The Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ (5-6-4) next match features a mid-table battle with the Charlotte Independence (6-3-4); a clash fit for Independence Day. The two teams have already met once this season in a game that ended 1-1. The Independence have never conceded a win against the Hounds, boasting a 4-0-2 all-time record against Pittsburgh.
The game kicks off at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, at Highmark Stadium. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.riverhounds.com.
Charlotte comes into the game in fifth place in the USL Eastern Conference, six spots above the Riverhounds. The Independence are currently fifth in the USL in goal conversion rate at 18.8 percent. They has scored 21 goals from 112 shots compared to the Hounds’ 15 goals from 139 shots (10.8 percent).
This season, the Independence has been just as good on the road as at home, earning 11 of its 22 points from away games. Away from home, Charlotte has a goal difference of 0, scoring and conceding nine goals.
If the Hounds want to slow down the successful Charlotte attack, they first must focus on midfielder Jorge Herrera. The Colombia native leads the team in assists with three and also has four goals on the season. He also leads the team in chances created with 18. While his long pass success rate is 81.8 percent, his pass accuracy in the opponents’ half is only 68.8 percent. If the Hounds can keep pressure on Herrera in their own half, they could limit the number of chances Charlotte gets in the game.
Strengths:
- Conversion – The Independence does not need many opportunities to score goals. Charlotte does not have a player in the top 20 for chances in the Eastern Conference, but midfielder Enzo Martinez is tied for fifth for goals with six.
- Aerial duels – Of Charlotte’s top 10 players in aerial duels won, seven have won at least half of the aerial dues they have attempted. The Hounds will need to be aggressive in the air to win possession of 50/50 balls.
- Recent results – The Independence come to Highmark Stadium after three straight victories, which include its only two clean sheets so far this season. The Hounds must score early against a team with a high defensive morale.
Weaknesses:
- Passing in opponents’ half – This season, Charlotte has only five players with a passing accuracy above 70 percent in its opponents’ half. If the Hounds take advantage of this, it could mean more possession in the midfield and in Charlotte’s half.
- Time off – While the Hounds have had 12 days of rest since their last game, the Independence has only had three days of rest since its last game. Fatigue may become a factor later in the game against a well-rested Hounds side.
