April 7, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, N.C. – Coming off its extra time defeat at Loudoun United FC in the U.S. Open Cup, North Carolina FC returns home to face top of the table Charlotte Independence in the Dogwood Derby. Kickoff is set for Saturday, April 8, at 7:00 PM ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets can be purchased here. You can watch the match, and all 2023 USL League One matches on ESPN+. You can also follow all of the action on North Carolina FC social platforms (@NorthCarolinaFC).
Scouting Charlotte Independence
Through the first three weeks of the USL League One season, no team has been more impressive than Charlotte Independence. Independence currently sit atop the league table, picking up wins against Richmond Kickers and South Georgia Tormenta FC. Independence also drew with Richmond to open the season.
Playing in a 4-4-2, Independence have had a very potent attack, scoring a league high 5 goals from 44 shots, also a league high. Unlike its in-state counterparts, Independence doesn’t favor a high possession style game, averaging just 42.83% possession. However, manager Mike Jeffries still has the team playing an attacking style, averaging around 134 passes in the opposition half, 21 touches in the opposition box, and 50 passes into the final third per game.
Independence’s best result of the season was a 3-1 road win over reigning League One champions Tormenta FC. Charlotte struck early, opening the scoring in the 6th minute. Tormenta would level the score in first half stoppage time, but 60th and 83th minute goals helped Independence seal the 3 points.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – Midfielder Jaden Servania
Named to the USL League One Team of the Week for his performance against Tormenta FC, Jaden Servania has gotten off to a good start in 2023. His free kick led to the Lexington own goal in NCFC’s second match of the season, and he scored off the bench against Loudoun United in the U.S. Open Cup. Like many of NCFC’s attackers, Servania has a lot of positional flexibility that makes him hard to defend. While he is traditionally deployed in the center behind the striker, Servania will drift out wide as well as make darting runs in behind the opposition defensive line.
Charlotte Independence – Forward Dane Kelly
After spending the 2022 season with Pittsburgh Riverhounds, “King Kelly” returned to Charlotte Independence where he spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In his first stint with…