Another midweek game for the Charlotte Independence, another point. The unbeaten streak stretched to nine on Wednesday night, and a game Saturday night in Pennsylvania will provide a chance for ten and another opportunity to top the USL Eastern Conference standings.

Pregame Surprise

Coach Mike Jeffries wanted to keep the fans on the edge of their seat for this midweek matchup. Since the start of the season, one thing has been consistent: Cody Mizell has started in goal. But to everyone’s surprise an hour before kickoff, Kyle Renfro was given the starting nod.

To be honest, I was filled with many emotions when I heard about this. Is Cody Mizell hurt? Did they lose Cody Mizell to the Rapids due to Tim Howard’s Gold Cup commitment the same night? Is the world ending? Whatever the reason, the selection was a surprise to me and many fans.

Calm, Cool, and Collected

Considering this change, I was interested to watch Kyle Renfro. The game started with me feeling fairly nervous due to Richmond’s recent success. Regardless of how I felt, Kyle Renfro took full advantage of the spotlight. I don’t recall a single moment where Renfro didn’t do exactly what he needed to do.

He came off his line smoothly and without hesitation when needed. Even more impressively, he was sure handed and made some impressive saves when called upon. I would describe his performance as confident and his selection well-deserved given how well he played.

This is another prime example of why you don’t question Coach Mike Jeffries.

Footing was hard to find

The field at Matthews Sportsplex was covered with sand. I repeat, it was covered with sand. As players sped around the pitch, more often than not sand was thrown in the air. I recall a few moments, for both teams, that footing was hard to find due to the amount of sand in various locations. This made the midfield particularly chippy. There were numerous battles for the ball around midfield where both players went down due to the pesky sand.

I don’t like sand.

Tall as Timbers

Two players I was curious to see play together for Richmond were their center back duo… team captain William Youby and Canadian Mallan Roberts were monsters in the middle. Both gentleman were able to thwart the Independence’s threats throughout the game. When Charlotte was able to sneak past a few defenders, their goalkeeper, Matt Turner, was able to make impressive saves to damper their attack.

I Hate When I’m Right

Before this match, I was sensing that it would be a closer and lower scoring game than one might assume. Unfortunately, it was a scoreless game and it ended in a defensive stalemate with neither team scoring. The Independence certainly had their opportunities with 16 total shots, but only six of those were on target. Ultimately Richmond’s stout defense kept control of Charlotte’s attack with an impressive 23 clearances.

Onward and forward to Goodman Stadium

The next opponent Charlotte faces will be a second year team that has impressed thus far this season. Bethlehem Steel FC has had a strong start to their sophomore season anchored by an excellent defense. The Independence rank second in the east while the Steel currently sit in seventh. First is a potential reality for Charlotte with a win and some help, while the Steel could jump as high as 5th with a victory and some assistance.

Steel 101

The second year for Bethlehem has surprised me. If I recall correctly, last year they had an up and down season, which is to be expected by an expansion team. As much as they have surprised me this year, their roster is filled with solid players to watch.

I’ll give you two players to watch for Saturday’s matchup.

Patrolling the midfield for the Steel is a burly Irishman. James Chambers controls the tempo for the Steel, and he also is a problem for opposing defenses. Chambers is third on the team in shots and has scored four goals on 15 total shots.

Seku Conneh is my other player to watch for the Steel. The Dutch forward is a deadly mix of height and speed. He leads the team with seven goals and has started all but two games this season.

These two players will need to come up big at home to look to break Charlotte’s unbeaten streak.

Gold Cup Connection

The starter in goal for Bethlehem this season has been Jake McGuire. He has started 12 games this season and has been a key part of five clean sheets, but due to Andre Blake’s injury in the Gold Cup Final, McGuire might not see the field for Bethlehem on Saturday night. McGuire might need to stay in the Union’s roster until Blake returns. Due to this shuffle in the goal keeper squad, Tomás Romero has likely been thrust into the starting lineup.

The 16-year-old has started three games and conceded seven goals.

Prediction Time

The Steel have been included in the playoff picture most of the season; there is no doubt that they will be a tough foe to continue our unbeaten streak against.

In some ways, playing to a draw against Richmond could be seen as a loss. Considering our recent form of scoring consistently, I think the Independence will be eager to score and get the win Saturday. I would be immensely surprised if this team, given their consistency on all levels of the field, does not play to a draw on the road… at the very least.

I’m predicting a 2–1 win for the Independence against a tough opponent. Last game, we saw the first time that Jorge Herrera didn’t score in five games. (Shout out to Kyle Garrett Gutman for bringing that to my attention.) I’ll be looking for the dynamic duo of Jorge Herrera and Enzo Martinez to each score a goal for the Independence and lead them to yet another victory. Come on you Jacks.