Charlotte is seeking to continue their hot summer and make it thirteen games beatless, increasing their lead atop the USL Eastern Conference table. Ottawa have the potential to set themselves apart from the crowded middle of the table, as they sit tied for 10th with games in hand. But like Toronto FC 2 before them, the Fury will have a lot to handle when the Jacks ride into TD Place Stadium.

Deadly Left Foot

One of Ottawa’s biggest success stories this year has been their striker. Formerly of PDL success with the Austin Aztex, Jose Sito Seoane has also played in Iceland. Sito has played in every game but one this year and has started 12 games this season, currently leading the team with five goals on his 29 shots. Keep an eye out for his deadly left foot: he’s not afraid to pull the trigger from outside the box.

Callum The Calm

One player that has continually progressed for the Jacks this season has been Callum Ross. Coming from Wingate University, a Division II school, Callum is playing nothing like the rookie that he is. This year he has started 15 games and has become more and more comfortable in Coach Jeffries’ scheme.

One of the most valuable things that Callum brings to the team is his aggressiveness when the ball is in the air. He leads the team with 33 aerial duels won. His calmness on the ball is another huge asset. The Englishman from Newcastle is 2nd on the team with an 86% passing accuracy while attempting the 5th most passes on the team.

Finding their groove

For those who haven’t been paying attention, Charlotte has been on a tear recently. They’ve gone over two months without a loss while climbing from near the bottom to the very top of the standings. They now have a chance to put some distance between them and the top five in the East.

A major catalyst for this team has been their veteran leader Jorge Herrera. He had a stellar July with eight goals and two assists. The league took notice and rightly awarded the king of Charlotte soccer accordingly.

Welcome to the USL

To say that Ottawa’s debut in the USL has been lackluster wouldn’t quite be fair. They currently have six wins, six draws, and seven losses this season. They have weathered the storm of changing leagues fairly well thus far. They currently sit 10th in the standings.

The Fury field a team of mostly newcomers to the USL. Defender Ramón Del Campo has found previous success in Costa Rica for Deportivo Saprissa. Ryan Williams currently leads the team with three assists and has played for numerous teams in England, Wales, and most recently in Scotland’s second tier for Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC.

Their goal keeper Callum Irving is one exception. He has started every game for the Fury this year and previously played for Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

Ottawa finds themselves at a crucial moment in their season. They are currently clustered amid six teams that are separated by just four points. One ray of hope is that they have games in hand to make up room and separate themselves from the pack: a win against Charlotte would do a great deal for their desires to move into playoff position.

Recent Form

Charlotte: D | D | W | W | D

Ottawa: L | L | D | W | L

Game Details

What: Ottawa Fury FC vs Charlotte Independence (USL season)

Where: TD Place Stadium, Ottawa

When: 7:00pm ET

Prediction Time

Charlotte is coming off a draw against Toronto FC II that saw numerous reserves start. I believe we will see a more traditional starting 11 for this game and look to capture three points once again.

I’m predicting a 2–0 scoreline in favor of the Independence. Goal scorers will be Enzo Martinez and David Estrada.