The NYRBII and Charlotte Independence have met five times in their short histories, with the sixth time coming on Saturday night. The Baby Bulls have only come out as victors once in those five matchups. The other four games have been two draws and two wins for the Independence.

In their most recent matchup, NYRBII went up 1–0 in the 21st minute thanks to Junior Flemmings, but the rest of the game was entirely Independence and seemingly everything went our way. Charlotte scored FIVE unanswered goals by five different players.

Since that game, Charlotte has only lost once in league play while the Baby Bulls haven’t been good. They have struggled to find consistency since May 11th: they have only won three times since then, lost six times, and played to one draw.

Lots of green rectangles for Indy, not so many for the Baby Bulls.

Homegrown Success Story

In my preview for Charlotte’s first matchup against NYRBII, I briefly went over the partnership between MLS and USL clubs. One player who has taken full advantage of this structure has been Arun Basuljevic. Number 17 started with the NYRB’s system when he was 11 and just this summer signed a Homegrown Contract with NYRB.

Basuljevic moved up from the NYRB Academy and played for the University of Georgetown in college. While playing for the Hoyas he ranked in the top three for scoring on the team. After his days as a Hoya he played for the Red Bull’s squad in the PDL. His consistent play caught the attention of the entire league and he was recognized as a member of the PDL All-League Team last summer. During last season, he led the Red Bulls U-23s in goals (8) and assists (5).

His skills have transitioned nicely to the USL level. In his first year at this level, he is currently leading the Eastern Conference in total passes (1,285) and passes per 90 (71). Arun is one off his team’s most accurate passers with a 84% passing accuracy. While one might argue his total passes could be inflated due to the USL’s unbalanced schedule, there is no denying his passes per 90 is impressive and a testament to how much his coaches trust and rely on him. Arun has both started every game this season and has yet to have been subbed off.

Just as Jun Marques Davidson controls the Independence’s rhyme and pace I’ll be looking for Arun Basuljevic to do the same.

Henry “Smiley” Kalungi

Leadership and wisdom on the pitch is something that can’t be taught: it is something that a player has to learn through repetition. Charlotte is lucky to have a veteran of the USL and a model of consistency anchoring our backline.

Originally from Uganda, Henry Kalungi first moved to the States in 2006 to attend Winthrop University. There he gained an education both in the classroom and on the pitch. After his college years, he played for Richmond Kickers, Carolina Railhawks, and has now found a home here in Charlotte.

Another accolade that I’m sure he is particularly fond of was his time with the Ugandan Men’s National Team. Henry has earned 15 international caps during his time playing for his native country.

Don’t let this man’s competitive nature fool you, he truly has a heart of gold. Henry has used his connections in the soccer world to help children. The Henry Kalungi Foundation’s mission is to “spread the love of Jesus and provide opportunities for the children of Uganda and Africa at large.”

Mixed Results

The slim majority of NYRBII’s season has been played at home. Of the 18 games so far, they have played 10 of those games at home. The results at home have been up and down and a rhyme has been hard to find. At home, they have won against the conference leading Charleston Battery while also losing to LA Galaxy II. At home this season, they were also shut out against Louisville City FC and Bethlehem Steel FC. Their results at home have been split down the middle with five wins and five losses. If the NYRBII want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they will need to solidify their recent defensive woes, snap a two game scoreless streak, and start becoming more than a mediocre .500 team.

Shots on Shots on Shots

NYRBII’s main problem this season lies in their inability to stop their opponents from scoring. They are the only team currently above the playoff cutoff line with a negative goal differential. New York has let in 34 goals and are averaging giving up 1.9 goals per game. NYRBII goal keepers have faced 92 shots this season. I would venture that is where there defensive woes are stemming from. Their average of 5.2 shots faced per game is third highest in the east and easily the highest among the current playoff teams. Unfortunately for them, they are facing the hottest team in the league and reigning player of the week……

Like a Fine Wine

Three weeks ago, I brought up the argument that while Enzo is undoubtedly an outstanding player, Jorge Herrera is our MVP. Since that claim, Jorge has been making me look quite smart. He has scored five goals during that span and assisted on a spectacular set piece goal where he connected with Bilal Duckett for Duck’s first goal of the season.

It is worth noting that one of those goals was an Olympico, which I’ll admit I didn’t even know was a named thing before he did it. For the others who may not know, an Olympico is a goal scored directly from a corner kick… the more you know.

NYRBII’s defense will have their hands full in guarding this wily veteran.

Consistency

Since the beginning of Charlotte’s five-game winning streak, Coach Jeffries has only decided to change the starting 11 twice. Both of these changes were ultimately out of his hands. One was Dennis Castillo being called back to the Colorado Rapids after a couple impressive games. Castillo was loaned to us by the Rapids, so this wasn’t necessarily a huge surprise. The second roster change was after Callum Ross was suspended for one game due to yellow card accumulation.

Coach Jeffries has decided to stick with the chemistry that has worked and a balanced offense that appears unstoppable. I see this trend continuing come Saturday. It is worth noting that we do have a game the following Tuesday against Harrisburg City Islanders. One might assume we may see a few changes in one if not both of these upcoming games, but I would assume that Coach Jeffries will stick with the traditional starting 11 that has worked come Saturday, then if needed, change things up Tuesday.

Prediction Time

These two teams have been playing like mere opposites. Charlotte has scored two or more goals in five straight games, while NYRBII only scored three times total in that same span.

But I don’t believe it’ll be as out of hand as the last time they met. I’m predicting a 3–1 scoreline in favor of the Independence. Charlotte’s streak of scoring two goals or more will continue thanks to our balanced attack. I’m predicting the scorers to be Enzo Martinez, David Estrada, and Lewis Hilton. The lone goal for NYRBII will be scored by Douglas Martinez.