USL Nashville SC

Three Things to Know: Nashville at Charlotte Independence

Published on August 16, 2019 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE - After collecting 13 points in its last five matches, Nashville Soccer Club takes its clean-sheet show on the road this Saturday, Aug. 17 against the Charlotte Independence. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT. Three matches in eight days threatened Nashville's unbeaten streak last week; however, the team managed to stay energized enough to pull out a 0-0 draw against Bethlehem Steel FC on Aug. 10. Now, the Boys in Gold will go for their sixth straight clean sheet as they battle for prime playoff position in the final third of the season.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw on May 18, 2019 at First Tennessee Park. An impressive individual effort from Charlotte's Dominic Oduro put the visitors up early in the 15' minute, but Nashville answered soon after. Lebo Moloto netted the equalizer after two rebounds were given up by Charlotte's goalkeeper.

A lot has changed for both sides since May 18. Injuries, roster movement and momentum will all come into play this Saturday. Here are the three things to know about the match.

1) Watch Party at Corner Pub Downtown

Can't make the trip to Charlotte? We've got you covered. Join Nashville SC captain Michael Reed and other NSC supporters at Corner Pub Downtown (151 5th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37219) starting at 5:30 p.m. Drink specials include $4 Mill Creek Goalden Ale and $8 NSC Teas (blue Long Island iced tea) for fans in attendance. Club representatives will be on hand with Nashville SC giveaways and a raffle for tickets to an upcoming home match.

2) Positive Trends

Nashville SC and the Charlotte Independence have met four times prior to this Saturday. While the score line hasn't always fallen in Nashville's favor, the team consistently boasts stronger stats. Despite two losses, one draw and just one win against Charlotte, Nashville has out possessed and out shot Charlotte in every meeting since April 2018 no matter the end result. Its largest possession margin was on July 11, 2018 when Nashville controlled 59.9% of the match and the largest shot margin was on May 18, 2019 when Nashville took 19 compared to Charlotte's four.

3) Sneaking Up in the Standings

So far in 2019, Nashville SC has not fallen lower than sixth place in the Eastern Conference which happened after back-to-back losses in Week 17 and 18 to North Carolina FC and the Louisville City FC. Since then, Nashville has been unstoppable. The club has racked up five wins and one draw, shooting Nashville up into third place in the Eastern Conference. Nashville SC is arguably the hottest club in the league right now and has protected its goal for 466 straight minutes. A win this weekend could launch the club over the Tampa Bay Rowdies into second place.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 16, 2019


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