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Independence Aim for Attacking Boost

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/07/17, 4:39PM EDT

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Positive spells against Battery in season-opener lacked end product


Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – There were a lot of positives for the Charlotte Independence to take from their season opener against the Charleston Battery last Saturday.

The Independence held 62 percent of possession, completed 81 percent of their 613 passes, and pinned the Battery back in their half for numerous spells of the game. Unfortunately, though, when it mattered most at Transamerica Field the hosts came up empty in a 2-0 loss to their Southern Derby rival.

With the side getting set to visit Orlando City B in its second outing of the season on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET | Match Preview), the Independence’s players are clear on what needs to improve.

“We just need to get guys in the box,” midfielder David Estrada told the Charlotte Post’s Ashley Mahoney on Thursday. “We get guys out wide and maybe the service needs to be a little bit better. One thing with this team is service is not lacking. Maybe it’s getting more guys in at the back post and the box that is going to make the difference.”

One factor that should improve Charlotte’s penalty area presence? The return of key player Enzo Martinez. Suspended after a red card in the Independence’s playoff game against the Rochester Rhinos last fall, Martinez had to sit out last Saturday’s game with the Battery.

After recording nine goals and five assists a season ago to earn USL All-League First Team honors and be nominated as a finalist for the USL Most Valuable Player award, Martinez’s presence should be a big boost against an Orlando side that is coming off its best performance of the young season on Tuesday night.

Another player who could be a bigger factor is forward Casey Townsend, acquired toward the end of preseason on loan from FC Cincinnati. The experienced striker came off the bench against Charleston, but could be in line for his first start against OCB.

“His ability in the box and his movement in the box and his ability to finish gives us a little bit of a different dimension in terms of playing a true No. 9,” Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries told Mahoney. “He’s only been here a little over a week. He’s still trying to get used to how we play, but I feel like he’s picked things up quickly.”


Charlotte Independence midfielder Enzo Martinez is set to return on Saturday - File photo courtesy Terry O'Neil / Pittsburgh Riverhounds

With expectations high after securing the club’s first playoff berth a season ago, the Independence are eager to right the ship.

“It was a tough result against Charleston,” Estrada told Mahoney. “This is a team that has tough character and I think we will rebound back.”

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