Charlotte hasn’t dropped a point in six matches, unbeaten in seven. Harrisburg has quietly made it into the playoff picture. So which side will give on Tuesday night in USL play? Let’s take a look.

Unstoppable Force, Immovable Object

The Independence’s clinical offense is led by Jorge Herrera. Herrera has scored six goals and two assists in the last three games. His last few games have been impressive to watch and have made Charlotte the team to fear in the East.

While Harrisburg hasn’t been scoring numerous goals, they have strung together some of their best defensive performances recently. In Harrisburg’s last five games they have only lost once, when they traveled to Rochester. This streak started when they handed Louisville City FC just their second lose of the season. The other three victories came against Toronto FC II, NYRBII, and Richmond Kickers. In that stretch they’ve scored eight goals while only allowing four.

The recent success of Charlotte’s offense and Harrisburg’s defense has spurred their rise up the Eastern Conference Standings.

Lots of green rectangles for these two.

Surging Offense

Another game and another 2+ goal outing for the Jacks. I think it’s safe to say we can put those “lack of a striker” issues to bed. In 16 games, we’ve only been held scoreless three times. Those shutouts came against Charleston, Rochester, and Louisville.

Currently Charlotte sits 4th in the entire USL with 32 goals. They are currently averaging a goal every 45 minutes or two goals per game. This mark is good for 2nd best in the East behind the Charleston Battery and 4th in the entire league. Over their last six games, the Independence have scored 17 goals while only allowing five.

The Man With The Golden Glove

2015 was a hallmark season for many reasons for Brandon Miller. He was then playing for the Rochester Rhinos in the club’s 20th season. That year, Rochester won the championship against LA Galaxy II. Not only that, but Miller won the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

A native of Charlotte, Miller has been playing excellently this season: he has five clean sheets and a 70% save success rate. It is worth noting that three of those clean sheets have come during Harrisburg’s last 5 games. If the Islanders want to continue their streak, Miller will need to have a nearly flawless game.

Prediction Time

There are a lot factors that could swing this game in different directions. This game will be hard to call due to Harrisburg’s defense hitting its stride just as Charlotte’s offense has done the same.

Even considering Harrisburg’s recent success, I do not think it will be enough to damper Coach Jeffries scheme. If this becomes a multi-goal game, which I think it will, I don’t see how Harrisburg will be able to keep up. I’m predicting a 2–1 scoreline Tuesday night with the Independence getting yet another victory. Goal scorers for Charlotte will be Enzo Martinez and Alex Martinez. The lone scorer for the Islanders will be forward Ropapa Mensah.

Watch Party Alert

Unlike the name suggests, this is not a swap meet for watch enthusiasts. Rather, this is an event for fans to gather together and support the team while they are away and enjoy the game together. I figured I’d clear that up for anyone who was wondering.

Come join me and a host of other Independence supporters at NoDa Brewing at 7:00 pm tonight for the team’s second sponsored watch party of the season. One lucky attendee will be given a signed David Estrada jersey during the event. It’s not mandatory to wear a watch, but I’m sure you’ll look foolish without one.