Charlotte Independence News Release - www.charlotteindependence.com

Friday, July 31, 2015

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence (5-6-5, 20pts) is starting to build momentum as the race for the 2015 USL postseason begins. With 20 points and 16 games played, Charlotte sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings, but is just five points behind sixth-place Pittsburgh Riverhounds, with three games in hand.

This Saturday the Independence welcome the conference-leading Rochester Rhinos (12-0-7, 43pts) to Ramblewood Stadium. Charlotte is 5-2-2 in home games this season, including last Friday’s 2-0 victory over FC Montreal. The home side produced 20 shots, including 12 in the first half, forcing Montreal keeper David Paulmin to make 11 saves. Daniel Jackson scored in the 30th minute and Alex Martinez sealed the victory in the 86th.

“We obviously felt really good about [the Montreal game],” Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “I thought from the first minute when Daniel [Jackson] got a run through, we really created a number of really good chances against Montreal. Rochester poses a little bit of a different situation in how they defend and how they play, especially on the road, so I don’t think there will be as much space and it won’t be quite as much on and up-and-down game as Montreal was. But I thought the group that was on the field for Montreal, we came out with a great mentality, we pushed the game hard at the beginning, which obviously we need to continue to do this weekend.”

The Independence and Rhinos boast two of the stingiest defenses in the USL. Rochester has posted 13 shutouts and let in just six goals in 19 league matches, while allowing the fewest shots per game (5.9). Their back line is anchored by fourth-year keeper Brandon Miller, who leads USL with a 0.22 goals against average and 10 shutouts in 13 full matches played. Rochester hasn’t allowed a goal in its last four matches, dating back to July 8. Charlotte, meanwhile, ranks third in the USL with 18 goals allowed and fourth with a 1.12 goals against average. The Independence also has allowed the third fewest shots per game (9.0).

When these two clubs first met in Rochester on July 18 it was, not surprisingly, a defensive battle to a 0-0 draw. Charlotte became the first USL club to earn a point in Rochester this season. The Rhinos were 6-0-0 at home before facing the Independence. Rochester generated eight shots to Charlotte's seven, and both goalkeepers were forced to make four saves.

“We learned a little bit in terms of their shape defensively and how they move,” Jeffries said of the first match. “It’s going to be different playing on grass, playing at home, in terms of us and the ball movement and so forth. But we felt like in the first game we were able to possess the ball and move it, but we weren’t necessarily as dangerous as we would like to be. We created some half chances, but really didn’t create enough to push for a goal up there. I thought defensively we did a good job neutralizing some of their attacking prowess and attacking players so hopefully we can continue to do that as we try to push the game.

"Clearly for us the focus this week has been on ways to try and break down what is a very, very good defensive team and very organized and very disciplined.”

The Independence last week welcomed Tomasz Zahorski back from injury, and there is a chance Jorge Herrera returns for Saturday’s contest. Both were dealing with calf issues and neither player was in the lineup for the first match against Rochester. With goals likely to be at a premium, Charlotte needs all the offensive firepower it can get. Fans should keep an eye on both Alex and Enzo Martinez, as well as team goals leader Ryan Finley. Jackson also has produced goals in two of his last three appearances.

Rochester’s offense is paced by Christian Volesky, with six goals and one assist this season. The forward did not start the first game against Charlotte, but did come in as a sub in the 60th minute. The Rhinos’ second leading scorer is Steevan Dos Santos with six goals, and he did not appear in the July 18 meeting.

Earning a full three points on Saturday would be crucial to the Independence’s playoff push, and handing Rochester its first loss of the year would solidify Charlotte as a contender.

“The importance of this game is fairly obvious in that we are still behind in the playoff line and we need the points,” Jeffries said. “We have a limited number of home games left and we have to be able to push games at home and get results. We do feel like we’re in a good spot because we have games in hand, but games in hand only count when you get points from them.”