USL Preview: Charlotte Independence vs. Richmond Kickers

Regional rivals meet with Independence looking to build on victory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence host the Richmond Kickers on Friday night with the Independence looking to start their first winning streak of the season, and the Kickers looking to rebound from their first defeat. Kickoff at Ramblewood Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET.

Charlotte Independence news and notes

• Current record: 2-2-0, 6 points
• Charlotte recorded its second win of the season last time out as it withstood a late rally to defeat the Charleston Battery 3-2 at Ramblewood Stadium.
• The Independence were led by Enzo Martinez, who was named to the USL Team of the Week on Tuesday for his outstanding performance in midfield.
• Charlotte has alternated losses and wins to start the season, having also taken victory against Harrisburg in its second game of the year, after losses to Louisville and Cincinnati in its first and third contests.
• The Independence have been outshot 60-50 by their opponents this season, but hold a 27-23 advantage in shots on goal.

Richmond Kickers news and notes

• Current record: 2-1-1, 7 points
• The Kickers were handed their first loss of the season this past Sunday as Bethlehem Steel FC took a 2-1 victory at Goodman Stadium.
• Yudai Imura scored for the Kickers, giving him three goals this season, one off the league lead.
• Three of the Kickers regular back four are the only outfield players to have played every minute of the season so far for the club – William Yomby, Braeden Troyer and Hugh Roberts.
• Richmond lost only seven times a season ago, and did not suffer back-to-back defeats at any point of the year in the league.

2016 Team leaders

• Goals: Charlotte – David Estrada, 2; Richmond – Yudai Imura, 3
• Assists: Charlotte – Bilal Duckett, 2; Richmond – Brian Ownby, Yudai Imura, 1

Series notes

• The Kickers took the season series a year ago with a 2-1-1 record, but the Independence took four points on home turf.

Officials

• REF: David Erbacher
• AR1: Benjamin Jackson III
• AR2: Gregor Brigman
• 4TH: Rick Rogers