Charlotte tried to restart the Southern Derby last week, but Hurricane Irma had other plans, so they have a bit of rest in them when Ottawa comes to the Plex tonight.

The Fury came off yet another draw, their third in a row, which is fine and good. When you consider that they’re fighting for their playoff chances though, they might want more than a single point on the road and could cause trouble for the Jacks, a team they beat a little over a month ago.

There is no denying that time away could cause rust for Charlotte. After last Saturday’s game at Charleston was rescheduled for this Wednesday, Charlotte has had two weeks since their last game, that 3–0 win over Richmond.

Typically speaking I would dread this, and I’m sure it’s less than ideal for players. However, considering our recent misfortune with injuries I’m hopeful that this rest is welcome.

Having Jorge Herrera’s goal scoring mindset back will do us wonders. In his absence, Enzo has been in excellent form and retaken the mantle of leading scoring threat. The chemistry that Enzo and Jorge have built over the last three years is a huge competitive advantage.

Coaching Change

Ottawa took the first ever meeting between these two teams just over a month ago. The Fury handled their business and many could have seen that win being a step in the right direction for the club.

Fate had other ideas after that game.

Shortly after ending Charlotte’s twelve-game #Beatless streak, Ottawa’s head coach and GM resigned and a new era began. Unfortunately for Fury fans, their playoff hopes haven’t gotten any greater since that win. Ottawa has turned into drawing masters. Since that game, they have played six games and only accumulated four points. That recent form of mediocre play has left them with limited chances of making the playoffs.

But the opportunities for Ottawa to score have been there. Over the last six games, they have averaged 16 total shots. While that number is certainly admirable, there is a positive side and a negative side to their recent offensive form: the Fury have averaged 8.8 shots in the box during that span, but have only converted 7.3% of their total shots into goals.

Recent Form

Charlotte: W | L | D | W | L

Ottawa: D | D | D | L | D

Game Details

What: Charlotte Independence vs. Ottawa Fury FC (USL regular season)

Where: Sportsplex, Matthews, NC

When: Saturday, 9/16, 7:00pm ET

#CLTvOTT

Prediction Time

Both teams meet Saturday night with a lot to play for. Ottawa comes in with limited hope of making the playoffs in their inaugural season in the USL, but there’s still a chance. Charlotte can clinch a playoff berth with five games remaining, but they’re playing for the top spots and home field advantage.

This matchup will feature two of the hottest scorers in the league as well. For Ottawa, Steevan Dos Santos has scored in five straight games and seems to be the main threat under the new regime. (It is worth noting that during the last two games, his goals have come from the penalty spot.)

Charlotte’s Enzo Martinez has been in excellent form as well. He has scored in three of the last four games, and after scoring twice in their last game finds himself tied for the Golden Boot lead.

I’m not going to buying into the mindset that rest = rust. Personally, I’m subscribing to the narrative that rest = rejuvenation. The presumed return of Jorge Herrera will add another spark to our offense. I believe we’ll see more of Lewis Hilton to give Jun Marques Davidson more time to rejuvenate.

As I stated on Talkin’ Jacks earlier in the week, I’m predicting a 2–0 win for the Jacks. A victory for the Independence will do wonders for our confidence going into a marquee midweek matchup at Charleston. COYJ.