Unlike Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (15-4-11) that just played a match on Wednesday, the Charlotte Independence (9-11-10) will enter their match at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Sportsplex at Matthews refreshed, as the Independence will have a full-week’s rest. This will be their second meeting this season, and the match will be televised on Pittsburgh’s CW.
Although Charlotte is six points out of a playoff spot, it has found its footing as of recently. Unbeaten in their past four matches, the Independence have posted wins against Nashville SC and the Richmond Kickers during this stretch.
The club has played much better at home than on the road this year, posting a 7-3-6 record at its Sportsplex as compared to a 2-8-4 away record.
Charlotte and Pittsburgh tied their first match this season, 0-0, on Aug. 18 at Highmark Stadium.
Historically, Jorge Herrera has played well against the Hounds and he heads the Independence attack. The striker leads the club with 11 goals and 38 chances created in 2018, in addition to potting 11 career goals against Pittsburgh. Herrera is one of four players to have played in at least 26 games for the Independence.
Strengths
Conversion rate: With a 16.7 percent conversion rate, the Independence rank third in the Eastern Conference.
Passing accuracy: The squad completes a hefty amount of its passes, ranking third in the Eastern Conference with an 80 percent passing accuracy.
Weaknesses
Shot totals: Charlotte sits last in the Eastern Conference with 289 total shots this season.
Hard fouls: The club has the most red cards (seven) in the Eastern Conference.
