Coming into this season, I had all the confidence in the world that North Carolina FC would put together a strong opening USL campaign that resulted in, at minimum, a playoff berth. But after three games, we still have no points, the latest loss coming 1–0 at home Saturday night against Indy Eleven.

I’m officially nervous.

A stoppage-time penalty save by Indy kept the Dead Whales from sharing the spoils. A double red card (Aaron Guillen for NCFC and Karl Ouimette for Indy) shortly thereafter will have repercussions in the derby against Charlotte next week.

But the goal NCFC gave up in the 15th minute came from just woeful defending.

Honestly, I’m so frustrated that this one is just hard to talk about. We didn’t even win the possession battle this game as we had previously. This is the closest thing to a good highlight from the night:

The turning point

Honestly, we could talk about Kyle Bekker’s late penalty being saved here, but NCFC didn’t deserve much from this match. The weather dampened spirits and weakened the home field advantage, and Daniel Rios was the only guy who really brought it.

Indy sealed their win with this play, which lead to a Tyler Pasher goal in the 15th minute. Just look at the defending:

Three who mattered:

Tyler Pasher, Indy: You score the only goal, you get a place on the list. Daniel Rios, NCFC: He put a firm grip on the starting striker role, as far as I’m concerned. But he needs more help and better service. Colin Clarke, NCFC manager: No points in three matches with a derby coming up. Questions are being asked, and questions will continue to be asked, if form does not turn.

Up next:

North Carolina FC at Charlotte Independence, 7 p.m. April 14 at the Matthews Sportsplex.

I’m going to put aside any pretext of impartiality here for just a second. A loss to Charlotte Independence would put me in full-blown Clarke Out mode. If we aren’t going to mount a run at the playoffs this year, then beating those guys in Charlotte becomes about giving some kind of meaning to the season.

Indy Eleven vs. Nashville SC, noon April 14 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Nashville SC just beat Charlotte, so they are cool in my book for now. Go boys in gold.