CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The USL’s Charlotte Independence announced on Wednesday it would host a doubleheader on May 12 at the Sportsplex at Matthews with the Premier Development League’s Charlotte Eagles, bringing the city’s two leading clubs together under one roof for a pair of big matchups.

The day’s action will kick off with the defending PDL champion Charlotte Eagles playing host to the Myrtle Beach Mutiny at 2 p.m. ET for its opening game of the 2018 season. The Independence’s clash with FC Cincinnati will follow at 7:30 p.m. ET that night as two sides that reached the USL Cup Playoffs a season ago square off.

The Independence and Eagles shared a gameday last August 5th as the Eagles won the PDL Championship and the Independence defeated Louisville City FC behind a hat trick from current Colorado Rapids midfielder Enzo Martinez. The ties between the two clubs remain strong, with current Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom having previously served the same position for the Eagles, and the trio of forward Jorge Herrera, defender Bilal Duckett and midfielder Mutaya Mwape having suited up for both clubs.

The Independence return to action this Saturday in the 2018 USL regular season as they play host to Indy Eleven at 7 p.m. ET at the Sportsplex at Matthews.