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If you are the Charlotte Independence this is exactly what you are looking for: win today and you are almost, almost in the playoffs. And depending on other results this weekend, the Independence could qualify. And as they make their first trip to Missouri to take on Saint Louis FC the goal is clear. Grab a result.
Bottom line: there is everything still to play for
The Eastern Conference Table
Points | Games Played | Win | Loss | Draw | |
Rochester Rhinos | 54 | 25 | 15 | 1 | 9 |
Louisville City FC | 48 | 26 | 14 | 6 | 6 |
New York Red Bulls II | 42 | 27 | 12 | 9 | 6 |
Charleston Battery | 40 | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
Charlotte Independence | 40 | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
Richmond Kickers | 37 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 10 |
Pittsburgh Riverhounds | 36 | 25 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
Harrisburg City Islanders | 35 | 25 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
FC Montreal | 28 | 27 | 8 | 15 | 4 |
Saint Louis FC | 27 | 26 | 6 | 11 | 9 |
Toronto FC II | 22 | 25 | 6 | 15 | 4 |
Wilmington Hammerheads FC | 17 | 26 | 3 | 15 | 8 |
What to Watch For
1) The Glass Half Empty: Yes, Charlotte could clinch a berth tonight (depending on other results) but they still will need to do it on the road and despite for good the season has gone, they have just two wins away from home. They are playing a Saint Louis FC team that is 13 points behind them in the table and has not won since August 20. Despite all of that, Charlotte has struggled away from home and will need to find a way through to grab a result tonight.
2) The Glass Half Full: Sure, Charlotte only has two wins on the road this year, but they have also only suffered four defeats away from home. Putting that in context, only three teams in USL (Rochester Rhinos, Louisville City FC and Sacramento Republic FC) have lost fewer games on the road then Charlotte. So maybe they are not winning every game, but they are not losing all that much on the road. Results in 8 of 12 on the road? Not all that bad.
Officiating Assignments
Referee: Bernhard Hosu
Assistant Referees: Shane Kennard and Stephen Hoffmeister
Fourth Official: Aaron Schumacher
How to Watch
Match Date/Time: Saturday, September 12 at 6:30 PM MDT
Venue: World Wide Technology Soccer Park--Fenton, Missouri
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