There are few games as exciting as rivalry matches, but the first rivalry match between your state’s two sides in the same league? That’s one you don’t want to miss. The Charlotte Independence hosted their Raleigh-based USL counterparts North Carolina FC on Saturday night, and this time, it was the surprising Dead Whales of NCFC who came away with all three points.

Two second half goals sealed the 2–0 win for the visitors, giving NCFC their first win of the 2018 campaign. Both came on scrambles in the Charlotte box, the first on a second effort from Daniel Rios, and the second from Marios Lomis after a misplayed ball from Independence keeper Andrew Dykstra.

Both also caused an impressive section of visiting Oak City Supporters to erupt.

(Photo Credit: Johnny Wakefield)

The Independence could not find the offensive spark that led them to the top of the Eastern Conference table after week three. They finished with their second straight goalless effort after scoring eight goals in their first three games.

And yet, the Jacks dominated the first half in possession, with a 67%–33% advantage. On the night, the Independence had 11 shots but only one on target and were unable to score despite Caleb Calvert’s regular presence in the box, especially in the first half.

The NCFC backline deserves some credit for that: Peabo Doue, Michael Harrington, Futty Danso, and Weavin Steven Miller… take a bow.

The turning point

It’d be easy to say the turning point in the first N.C. Derby of 2018 was the first goal, Daniel Rios’ 50th minute strike. We’ll include that gif below, but stick with us…

Instead, I’m going to say the turning point came at the opening whistle, if that’s possible. From my front row seat in the first minute, sitting next to SNST’s Chris Davis and Ben Goshorn, I watched Charlotte’s Alex Martinez run straight at NCFC’s Austin da Luz as soon as the ball was kicked to start the game.

He bumped him and said something, da Luz laughed and shook his head, and the game was off.

It was clear from the start of this one that NCFC had more to play for, they needed a win, and Charlotte simply felt pressure not to lose. Martinez himself was off his game all night (as some of our staff have said, it looks like he needs Enzo back), and NCFC played with more confidence, supported by their traveling faithful and perhaps with a knowledge of the past few games between the two sides in Open Cup play.

Whatever the case, Charlotte didn’t play the game that has seen them near the top of the East all season, North Carolina FC shut down their speedy wing play and made chances in the box count, and the first N.C. Derby ended with a win for the visitors.

Three who mattered

Daniel Rios, forward, NCFC: The goal-scorer ended the game with five shots, scored the game-winning goal, and was a constant thorn in the side of Charlotte center backs Bilal Duckett and Henry Kalungi .

The goal-scorer ended the game with five shots, scored the game-winning goal, and was a constant thorn in the side of Charlotte center backs and . Andrew Dykstra, goalkeeper, Charlotte: A few bad mistakes from their keeper cost the Independence in this one, and communication with his back line seemed off. Will Brandon Miller get the start when the Jacks ride again?

A few bad mistakes from their keeper cost the Independence in this one, and communication with his back line seemed off. Will Brandon Miller get the start when the Jacks ride again? The assistant referee on the far side: North Carolina FC was whistled for five offside calls in the first half alone. Depending on who you’re cheering for, that was either correct and justified or complete b*llsh*t. (I heard both sides as I walked around during the first half.) Either way, without his flag going up repeatedly, rightly or wrongly, it could’ve been 2–0 or 3–0 in the first 45, even with the Jacks dominating possession as the Dead Whales threatened to score on the break repeatedly in the first half.

They said it

Up next

The Independence have a week off to re-group, and then they welcome the “other Indy,” Indy Eleven, to the ‘Plex on Saturday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

North Carolina FC has played one game fewer than most of USL, and they’ll make that ground up on Wednesday, April 18 with an 8:00 p.m. game in Toronto against the Baby Reds. They go again on Saturday, April 21 in Ottawa.

Lineups

Charlotte Independence: Andrew Dykstra, Bilal Duckett, Joel Johnson, Henry Kalungi, Donnie Smith, Kay Voser, Kevan George, Cordell Cato, Alex Martinez, Jorge Herrera, Caleb Calvert

North Carolina FC: Alex Tambakis, Peabo Doue, Michael Harrington, Futty Danso, Steven Miller, Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Graham Smith, Kyle Bekker, Daniel Rios, Donovan Ewolo

Box score

Charlotte Independence— 0

North Carolina FC — 2

Goals

Charlotte Independence: none.

North Carolina FC: Daniel Rios (50'), Marios Lomis (86')

Attendance

2,264