Studs Up Soccer – FC Cincinnati match primer: Charlotte Independence

Photo Credit: Chris Asbrock/FTI Sports

by Chris Asbrock

FC Cincinnati vs Charlotte Independence
7:00 pm EST
Nippert Stadium

Charlotte (3-3-3, 12 points, 12th Eastern Conference)
FC Cincinnati (4-5-3, 15 points, 7th Eastern Conference)

The 2017 USL season isn’t exactly going in the direction the club and fans expected thus far based off the season the club had last year. The organization believes this is a championship team this year and the expectations are as such. However, with the dismissal of Manager John Harkes just before the team left for preseason workouts, the club is still looking to get into their own. That seems to be where the boys in orange and blue are headed.

Heading into last weeks game at Rochester, FC Cincinnati had won two games in a row. It was the decision of Manager Alan Koch to rest some players and get some others much needed minutes, that was the downfall in Rochester. The rest was much needed and the minutes were needed as well as FCC heads into a crucial three game stretch at home.

The crucial stretch starts tonight with a game against the Charlotte Independence. This is a very dangerous game as it is just days a few days ahead of the much anticipated US Open Cup match against MLS side, Columbus Crew SC. The Independence are a sneaky team who have done some damage thus far this season. While their record doesn’t reflect it, this is a solid club. In their last five games, the Independence are a solid 2-1-2, including big wins over NYRB II and Orlando City B.

Enzo Martinez leads the Independence with four goals in only seven appearances on the season. Another scorer is Jorge Herrara, who has bagged three goals thus far on the season. On the flip side, FC Cincinnati is lead by Djiby Fall, who scored six goals in his six games so far. Fall was suspended for six USL games by the league for an alleged biting incident against Louisville City FC in late April. While Fall has been able to play in US Open Cup matches, tonight marks the first game Fall can play in the league with the suspension now over.

Over that six game suspension, FC Cincinnati went 2-1-3, which was much better than expected. The club did acquire forward Danni Konig from OKC Engery FC on May 10 to supplement the lost scoring from Fall’s suspension. Konig has helped out, scoring three goals so far this season. The return of Fall makes things interesting for Alan Koch and how he decides to choose his lineup. One thing is certain, if FC Cincinnati overlook Charlotte, while looking ahead to the Crew, it could be a very disappointing night for the club and fans.

There is an expectation that the crowd tonight could surpass 20,000 once again. With the Crew on the horizon and a visit from the Eastern Conference leading Charleston Battery next weekend, the club is looking to surpass 60,000 over these three matches. The club has always performed well in front of the large crowds and tonight should be the same. Things are seemingly headed in the right direction for FC Cincinnati and Charlotte so three points tonight would be huge for both clubs.

You can watch the full Rochester v FC Cincinnati match below: