Playoff Scenarios

I wish I could just say that if we won on Saturday we’d secure a home playoff game. Unfortunately, due to our recent skid that isn’t the case.

If we were to beat Charleston by three goals or more, the results of the NYRBII vs. Rochester game wouldn’t matter. We would secure fourth place or higher, passing the Battery.

If we beat Charleston by one or two goals, we’d stay behind them, but a draw or loss from Rochester would put the Jacks into fourth.

If we lose, we will be traveling for the first week of the playoffs. That trip will be to Rochester.

Independence fans know that history is against us winning in Rochester. Our last two games in Rochester have a combined 7–1 scoreline in their favor. To be honest though, at this point I just want positive momentum going into the playoffs. Another loss would be dreadful to the team’s confidence going into an away matchup in the playoffs at a place we already struggle to find positive results.

But, I believe that one player, who I think should be starting Saturday, will help us achieve our goal of winning.

Caleb Calvert Returns

It’s not easy finding many positives about our last five games. We’ve looked flat on many occasions in many different aspects of the game. Alex Martinez’s return has certainly helped in a positive way. But Caleb Calvert’s return could prove to be the key to a victory Saturday as the team hopes to play one last home game at the Plex this year.

Calvert was subbed into last week’s game in the 63rd minute. His impact was swiftly felt after he scored a doozy of a goal three minutes later. His tall stature and speedy legs will be a tremendous addition.

Last year, the 20 year old striker made huge strides while playing in Charlotte. His progression had gone so well that Colorado had him in their lineup or started in numerous games to start the MLS season.

Charleston’s tall, physical, and experienced defense is one of the toughest in the East. In order for Charlotte to get three points, I believe starting Caleb Calvert will be a must. In order for Charlotte to be effective on offense, Calvert needs to not only start but have his best game of 2017 in blue and tan.

The above lineup is my preferred starting 11 for the game. This is of course hoping beyond hoping that Jun Marques Davidson returns from his lingering injury. His organization as well as veteran leadership has been sorely missed during his time away.

Plain and simple, we need Davidson back to win on Saturday as well. Our team has looked disjointed more often than not during this stretch. His leadership and direction in the midfield may not directly impact the offense, but as the statistics show, he is invaluable to keeping our team balanced.

Recent Form

Charlotte: D | L | L | L | L

Charleston: W | W | L | D | W

Game Details

What: Charlotte Independence vs. Charleston Battery (USL season)

Where: Sportsplex, Matthews, NC

When: Saturday, 10/12, 7:00pm ET

#CLTvCHS

Prediction

This is a game that is incredibly difficult for me to truthfully predict.

I don’t want to believe that Charlotte’s recent form is the team we truly are. The strides we’ve taken this year as a club would only be accentuated by hosting a playoff game.

And there is no doubt that this game is important for both teams and will be a hotly contested one. Fans that attend the game will be witness to two of the most prolific scores in the entire USL. Romario Williams and Enzo Martinez will give fans lots to cheer for Saturday night.

However I don’t see this one being a incredibly high scoring match. I’m optimistically predicting a 2–1 win for the Jacks on Saturday night.