Charlotte Independence welcome a new face to the Matthews Sportsplex this weekend in former NASL club Indy Eleven.

The Independence come off a bye week and are looking to get back to their winning ways after coming out on the wrong end of the N.C. Derby two weeks ago. Indy Eleven also comes off a bye week, though they defeated Nashville SC two weeks ago.

To get you ready for the match, I spoke with Soc Takes staff writer and Indianapolis resident Aaron Gunyon to learn more about Indy Eleven.

Hey Aaron. How would you describe Indy Eleven’s style of play?

Possession-based and controlling tempo, or bunkering and weathering. We’ve seen both and both have worked. It is noticeable when Indy wants to sit on a lead.

What formation does Indy Eleven normally use?

I think the team is settling into a 4–4–2. There are so many options and pieces that this can easily be tweaked. We’ve also seen variation on 4–3–3 but there are so many midfielders. Gotta find a way to get them out there.

How has the new roster gelled so far this season?

It’s gelling. And it’s not there yet. Preseason started late and it shows. Players and staff are all aware. The team has been fortunate to have three wins. I’m not saying undeserving. They have had the bounces they needed to win.

The defense has been a pleasant surprise. Indy is so deep that they seem to put in a solid shift no matter who is out there. There have been injuries and rotations already. Indy hasn’t been troubled too badly.

How do you feel the team has adjusted to the USL?

Good question for fans of USL that didn’t watch a lot of NASL. The competition is really almost indistinguishable. First of all, many players from NASL have migrated to USL. There are so many familiar faces that it doesn’t feel different at all. The adjustment for the league seems to be over. The bigger adjustment is the players to each other.

What are Indy Eleven’s weaknesses and strengths?

The 11 are not yet playing to their full potential. They can relax too early. With so many players and position options, I think responsibilities might get confused.

Indy was up 2–0 on Nashville and got complacent. It is “the most dangerous lead in soccer,” but the home team gave up a goal just before half-time. They let their guard down and got carved up. The goal could not be blamed on one player but an entire team mentality.

Their strength comes from the same place. Indy have had results without being their best. Imagine how good they will be once they are firing on all cylinders and locking down for 90 minutes.

What player is currently in form?

All eyes should be on Tyler Pasher. The speedy winger wearing red shoes is hard to miss. Where he goes the offense goes. He will switch sides to exploit different matchups. Teams will also counter in behind the space he vacates. How hard he gets back on defense is very important.

Soony Saad is also someone I am interested in watching for this game. He made efficient use of his touches and came away with two goals in the first 35 minutes a couple weeks ago. Can he keep it going?

I see you’re a home brewer. If Indy Eleven was a style of beer what would they be and why?

Imperial Stout. Complex flavor. Slow to ferment. Packs a wallop. Not for everyone. (Sounds delicious.)

Indy 11 is 2–0 in both of their away games this season. They won both those games 1–0. Do you think a conservative gameplan is something we will see Saturday when they play Charlotte?

This coach does not over-extend. His players will go for it, but he will pull them back at a certain point. Indy has only trailed to one team. Hard to know how aggressive they can be when chasing on the road.

Prediction for the game?

1–1. Oh, and Eamon (Zayed) is a handful.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @agunyon and read his work on soctakes.com.

Recent form

Charlotte: W | W | D | L | L

Indy: W | L | W | W

Prediction time

Could we see a sloppy game considering the time off for both teams? Or an intense crisp game of soccer with multiple goals? I think the time to rest (as well as heal) will do wonders for Charlotte.

I desperately want Charlotte to come away with three points here. Do I think it can happen? Sure. Am I predicting that? No.

Through four games, Indy Eleven has played well and their trajectory seems to be pointing up. I’m predicting a 2–2 draw with both teams gaining one point.

Game details

What: Charlotte Independence vs Indy Eleven

Where: Sportsplex, Matthews, North Carolina

When: Saturday, April 28, 7 p.m.

How to watch: ESPN+

COME ON YOU JACKS!