The Charlotte Independence and the Charleston Battery meet tonight for just the second time in 2017. Their first matchup was a less than ideal start to the season for Independence fans: The Battery handled Charlotte’s hefty possession with ease and cruised to a 2–0 victory.

In that game, Charlotte held 62.4% of the possession but only put two of their 14 shots on target.

Now, just four points separate these two teams near the top of the Eastern Conference table.

First place Louisville will host fourth place Rochester tonight as well.

Romario-less

Romario Williams was acquired on loan from Atlanta United FC. Some of these MLS to USL loan situations are better than others. I think most would agree that Charleston’s acquisition of Romario Williams is why they are where they are this season.

The statistics would agree with that narrative as well. Charleston is averaging the third best Goals Per 90 in the Eastern Conference at 1.6 this season. In the East they also boast the 2nd highest conversion rate at 17%.

But for nine games this season, they have been without the USL’s 3rd leading goal scorer. As you would imagine, they aren’t the same without that productivity. The image below reads as follows… the bold are without Romario while the italics are the team’s average this season.

In case you were wondering, Charleston’s record during those nine games is a bad 1 win, 5 losses, and 3 draws.

Charlotte on the road

The Independence have been a strong team at home this season, especially since their move to the Matthews Sportsplex in mid-June. But their record on the road has also been fairly impressive as well. They have a record of 6/3/4 (W/L/T) away from their fans.

In those games, they are averaging 1.4 goals allowed per game. They have two clean sheets during that span; those came against Richmond and Bethlehem. The Independence offense has been in excellent form while away. The team is averaging 1.8 goals scored per game and have scored two or more goals seven times.

Recent Form

Charlotte: W | D | L | W | D

Charleston: D | W | L | L | W

Game Details

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

Where: MUSC Health Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina

When: Wednesday, 9/20, 7:00pm ET

#CHSvCLT

Prediction Time

This will be a marquee matchup, one of the biggest of the season here at SNST, and will certainly be an entertaining game to watch.

I don’t think that Charleston will be an easy defeat even without Romario Williams. I think however that lacking his offensive threat will cause the Battery to play a more conservative game, even at home. If I were a betting person, which I’m not, I would bet that there won’t be two goals scored tonight.

I’m predicting a 1–0 victory for the Independence. COYJ.