The Charlotte Independence played their last preseason tune up last Saturday at UNC Charlotte’s training field against the NASL’s Jacksonville Armada in what was their final true dress rehearsal before next Saturday’s season-opening game.

Charlotte will be without 2016 USL MVP finalist, Enzo Martinez, and mid-fielder Jun Marques-Davidson due to suspensions carrying over from last year’s playoff game, so barring any training injuries or additions, we will likely see the same starting 11 on April 1st.

Bilal Duckett scored first for the Independence with a tidy finish after a fantastic Lewis Hilton cross to the back post was headed on by a Charlotte player and saved by the Armada goalkeeper. Duckett also had the unfortunate honor of equalizing on an own goal early in the second half after an attempted clearance bounced off the goalpost and in.

Independence players celebrate Duckett’s opening goal. (Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

Despite the own goal, Duckett and his defensive comrades had a strong performance. Rookie left back Luke Waechter stood out to me. He looked very comfortable for someone who played mainly at center back in college. He showed good discipline defensively and was more than competent getting forward in the attack. He had an excellent tackle on an Armada player just outside the Independence penalty area to deny a great goal-scoring chance.

David Spies also impressed when he came on in the second half and immediately put the Independence ahead with his first touch in the game. He certainly looks like a great option off the bench or even in the starting 11. His pace and movement will give teams fits with his ability to get in behind and get on the end of through balls. Despite not having a traditional number 9 on the roster, I think the Independence have a few good options in the attack and shouldn’t struggle to score goals.

Jacksonville played a physical game and despite having very little of the possession in the first half they were able to settle in and put some good attacks together in the second half. They equalized again not long after Spies’ goal with this header by Kalen Ryden from a corner kick. (Sorry for the Jacksonville supporters in the video.)

Ryden Rises up and puts away the header in the top corner. (Video Credit: Alex Warren)

The intensity increased towards the end as the action got stretched end-to-end with both teams trying to get a game-winner. The game took an odd turn around the 85th minute, as the head referee was running to break-up a small scuffle near the Independence’s goal: he collapsed to the ground with what looked like a bad knee injury.

After a bit of a delay, the game carried on with a member of the Armada coaching staff filling in for the assistant referee who moved into the center. The game concluded at 2–2 with both teams shaking hands and fans greeting the players on the field.

Preseason done, time for the real games to begin. (Photo Credit: Alex Warren)

The Charlotte Independence will open their 2017 campaign on Saturday April 1st at 7pm against the Charleston Battery at Transamerica Field on the campus of UNC-Charlotte. Tickets for this game can be purchased from the Independence by calling 704–206–1515 or online here.

If you’re interested in season tickets, call the number above and Patrick will be glad to help you out!