The Hailstorm are off to Charlotte for the second time in five matches.
Northern Colorado makes their second and last trip of the season to Charlotte to take on the Independence tomorrow. Charlotte have picked up 10 points from their last five matches, which includes a current three game unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Northern Colorado holds at least a game in hand on most of the league, if not two on most teams, having only played four games. In those four they have picked up four points but with the games in hand have room to move up in the standings.
Entering Wednesday Charlotte has the joint leading goal scorer in USL League One with Tresor Mbuyu. Mbuyu has found the back of the net four times so far this campaign, in addition to an assist against the Hailstorm in the clubs previous meeting. Creating the chances for Mbuyu are Ayrton Paez and Miguel Ibarra, who each sit amongst the top chance creators in the league. Behind in goal, Adrián Zendejas, has kept one clean sheet so far this season and 11 saves.
Northern Colorado come in having last played in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Union Omaha last Wednesday. Irvin Parra has found the goal twice in the four games so far this season, including a penalty kick that he drew and converted against Charlotte last time there. Parra and Jerry Desdunes have been the best creators of chances going forward with 1.75 chances each per match.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. MDT at the American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Expect a warm one with it being around 85 at kickoff with few clouds. The game, as with all USL League One, will be broadcast on ESPN+.