The Charlotte Independence welcome FC Cincinnati to the Sportsplex this weekend, and once again it’s a story of two teams trending in opposite directions.

Cincinnati is now sitting atop the Eastern Conference while Charlotte has fallen to 12th. The Independence have set a club record for four games without a goal. The orange and blue of Cincinnati have scored 10 goals in their last three games.

A few story lines to keep an eye on for this game:

U.S. Open Cup

The first round of the historic Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has come and gone. That means that USL squads enter the picture this week, and that means that we could see both of these two teams put out a semi-reserve squad on Saturday night.

After an impressive run in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup, the 2018 version of FC Cincinnati was built for an even deeper cup run. They have talent to spare, even if they’re technically reserves.

Charlotte on the other hand, well… this is bad timing.

The Independence have had numerous injuries, and a Henry Kalungi red card suspension has crept up at nearly the worst possible time. Their depth will be undoubtedly be tested this Saturday.

Will Coach Jeffries put out a younger squad against Cincinnati? Or will he put out more of the loaned players from Colorado? I wouldn’t be surprised to see numerous changes in the starting XI, because of the quick turnaround (their Open Cup game is Wednesday) and the injuries and suspensions.

Hashtag Scoreless

As we said, Charlotte has really struggled to find the back of the net recently. It would be easy to say that something, maybe even personnel, needs to change ASAP.

Now I might be too loyal or optimistic, but I think things don’t need to change as of yet. If you take into consideration chances created this season, I think patience is needed. In seven games, the Jacks have averaged 8.6 chances created per 90. That mark is nearly a full chance more than Cincinnati is creating per 90.

Numbers dictate that the opportunities are available. The team just has to be more decisive and effective to use those chances and convert them into goals.

Recent Form

Charlotte: D | L | L | D | L

Cincinnati: D | D | W | W | W

Game Details

What: Charlotte Independence vs. FC Cincinnati (Regular Season)

Where: Sportsplex, Matthews, NC

When: Saturday, 5/12, 7:30 pm

Prediction Time

This one takes a bit of explaining to “justify” my prediction. Last year, fellow SNST writer/podcaster Christopher Davis and I were both not in attendance (and out of the state) for two games. Those games were against NYRBII and Saint Louis FC. I’ll refresh your memory for those who don’t remember those games…

In the NYRBII game, Charlotte was coming off a horrendous 4–0 loss against the Rochester Rhinos. If I recall correctly, NYRBII were on a decent bit of success and near the top of the conference. Even my optimistic heart couldn’t predict a victory against the Baby Bulls that weekend. That game ended 5–1 in Charlotte’s favor and was a kickstart to the team’s season.

The Saint Louis game was similar in scoreline and also saw Jorge Herrera record the club’s first ever hat trick.

I say all that to say this: I believe history will repeat itself and Charlotte will topple the mighty clementines and blueberries of Cincinnati with Chris and I out of state attending the Greenville opener in South Carolina. I’m predicting a 5–1 victory for the Charlotte Independence.

COME ON YOU JACKS!!!