MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

New York Red Bull II will take their 10 game unbeaten streak into Charlotte to play the team that handed their first and only loss of the season — the Charlotte Independence.

New York will be extra motivated against the Independence as their last meeting was one of the team’s worst performances and is the only reason they are not undefeated in 2016. Since that loss, not only has Red Bull II gone undefeated, but they’ve taken maximum points from seven out of 10 games as they continue their surge for first place in the Eastern Conference.

Conversely, Charlotte has been incredibly inconsistent with wins over teams like Richmond and Charleston but losses to teams like Bethlehem Steel and Orlando City B.

PROJECTED STARTING XI:

New York Red Bull II: Meara; Long, Schmoll, Carroll, Plewa; Metzger, Williams, Etienne Jr., Bonomo, Flemmings, Allen

Charlotte Independence: Berner; Slogic, Kalungi, Duckett, Johnson; Ekra, Davidson, Martinez; Estrada, Brown, Calvert

Player to Watch: Derrick Etienne Jr. It goes without saying that Etienne is the team’s most dynamic player, but his new role as a central attacking midfielder is starting to open up the team’s offense like never before. His previous position on the right wing had him cutting up wingbacks but not producing much in the way of quality passing or goal opportunities. Now that he is more central, the freedom to move has created confusion in defenses as we saw against Montreal.

X-Factor: Revenge! New York Red Bull II are a team with swagger these days and their only loss of the season to Charlotte is the only dent in the armor. The team will certainly be looking to avenge themselves and lay claim to being one of the best teams in USL. Charlotte has historically been a tough opponent for New York, handing them two draws both home and away last season. Much like Rochester, NYRB II will hope to put a notch in their belt with a win over Charlotte at Ramblewood.

Where to Watch: The game will be streamed on the USL YouTube channel at 7PM on Saturday.

The Charlotte Independence are no cakewalk. This season, they have played every game tough and have only been shut out once in their last seven games.Shutting down Enzo Martinez and Caleb Calvert will be key as both players have four goals this season and always pop up with the ball in dangerous parts of the field.

For New York, the strategy should be the same as always — establishing the press while keeping a forceful defensive shell. The game in Montreal last week was a bit of an anomaly as they surrendered two goals, but the weather played a major role in how the game unfolded. Brandon Allen’s coming out party with the team’s first hat trick last week can’t understated. He has found his way in front of goal and is currently fifth in the league with eight goals.

All signs point to another New York victory. However, Charlotte cannot be underestimated — a lesson NYRBII learned earlier this year. Still, the motivation is high and win will bring New York within one point of first place, with two games still in hand.