecutive starts at right back. Last week versus Saint Louis, Maund recorded the third-most passes for the team. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season and has a team-high 14 aerial duels won, out of a possible 23.

GK – #33 Brandon Miller: Miller makes his fourth consecutive start this afternoon against the Charleston Battery. He currently ranks 20th in the league in saves. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Game info

Forward – #19 Enzo Martinez: Martinez makes his fourth consecutive start as team captain today against the Charleston Battery. He and brother, Alex Martinez lead the team in assist with, two apiece, and in chances created, with nine apiece. Both have assisted Dominic Oduro for the game’s first goals. Martinez leads the team in shots (11) and is one of six player to play every minute this season. 

Forward – #7 Dominic Oduro: The team-leading goal scorer makes his third start of the season against the Charleston Battery. In two of the Independence’s game, Oduro has served up the first goal against the opponent.  

Midfielder – #23 Alex Martinez: Martinez makes his fourth consecutive start today against the Charleston Battery. Along with his brother, Enzo Martinez, the pair leads the team in assists (2), as well as, chances created (9). He has the second-most crosses and tackles won and is one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Midfielder – #25 Mark Hill: Hill makes his first start for the Charlotte Independence. The Celtic FC loanee has made two prior appearances as a substitute, including going 25-for-25 in passes completed against Saint Louis FC in 29 minutes.  

Midfielder – #13 Kevan George: George makes his second start today against the Charleston Battery.  In his last appearance, George came on an 80th-minute substitute and scored the equalizing goal five minutes later against Atlanta United 2. Recently, George was called up for national team duty for Trinidad & Tobago versus Wales.

Midfielder – #4 Jake Areman: Two weeks after recording the go-ahead assist, Areman is back in the starting XI for a fourth consecutive week versus the Charleston Battery. Areman ranks fourth on the team in passes and ranks fifth on the team in duels won.  

Defender – #15 Andrew Gutman: Gutman makes his fourth consecutive start this afternoon versus the Charleston Battery. Last week versus Saint Louis, Gutman lead the team in passes and tackles.  After scoring a week one goal, Gutman ranks second on the team in shots and first in tackles won, interceptions and total passes. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Defender – #22 Joel Johnson: Johnson makes his second start this afternoon against the Charleston Battery. Last week he came on as a 61st-minute substitution and logged six possessions gained. Recently, Johnson has played two games for Liberia during the international window. 

Defender – #3 Hugh Roberts: Roberts makes his third consecutive start this afternoon against the Charleston Battery. Last week versus Saint Louis, Roberts leads the team in clearances and interceptions. Roberts leads the Independence in clearances and blocks on the season. 

Defender – #18 Aaron Maund: After starting week 1 at center back, Maund returns to the middle of the defense after two consecutive starts at right back. Last week versus Saint Louis, Maund recorded the third-most passes for the team. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season and has a team-high 14 aerial duels won, out of a possible 23.

GK – #33 Brandon Miller: Miller makes his fourth consecutive start this afternoon against the Charleston Battery. He currently ranks 20th in the league in saves. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Game info

The Charlotte Independence turn a new page on a new month as the team hits the road for the first Southern Derby matchup of the season against cross-state line rivals Charleston Battery. A historic club of the USL Championship, the Battery have qualified for the playoffs in the last eleven consecutive seasons and are off to another unbeaten start to the 2019 season. 

Charleston makes consecutive Southern Derby appearances, playing last Saturday at Sahlen Stadium versus North Carolina FC, coming away with one point. Prior to that matchup,  Mike Anhausers’ side notched a week one draw versus Ottawa Fury and a 2-1 win versus Hartford Athletic a week later.

Stats Snapshot

3 Things to Watch For:

1. Familiar Foe 

• Sunday's match against Southern Derby Rivals, Charleston Battery marks the 14th match with the Independence, making the Battery the most played-against opponent for the Independence. The Battery holds the series advantage with seven wins, four draws, and two losses. A win for the Independence would mark the first of the season, the first of new Head Coach Jim McGuinness' career, and the first at MUSC Health Stadium. 

2. Start Early

• In the first three games of the season, the Independence have come from behind after starting slow. Through the first 70 minutes of both games, the Independence have been out-scored 6-0, while out-scoring their opponents 5-1 in the final 20 minutes. In last week’s game versus Saint Louis FC, the Independence out-shot their opponents in the second half, but were still held scoreless.   

3. SuNday, Fun-day

• The matchup with the Charleston Battery marks the first Sunday game for the Independence since June 4th, 2017 when Dennis Castillo's brace earned a point against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Eagle Field on the campus of Winthrop University — also known as the last home game the Independence played before moving to the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Charleston Battery last Starting XI

[Right to Left]

Game info

The Charlotte Independence turn a new page on a new month as the team hits the road for the first Southern Derby matchup of the season against cross-state line rivals Charleston Battery. A historic club of the USL Championship, the Battery have qualified for the playoffs in the last eleven consecutive seasons and are off to another unbeaten start to the 2019 season. 

Charleston makes consecutive Southern Derby appearances, playing last Saturday at Sahlen Stadium versus North Carolina FC, coming away with one point. Prior to that matchup,  Mike Anhausers’ side notched a week one draw versus Ottawa Fury and a 2-1 win versus Hartford Athletic a week later.

Stats Snapshot

3 Things to Watch For:

1. Familiar Foe 

• Sunday’s match against Southern Derby Rivals, Charleston Battery marks the 14th match with the Independence, making the Battery the most played-against opponent for the Independence. The Battery holds the series advantage with seven wins, four draws, and two losses. A win for the Independence would mark the first of the season, the first of new Head Coach Jim McGuinness’ career, and the first at MUSC Health Stadium. 

2. Start Early

• In the first three games of the season, the Independence have come from behind after starting slow. Through the first 70 minutes of both games, the Independence have been out-scored 6-0, while out-scoring their opponents 5-1 in the final 20 minutes. In last week’s game versus Saint Louis FC, the Independence out-shot their opponents in the second half, but were still held scoreless.   

3. SuNday, Fun-day

• The matchup with the Charleston Battery marks the first Sunday game for the Independence since June 4th, 2017 when Dennis Castillo’s brace earned a point against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Eagle Field on the campus of Winthrop University — also known as the last home game the Independence played before moving to the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Charleston Battery last Starting XI

[Right to Left]

Game info

CHICAGO (April 5, 2019) – U.S. Soccer and ESPN+ have reached an exclusive, multi-year media rights agreement for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer’s national championship for clubs and the longest-running domestic cup competition in the United States. All U.S. Open Cup matches from the First Round through the Final will air exclusively on ESPN+, the direct-to-consumer sports streaming service, beginning this year and running through the 109th edition of the tournament in 2022. The deal, negotiated by SUM on behalf of U.S. Soccer, includes rights in all languages.

The 2019 U.S. Open Cup on ESPN+ kicks off May 7-8 with the First Round, featuring 38 amateur and Division III professional teams from across the United States. Twenty-five Division II professional teams enter in the Second Round on May 14-15, while the Third Round, scheduled for May 29, provides a final hurdle before lower division sides get their shot to square off against the 21 U.S.-based Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs on a national stage. Those Division I MLS teams join the competition in the Fourth Round on June 12.

“The U.S. Open Cup is America’s version of what is truly unique about soccer around the world–knockout format club tournaments that invite the ‘Davids’ and the ‘Goliaths’ from all levels of the sport to compete against one another to determine the nation’s top team,” said Burke Magnus, Executive Vice President, Programming and Scheduling, ESPN. “This exciting property joins a robust collection of soccer’s best domestic cup competitions on ESPN+.”

“We are extremely pleased by the commitment from ESPN+ to broadcast every game of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the next several years,” said U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn. “This landmark agreement demonstrates U.S. Soccer’s commitment to making soccer the preeminent sport in the United States and is the result of growing audience demand for soccer in the U.S. It will provide a national platform for more fans to follow the game in their communities throughout the country.”

“For over 100 years, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has been the one tournament that engages the entire American soccer community,” said Gary Stevenson, Deputy Commissioner and President of MLS Business Ventures. “We are confident that this partnership between U. S. Soccer and ESPN will drive the tournament to new levels and create more opportunities for fans to engage with this compelling content.”

This year’s competition will be the 106th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the world’s third-longest-running open soccer tournament. First played in th e 1913-1914 season, the competition is open to professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The winning team qualifies for the Concacaf Champions League and wins $300,000 in prize money. The team that advances furthest in the tournament from each lower division is also awarded prize money. The Houston Dynamo are the defending champions, continuing a streak of dominance by MLS teams in the competition. While recent years have seen lower division sides come close to a winning run, the last non-MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup since the league began in 1996 was the Rochester Rhinos in 1999.

CHICAGO (April 5, 2019) – U.S. Soccer and ESPN+ have reached an exclusive, multi-year media rights agreement for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer’s national championship for clubs and the longest-running domestic cup competition in the United States. All U.S. Open Cup matches from the First Round through the Final will air exclusively on ESPN+, the direct-to-consumer sports streaming service, beginning this year and running through the 109th edition of the tournament in 2022. The deal, negotiated by SUM on behalf of U.S. Soccer, includes rights in all languages.

The 2019 U.S. Open Cup on ESPN+ kicks off May 7-8 with the First Round, featuring 38 amateur and Division III professional teams from across the United States. Twenty-five Division II professional teams enter in the Second Round on May 14-15, while the Third Round, scheduled for May 29, provides a final hurdle before lower division sides get their shot to square off against the 21 U.S.-based Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs on a national stage. Those Division I MLS teams join the competition in the Fourth Round on June 12.

“The U.S. Open Cup is America’s version of what is truly unique about soccer around the world–knockout format club tournaments that invite the ‘Davids’ and the ‘Goliaths’ from all levels of the sport to compete against one another to determine the nation’s top team,” said Burke Magnus, Executive Vice President, Programming and Scheduling, ESPN. “This exciting property joins a robust collection of soccer’s best domestic cup competitions on ESPN+.”

“We are extremely pleased by the commitment from ESPN+ to broadcast every game of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the next several years,” said U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn. “This landmark agreement demonstrates U.S. Soccer’s commitment to making soccer the preeminent sport in the United States and is the result of growing audience demand for soccer in the U.S. It will provide a national platform for more fans to follow the game in their communities throughout the country.”

“For over 100 years, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has been the one tournament that engages the entire American soccer community,” said Gary Stevenson, Deputy Commissioner and President of MLS Business Ventures. “We are confident that this partnership between U. S. Soccer and ESPN will drive the tournament to new levels and create more opportunities for fans to engage with this compelling content.”

This year’s competition will be the 106th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the world’s third-longest-running open soccer tournament. First played in th e 1913-1914 season, the competition is open to professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The winning team qualifies for the Concacaf Champions League and wins $300,000 in prize money. The team that advances furthest in the tournament from each lower division is also awarded prize money. The Houston Dynamo are the defending champions, continuing a streak of dominance by MLS teams in the competition. While recent years have seen lower division sides come close to a winning run, the last non-MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup since the league began in 1996 was the Rochester Rhinos in 1999.

1. Submitted from John Krymble: “We are playing poorly. Why so much possession but doing nothing with it?”

Let’s tackle this in parts. If you take away the first 15 minutes of all three games, the Independence have two wins and a draw. That’s not how this works, but for the majority of the minutes played the Independence are getting what they want, the issue is more in the slow starts.

You’re correct. The Independence have won the possession battle in all three games, but in part that’s due to the early goals against. Generally, when your opponent has the lead, they’ll look to be more defensive. It seems like it’s pointless possession, but really it’s a result of the opponent’s defense is able to take fewer risks and therefore be more organized.

The other part is Coach McGuinness *wants* to have a possession-based attack. There are teams who sit in and are really well organized defensively, so you have to be good in possession in order to break them down. It’s a much more exciting style of soccer and as team President Jim McPhilliamy likes to tag it, “We’d always rather win, but if we’re going to lose, it’s more fun to go down 3-2 than 1-0.” Or something to that effect. In summary, the style of play isn’t set up for come from behind wins, which is why the last one came on May 27th, 2017.  

2. Tweet from @rgclt : “Why don't I have permission to just take over linesman duties if they're not doing a very good job during a game?”

We really appreciate the boldness here. In fact, to honor your gesture, we will be accepting your application as a linesman sub. Kinda like a substitute teacher…We’ll work some of our media team powers to talk to the people upstairs and HEY you never know, ya know?

3. Tweet from @tyler_corn: “Might be late but please tell me we have more signings on the way.”

Of course. This question feels like it's referring to the depth of the roster, so it’s important to note the plan was always for the squad to be small, but equally as talented as any USL Championship team. Right now the roster sits at 17 players, who are not on academy contracts. Currently, it’s important to note Kevan George, Joel Johnson, and Cabwey Kivutuka have been away on international duty, so now that the window has passed, they’ll be available for more playing time. Within the next few weeks, at least a couple more players will be added and eventually, the final roster will end up in the low to mid-20s.

4. Tweet from @BoRoundNRound: “What, if anything, will change for the Independence as a result of the Hounds ceasing operation?”

What this is in reference to is as of April 1st, the Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse announced the team would be on a two-year hiatus with plans to return to American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021 when renovations are complete. As it relates to the Independence, some may know, our front office staff, known as Queen City Sports Club, operates both teams in addition to other properties such as Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Event Space, and The Crown Lacrosse Classic.

To answer the question, nothing will change for the Independence. Ownership groups for the Hounds and Independence are separate. Part of QCSC’s business model is to essentially operate as an event management group, which is why President Jim McPhilliamy is always trying to bring in other events and teams. The shared overhead for operating a sports team makes for easier management. It’s not unlike other USL Championship teams, like Memphis 901 FC, who have similar ownership to the MiLB’s Memphis Redbirds.

5. Submitted from Jayson Bayley: “How important is good timing?”

A wise woman once said, timing is everything. There are so many factors that play into each and every scenario, that ONE single timing error can ruin you. For example…if you show up to taco bell at 1 a.m. on a Friday night, you are DEFINITELY not the only one there. The workers will be busy, stressed, and frankly in over their heads. When it comes time to make your delicious five-layer burrito with no sour cream…they won't have the time to give it the love and attention it needs. On the other hand, if you show up at about 11 p.m. it's going to be a smooth sailing night. That five-layer will be handled gently and each layer will be placed to perfection. If there is anything we know for sure, this is it. Follow up questions will be accepted.

Submit your questions for next week's Mailbag Monday

1. Submitted from John Krymble: “We are playing poorly. Why so much possession but doing nothing with it?”

Let’s tackle this in parts. If you take away the first 15 minutes of all three games, the Independence have two wins and a draw. That’s not how this works, but for the majority of the minutes played the Independence are getting what they want, the issue is more in the slow starts.

You’re correct. The Independence have won the possession battle in all three games, but in part that’s due to the early goals against. Generally, when your opponent has the lead, they’ll look to be more defensive. It seems like it’s pointless possession, but really it’s a result of the opponent’s defense is able to take fewer risks and therefore be more organized.

The other part is Coach McGuinness *wants* to have a possession-based attack. There are teams who sit in and are really well organized defensively, so you have to be good in possession in order to break them down. It’s a much more exciting style of soccer and as team President Jim McPhilliamy likes to tag it, “We’d always rather win, but if we’re going to lose, it’s more fun to go down 3-2 than 1-0.” Or something to that effect. In summary, the style of play isn’t set up for come from behind wins, which is why the last one came on May 27th, 2017.  

2. Tweet from @rgclt : “Why don’t I have permission to just take over linesman duties if they’re not doing a very good job during a game?”

We really appreciate the boldness here. In fact, to honor your gesture, we will be accepting your application as a linesman sub. Kinda like a substitute teacher…We’ll work some of our media team powers to talk to the people upstairs and HEY you never know, ya know?

3. Tweet from @tyler_corn: “Might be late but please tell me we have more signings on the way.”

Of course. This question feels like it’s referring to the depth of the roster, so it’s important to note the plan was always for the squad to be small, but equally as talented as any USL Championship team. Right now the roster sits at 17 players, who are not on academy contracts. Currently, it’s important to note Kevan George, Joel Johnson, and Cabwey Kivutuka have been away on international duty, so now that the window has passed, they’ll be available for more playing time. Within the next few weeks, at least a couple more players will be added and eventually, the final roster will end up in the low to mid-20s.

4. Tweet from @BoRoundNRound: “What, if anything, will change for the Independence as a result of the Hounds ceasing operation?”

What this is in reference to is as of April 1st, the Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse announced the team would be on a two-year hiatus with plans to return to American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021 when renovations are complete. As it relates to the Independence, some may know, our front office staff, known as Queen City Sports Club, operates both teams in addition to other properties such as Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Event Space, and The Crown Lacrosse Classic.

To answer the question, nothing will change for the Independence. Ownership groups for the Hounds and Independence are separate. Part of QCSC’s business model is to essentially operate as an event management group, which is why President Jim McPhilliamy is always trying to bring in other events and teams. The shared overhead for operating a sports team makes for easier management. It’s not unlike other USL Championship teams, like Memphis 901 FC, who have similar ownership to the MiLB’s Memphis Redbirds.

5. Submitted from Jayson Bayley: “How important is good timing?”

A wise woman once said, timing is everything. There are so many factors that play into each and every scenario, that ONE single timing error can ruin you. For example…if you show up to taco bell at 1 a.m. on a Friday night, you are DEFINITELY not the only one there. The workers will be busy, stressed, and frankly in over their heads. When it comes time to make your delicious five-layer burrito with no sour cream…they won’t have the time to give it the love and attention it needs. On the other hand, if you show up at about 11 p.m. it’s going to be a smooth sailing night. That five-layer will be handled gently and each layer will be placed to perfection. If there is anything we know for sure, this is it. Follow up questions will be accepted.

Submit your questions for next week’s Mailbag Monday

Despite out-shooting Saint Louis FC in the second half, the Independence was unable to overcome a one-goal deficit. Independence forward, Enzo Martinez lead the team with six shots but Saint Louis goalkeeper Jake Fenlason came up with three saves to keep the away attack off the scoreboard. 

Despite out-shooting Saint Louis FC in the second half, the Independence was unable to overcome a one-goal deficit. Independence forward, Enzo Martinez lead the team with six shots but Saint Louis goalkeeper Jake Fenlason came up with three saves to keep the away attack off the scoreboard. 

SCORING SUMMARY

STL – Kyle Grieg 5’ (Bradley Kamdem Fewo)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Brandon Miller; Andrew Gutman, Hugh Roberts (Joel Johnson – 61’), Aaron Maund, Steven Thicot; Enzo Martinez, Alex Martinez, Afrim Taku (Mark Hill – 61’), Abdoulie Mansally (Jorge Herrera – 70’); Dominic Oduro, Jake Areman

SAINT LOUIS FC STARTING LINEUP

Jake Fenlason, Bradley Kamdem Fewo, Phanuel Kavita, Sam Fink, Paris Gee (Matt Bahner – 83'), Guy Abend, Joaquin Rivas, Kadeem Dacres (Russell Cicerone – 57'), Lewis Hilton, Caleb Calvert, Kyle Greig (Albert Dikwa – 64')

SCORING SUMMARY

STL – Kyle Grieg 5’ (Bradley Kamdem Fewo)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Brandon Miller; Andrew Gutman, Hugh Roberts (Joel Johnson – 61’), Aaron Maund, Steven Thicot; Enzo Martinez, Alex Martinez, Afrim Taku (Mark Hill – 61’), Abdoulie Mansally (Jorge Herrera – 70’); Dominic Oduro, Jake Areman

SAINT LOUIS FC STARTING LINEUP

Jake Fenlason, Bradley Kamdem Fewo, Phanuel Kavita, Sam Fink, Paris Gee (Matt Bahner – 83′), Guy Abend, Joaquin Rivas, Kadeem Dacres (Russell Cicerone – 57′), Lewis Hilton, Caleb Calvert, Kyle Greig (Albert Dikwa – 64′)

Forward – #19 Enzo Martinez: Martinez makes his third consecutive start as team captain today against Saint Louis FC. He’s connect with Dominic Oduro for the Independence’s first goal of the game in the previous two games, but also leads the team in shots (6). He and brother, Alex Martinez lead the team in assist with two apiece. The last time Enzo played at Saint Louis, his first-half brace proved to be the game-winner.

Forward – #7 Dominic Oduro: The team-leading goal scorer makes his second start of the season against Saint Louis FC. In both of the Independence’s game, Oduro has served up the first goal against the opponent. Of Oduro’s three shots, two have been goals, both coming off crosses.    

Forward – #29 Abdoulie Mansally: After coming back from a preseason injury, Mansally makes his second consecutive start this afternoon versus Saint Louis FC. He has the third-best passing accuracy on the team at 85.7% completion rate.

Midfielder – #23 Alex Martinez: Martinez makes his third consecutive start today against Saint Louis FC. Along with his brother, Enzo Martinez, the pair leads the team in assists, as well as, chances created. He has the most crosses and the second-most tackles won and is one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Midfielder – #26 Afrim Taku: Taku makes his third consecutive start today against Saint Louis FC. Among starters, Taku leads the team in pass accuracy at 86% completion rate and has the second-most passes attempted. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Midfielder – #4 Jake Areman: A week after recording the go-ahead assist, Areman is back in the starting XI for a third consecutive week versus Saint Louis. Areman ranks fourth on the team in passes and ranks fifth on the team in duels won.   

Defender – #15 Andrew Gutman: Gutman makes his third consecutive start this afternoon versus Saint Louis. After scoring a week one goal, Gutman ranks second on the team in shots and first in tackles won, interceptions and total passes. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Defender – #5 Steven Thicot: Thicot makes his third consecutive start this afternoon against Saint Louis. He ranks 5th on the team in pass accuracy, as well as, being tied for the most blocks and clearances. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Defender – #3 Hugh Roberts: Roberts makes his second consecutive start this afternoon against Saint Louis. In only one game, Roberts leads the team in clearances and blocked shots, including a critical late-game stop against Atlanta United 2.

Defender – #18 Aaron Maund: After starting week 1 at center back, Maund makes his second consecutive start at right back. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season and has a team-high 11 aerial duels won, out of a possible 16.

GK – #33 Brandon Miller: Miller makes his third consecutive start this afternoon against Saint Louis. Despite playing one fewer games than most goalkeepers, Miller ranks teid-14 in the USL Championship for saves (7). He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Game info

Forward – #19 Enzo Martinez: Martinez makes his third consecutive start as team captain today against Saint Louis FC. He’s connect with Dominic Oduro for the Independence’s first goal of the game in the previous two games, but also leads the team in shots (6). He and brother, Alex Martinez lead the team in assist with two apiece. The last time Enzo played at Saint Louis, his first-half brace proved to be the game-winner.

Forward – #7 Dominic Oduro: The team-leading goal scorer makes his second start of the season against Saint Louis FC. In both of the Independence’s game, Oduro has served up the first goal against the opponent. Of Oduro’s three shots, two have been goals, both coming off crosses.    

Forward – #29 Abdoulie Mansally: After coming back from a preseason injury, Mansally makes his second consecutive start this afternoon versus Saint Louis FC. He has the third-best passing accuracy on the team at 85.7% completion rate.

Midfielder – #23 Alex Martinez: Martinez makes his third consecutive start today against Saint Louis FC. Along with his brother, Enzo Martinez, the pair leads the team in assists, as well as, chances created. He has the most crosses and the second-most tackles won and is one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Midfielder – #26 Afrim Taku: Taku makes his third consecutive start today against Saint Louis FC. Among starters, Taku leads the team in pass accuracy at 86% completion rate and has the second-most passes attempted. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Midfielder – #4 Jake Areman: A week after recording the go-ahead assist, Areman is back in the starting XI for a third consecutive week versus Saint Louis. Areman ranks fourth on the team in passes and ranks fifth on the team in duels won.   

Defender – #15 Andrew Gutman: Gutman makes his third consecutive start this afternoon versus Saint Louis. After scoring a week one goal, Gutman ranks second on the team in shots and first in tackles won, interceptions and total passes. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Defender – #5 Steven Thicot: Thicot makes his third consecutive start this afternoon against Saint Louis. He ranks 5th on the team in pass accuracy, as well as, being tied for the most blocks and clearances. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Defender – #3 Hugh Roberts: Roberts makes his second consecutive start this afternoon against Saint Louis. In only one game, Roberts leads the team in clearances and blocked shots, including a critical late-game stop against Atlanta United 2.

Defender – #18 Aaron Maund: After starting week 1 at center back, Maund makes his second consecutive start at right back. He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season and has a team-high 11 aerial duels won, out of a possible 16.

GK – #33 Brandon Miller: Miller makes his third consecutive start this afternoon against Saint Louis. Despite playing one fewer games than most goalkeepers, Miller ranks teid-14 in the USL Championship for saves (7). He’s one of six Independence players to play every minute this season.

Game info

The Charlotte Independence hit the road for the first time in the 2019 USL Championship season as they face off against second-place Saint Louis FC in Fenton, Missouri. The two teams have not played each other since 2017, as Saint Louis competed in the USL Championship Western conference last season.

Saint Louis played last Saturday at World Wide Technology Park versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies, coming away with one point. Prior to that matchup, Anthony Pulis’ side notched a week one win versus Indy Eleven and a dramatic away win at Nashville SC a week later.

Stats Snapshot

3 Things to Watch For:

1. Set Piece Specialists

• Saint Louis has scored all but one of their goals this season on set pieces. Furthermore, the side looks to be a dangerous team in the box, off of services. Former Independence midfielder and current starting center midfielder or Saint Louis, Lewis Hilton is tied-8th in the USL Championship for crosses (19). Additionally, one of his favorite targets is another former Independence player in forward Caleb Calvert, and Independence fans should remember how dangerous Calvert can be in the box.

2. Start Early

• In the first two games of the season, the Independence have come from behind after starting slow. Through the first 70 minutes of both games, the Independence have been out-scored 5-0, while out-scoring their opponents 5-1 in the final 20 minutes. In last week’s game versus Atlanta United 2, two of the Independence’s second-half substitutes, Jorge Herrera and Kevan George scored late in the game.   

3. Double Trouble

• The Martinez brothers have enjoyed a hot start to the 2019 USL Championship season logging an assist, each in the first two games. Enzo Martinez has connected with Dominic Oduro for the Independence’s opening goal in both games. Together, the brothers provide a balance to the Independence attack as Enzo and Alex are both tied-2nd in the USL Championship for chances created (8) through two games.

Saint Louis FC last Starting XI

[Right to Left]

GK: #24 – Jake Fenlason 

D: #5 – Paris Gee, #4 – Sam Fink, #3 – Phanuel Kavita, #6 – Bradley Kamdem Fewo

M: #13 – Kadeem Dacres, #17 – Oscar Umar, #8 – Lewis Hilton, #9 – Russell Cicerone

F: #18 – Caleb Calvert, #10 – Albert Dikwa

Game info

The Charlotte Independence hit the road for the first time in the 2019 USL Championship season as they face off against second-place Saint Louis FC in Fenton, Missouri. The two teams have not played each other since 2017, as Saint Louis competed in the USL Championship Western conference last season.

Saint Louis played last Saturday at World Wide Technology Park versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies, coming away with one point. Prior to that matchup, Anthony Pulis’ side notched a week one win versus Indy Eleven and a dramatic away win at Nashville SC a week later.

Stats Snapshot

3 Things to Watch For:

1. Set Piece Specialists

• Saint Louis has scored all but one of their goals this season on set pieces. Furthermore, the side looks to be a dangerous team in the box, off of services. Former Independence midfielder and current starting center midfielder or Saint Louis, Lewis Hilton is tied-8th in the USL Championship for crosses (19). Additionally, one of his favorite targets is another former Independence player in forward Caleb Calvert, and Independence fans should remember how dangerous Calvert can be in the box.

2. Start Early

• In the first two games of the season, the Independence have come from behind after starting slow. Through the first 70 minutes of both games, the Independence have been out-scored 5-0, while out-scoring their opponents 5-1 in the final 20 minutes. In last week’s game versus Atlanta United 2, two of the Independence’s second-half substitutes, Jorge Herrera and Kevan George scored late in the game.   

3. Double Trouble

• The Martinez brothers have enjoyed a hot start to the 2019 USL Championship season logging an assist, each in the first two games. Enzo Martinez has connected with Dominic Oduro for the Independence’s opening goal in both games. Together, the brothers provide a balance to the Independence attack as Enzo and Alex are both tied-2nd in the USL Championship for chances created (8) through two games.

Saint Louis FC last Starting XI

[Right to Left]

GK: #24 – Jake Fenlason 

D: #5 – Paris Gee, #4 – Sam Fink, #3 – Phanuel Kavita, #6 – Bradley Kamdem Fewo

M: #13 – Kadeem Dacres, #17 – Oscar Umar, #8 – Lewis Hilton, #9 – Russell Cicerone

F: #18 – Caleb Calvert, #10 – Albert Dikwa

Game info

Mailbag Monday questions are back again and better than week one. Mary Ann and James take any question you can think of and get to the bottom of the topic. For this week, we start with who makes the Independence Hall of Fame and end on hotdogs.

1. From @BoRoundNRound:  “Let’s say we’re making an Independence Hall of Fame at Memorial Stadium. Who are the first five players to make it in?”

This is an awesome question because outcomes differ based on personal criteria. Since it’s Mailbag Monday and we have to give an answer, we’ll go off of James’ personal opinion. If you don’t like it, you can contact him directly by mail at WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary, NC 27511 or by phone at (919) 459-8144.

For reference, my biggest contributing factors are performance and longevity. The obvious one is the immortal Jorge Herrera. He currently has the franchise lead for goals, he’s only one behind Dane Kelly for the USL Championship regular season career record, all-time USL Championship assist leader, he got the first hat trick in franchise history and the list goes on. Legendary stuff. As former Independence midfielder David Estrada once told me, “the team should save some time by putting Jorge’s face where the Captain Jack logo is in the club crest.”  

The next obvious one is Enzo Martinez. Back-to-back USL MVP finalist seasons, the franchise record for single-season goals and second in franchise goals. After that, I would say Bilal Duckett and Alex Martinez. Both of the guys were starting mainstays since day one and really helped build team culture in a new club. The last spot was a really close call. Cody Mizell, Joel Johnson, the aforementioned David Estrada, Patrick Slogic, Henry Kalungi, Lewis Hilton; all these guys had tremendous moments for the Independence. But my final spot goes to Jun Marques Davidson. Every time I talked to the technical staff about strategy, they would say so much of what the team was able to do was because of him. It was especially apparent toward the end of the 2017 season when the team struggled while he was out with injury.

2. From @RedCardDM:  “Did Coaches McGuinness and Sarriugarte know each other prior to their time at the Independence? If so, what’s the connection? The whole coaching team seems like a real quality group!”

In fact, they did.

Sarriugarte: "We met in a sports psychology conference in Spain quite a few years ago. We had him in as a speaker and he was very impressive. We got along well. For a long, long time, we've kept in touch. I've flown to Glasgow, he'd visit me in Spain and we built a great working, soccer relationship. We've really worked closely for the last two or three years. He told me there was a lot of potential when he took the job with the Independence and we've been enjoying it since." 

3. From @9Bristow:  “With these crazy games can we have whoever is running the scoreboard let the time run into stoppage instead of just freeze at 90’. I cant hear or see the time added most times. My heart can only take so much if the games keep ending like this.”

It’s regulation that the clock stops at 45 and 90. For those who may not know, the official time is kept by the refs on the field and they announce an approximate amount of stoppage time in the final minutes of each half. Operationally, we have it set up so the clock runs and stops automatically. It’s a great suggestion, so we’ll look into making a graphic for the scoreboard to accompany the added time to help you see or hear how much time is remaining.

4. From @jas_bai:  “Is there an easier way to fold up a bouncy house than fold, lay on it, fold, lay on it, fold, lay on it…also, what did Hugh Roberts study in college? He's quite philosophical”

Wow. Another gem from jas_bai in consecutive weeks. In hindsight, we should’ve called upon our resident bouncy castle expert, Brad from the Second Yellow Podcast, but alas. Try this. Next time you have to put away your bouncy house you should vacuum all the air out, and once it’s flat, it’ll be easier to fold. Ya know, like those space saver bags from the infomercials.

Hugh studied Business Administration while at George Mason University. His favorite classes were finance and psychology.

5. From @Egon084:  “Can we have a fan design contest for the 3rd kit? Military kit?”

Mary Ann and I really like doing this weekly segment because it’s an opportunity to give away some of the behind the scenes stuff in the works. As some may recall, Famous Toastery extended their partnership with the Independence for 2019 and will once again be the presenting sponsor for Military Appreciation Night on May 11th. Since then we finalized working with American Legion and they helped design the kit which will be auctioned off for charity in honor the families and spouses of local servicemen and women, whose names will be incorporated into the design.

 And finally… 

6. From @rgclt:  “when is @MurryAyne bringing the world hotdog eating championships to the sportsplex? bob is ready I am serious.”

Let’s pro/cons this idea. On the one hand, there’s no better brat than one from Bob’s food truck. On the negative side, NCFC has the hotdog market pretty locked down. Frankly, we think this idea is a real wiener, but it just doesn’t have enough mustard at this point.

Mailbag Monday questions are back again and better than week one. Mary Ann and James take any question you can think of and get to the bottom of the topic. For this week, we start with who makes the Independence Hall of Fame and end on hotdogs.

1. From @BoRoundNRound:  “Let’s say we’re making an Independence Hall of Fame at Memorial Stadium. Who are the first five players to make it in?”

This is an awesome question because outcomes differ based on personal criteria. Since it’s Mailbag Monday and we have to give an answer, we’ll go off of James’ personal opinion. If you don’t like it, you can contact him directly by mail at WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary, NC 27511 or by phone at (919) 459-8144.

For reference, my biggest contributing factors are performance and longevity. The obvious one is the immortal Jorge Herrera. He currently has the franchise lead for goals, he’s only one behind Dane Kelly for the USL Championship regular season career record, all-time USL Championship assist leader, he got the first hat trick in franchise history and the list goes on. Legendary stuff. As former Independence midfielder David Estrada once told me, “the team should save some time by putting Jorge’s face where the Captain Jack logo is in the club crest.”  

The next obvious one is Enzo Martinez. Back-to-back USL MVP finalist seasons, the franchise record for single-season goals and second in franchise goals. After that, I would say Bilal Duckett and Alex Martinez. Both of the guys were starting mainstays since day one and really helped build team culture in a new club. The last spot was a really close call. Cody Mizell, Joel Johnson, the aforementioned David Estrada, Patrick Slogic, Henry Kalungi, Lewis Hilton; all these guys had tremendous moments for the Independence. But my final spot goes to Jun Marques Davidson. Every time I talked to the technical staff about strategy, they would say so much of what the team was able to do was because of him. It was especially apparent toward the end of the 2017 season when the team struggled while he was out with injury.

2. From @RedCardDM:  “Did Coaches McGuinness and Sarriugarte know each other prior to their time at the Independence? If so, what’s the connection? The whole coaching team seems like a real quality group!”

In fact, they did.

Sarriugarte: “We met in a sports psychology conference in Spain quite a few years ago. We had him in as a speaker and he was very impressive. We got along well. For a long, long time, we’ve kept in touch. I’ve flown to Glasgow, he’d visit me in Spain and we built a great working, soccer relationship. We’ve really worked closely for the last two or three years. He told me there was a lot of potential when he took the job with the Independence and we’ve been enjoying it since.” 

3. From @9Bristow:  “With these crazy games can we have whoever is running the scoreboard let the time run into stoppage instead of just freeze at 90’. I cant hear or see the time added most times. My heart can only take so much if the games keep ending like this.”

It’s regulation that the clock stops at 45 and 90. For those who may not know, the official time is kept by the refs on the field and they announce an approximate amount of stoppage time in the final minutes of each half. Operationally, we have it set up so the clock runs and stops automatically. It’s a great suggestion, so we’ll look into making a graphic for the scoreboard to accompany the added time to help you see or hear how much time is remaining.

4. From @jas_bai:  “Is there an easier way to fold up a bouncy house than fold, lay on it, fold, lay on it, fold, lay on it…also, what did Hugh Roberts study in college? He’s quite philosophical”

Wow. Another gem from jas_bai in consecutive weeks. In hindsight, we should’ve called upon our resident bouncy castle expert, Brad from the Second Yellow Podcast, but alas. Try this. Next time you have to put away your bouncy house you should vacuum all the air out, and once it’s flat, it’ll be easier to fold. Ya know, like those space saver bags from the infomercials.

Hugh studied Business Administration while at George Mason University. His favorite classes were finance and psychology.

5. From @Egon084:  “Can we have a fan design contest for the 3rd kit? Military kit?”

Mary Ann and I really like doing this weekly segment because it’s an opportunity to give away some of the behind the scenes stuff in the works. As some may recall, Famous Toastery extended their partnership with the Independence for 2019 and will once again be the presenting sponsor for Military Appreciation Night on May 11th. Since then we finalized working with American Legion and they helped design the kit which will be auctioned off for charity in honor the families and spouses of local servicemen and women, whose names will be incorporated into the design.

 And finally… 

6. From @rgclt:  “when is @MurryAyne bringing the world hotdog eating championships to the sportsplex? bob is ready I am serious.”

Let’s pro/cons this idea. On the one hand, there’s no better brat than one from Bob’s food truck. On the negative side, NCFC has the hotdog market pretty locked down. Frankly, we think this idea is a real wiener, but it just doesn’t have enough mustard at this point.

Charlotte (NC) — Three Charlotte Independence professional soccer team players have been selected for international duty; defender Joel Johnson for Liberia, midfielder Kevan George for Trinidad & Tobago and forward Cabwey Kivutuka for Congo.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE DEDICATE SATURDAY'S GAME TO LEONEL

Johnson and the Liberian National Team will play in Group G action against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Stade des Martyrs for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Liberia currently sits second in qualifying position on seven points through fives games. If the Lone Stars are able to secure a win or draw, it will be the nation’s first African Cup of National qualification since 2002. Johnson started four games for Liberia in 2018.

 George and the Trinidad & Tobago National Team will face off will the Wales National Team for an international friendly on Wednesday, March 20th at The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. The 29-year-old has 40 appearances for the Soca Warriors and is sure to factor in the team’s 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup run.

 Kivutuka and the Congo National Team will play in Group G action against Zimbabwe at the National Sports Stadium for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Most recently, Kivutuka was featured as a substitution against the Liberian National Team during a 2-1 defeat on October 16th, 2018.

 The Independence continue in USL Championship action this Saturday, March 23rd versus Atlanta United 2 at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on tickets, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — Three Charlotte Independence professional soccer team players have been selected for international duty; defender Joel Johnson for Liberia, midfielder Kevan George for Trinidad & Tobago and forward Cabwey Kivutuka for Congo.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE DEDICATE SATURDAY’S GAME TO LEONEL

Johnson and the Liberian National Team will play in Group G action against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Stade des Martyrs for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Liberia currently sits second in qualifying position on seven points through fives games. If the Lone Stars are able to secure a win or draw, it will be the nation’s first African Cup of National qualification since 2002. Johnson started four games for Liberia in 2018.

 George and the Trinidad & Tobago National Team will face off will the Wales National Team for an international friendly on Wednesday, March 20th at The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. The 29-year-old has 40 appearances for the Soca Warriors and is sure to factor in the team’s 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup run.

 Kivutuka and the Congo National Team will play in Group G action against Zimbabwe at the National Sports Stadium for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Most recently, Kivutuka was featured as a substitution against the Liberian National Team during a 2-1 defeat on October 16th, 2018.

 The Independence continue in USL Championship action this Saturday, March 23rd versus Atlanta United 2 at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on tickets, please visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.