As the season winds down, so does the frequency of games for Charlotte. The days of midweek games are now over. When Toronto FC 2 and the Independence teams meet Saturday night they will both have a full week’s rest. Having played five games in two weeks means that Charlotte was ready for some much needed rest.

The first meeting between these teams came just 17 days ago in Canada. When Charlotte ended with a draw against the Baby Reds, I was surprised. Since that draw, both teams have had different results. The Independence suffered their first loss in months while winning and drawing the two games to follow. The results for TFC II haven’t been quite as favorable. They’ve lost two straight against Bethlehem Steel and Richmond Kickers to stay at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Looking Up At First

Unfortunately due to a midweek matchup, Charlotte fell out of first place in the East for the first time this month. Louisville is finally starting to play catch up with their games in hand. You could say they handled their own against Harrisburg City Islanders. There’s no point and fluffing it up though… they demolished them. The Islanders weren’t able to score while Louisville scored five goals.

At the moment, Charlotte is tied with Louisville with 44 points. The USL’s first tiebreaker is wins, Louisville has 13 and Charlotte has 12. In order for Charlotte to keep pace with Louisville, they will need to not just draw but win against those lower in the standings. Their next two games give them a prime opportunity to do just that.

Homegrown Talent

The Baby Reds of Toronto FC II have been battling with the Kickers for the 15th spot in the East most of the season.

Considering our league and their obvious affiliation with the Big Reds of MLS, you would be crazy to say they don’t have talent. As Charlotte witnessed first hand, one of their more promising players, Jordan Hamilton, scored two goals the last time these teams played each other, including this stoppage time beauty.

In just six appearances this year he has managed four goals. He has also made seven appearances for the Big Reds and scored twice. Hamilton is originally from Scarborough, Ontario and signed as a Homegrown player with Toronto FC in 2014.

Recent Form

Charlotte: W | D | L | W | D

Toronto: L | W | D | L | L

Game Details

What: Charlotte Independence vs Toronto FC II (USL season)

Where: Sportsplex, Matthews, NC

When: Saturday, 8/26, 7:00pm ET

Prediction Time

Doesn’t everyone love a good redemption story? That is what I believe will happen come Saturday. Even though we didn’t lose to TFC2 last time out, I feel like conceding a goal in stoppage time to losing two points is close enough.

I believe that Charlotte Independence fans will get just what they want when these two teams meet again. I’m predicting a 2–0 victory Saturday night in a game that will won’t feel even that close. I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing some rotation for this game either.

And make sure you listen to our latest Talkin’ Jacks podcast, where Alex Warren and I discuss this game and other topics. COYJ.