Charlotte travels to Tampa Bay tonight to face the 5th place Rowdies: a team that, with two games in hand, still pose a significant threat to the Jacks’ chance at a home playoff game.

These two teams come into gameday with two very different mindsets. Charlotte comes off a less-than-ideal loss against rival Charleston. Most fans knew that beating the Battery at home would be difficult. Their 9/1/5 (W/L/T) record at home is one of the best in the East.

Even as a self proclaimed Indy-Optimist, it was hard to find positives after the 3–0 defeat Wednesday night. The sheer ineptitude in all facets of the game made me not so fondly reminisce about our 4–0 loss to Rochester early in the season.

But in order to stay in second, with the Battery surging, the Jacks need to shake off that loss and find three points on the road tonight.

Rust/Rejuvenation

Due to games being rescheduled, Tampa Bay hasn’t played since September 6th. I believe this time away from the game will be a factor tonight.

Having an older team can be a positive or negative. The team’s average age is 29. This could mean they are gaining much needed rest, or it could cause unfortunate rust. I’m hopeful it’s the latter.

Positive Perspective

There weren’t many if any positives to take from the last game. Regardless, I believe the previous game was abnormal and won’t become the norm. Considering that we didn’t start three of our most veteran players, Henry Kalungi, Jun Marques Davidson, and Jorge Herrera, we should not expect that trend to continue.

The looming return of Alex Martinez will do wonders for our attack as well. Alex’s threatening and decisive moves have been sorely missed. He will miss our game against Tampa Bay but will be available the following Saturday in time for the Queen City Cup against Cincinnati.

Recent Form

Charlotte: D | L | W| D | L

Tampa Bay: W | L | D | L | W

Game Details

What: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Charlotte Independence (USL season)

Where: Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, Florida

When: 7:30pm ET

#TBRvCLT

Prediction

A 3–0 loss is never easy to come back from. Couple that with visiting Al Lang, home of the rowdy fanbase Ralph’s Mob, and it doesn’t get any easier.

Tampa Bay’s home record is one of the best in the business at 9/1/3 (W/L/T). Both of these teams are averaging 54% possession while being the only two teams in the East to average above 80% passing accuracy.

Due to those statistics, I’m thinking this will be an entertaining game to watch. I’m predicting a 2–2 draw and both teams sharing a point.

I think that Charlotte has a lot to prove and a steep mountain to climb to achieve this. If we are able to start Henry Kalungi, Jun Marques Davidson, and Jorge Herrera, I think we might even be able to steal three points. COYJ.