Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (23:30 UTC)
Venue: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews, Matthews, North Carolina, USA
Broadcast: Paramount+ (live streaming)
Weather Update
Typical late-March spring conditions in the Charlotte metro area forecast mild and pleasant evening soccer weather. Daytime highs in the low-to-mid 70s°F (22–24°C) will drop to the low-to-mid 60s°F (~17–18°C) by kickoff, with feels-like temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s. Light winds (5–10 mph from the south-southwest), humidity around 50–60%, and mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with zero chance of rain or severe weather. The artificial turf at the Sportsplex should play fast and true under these ideal, non-disruptive conditions.
Injury Report
No major injuries or suspensions reported for either club as of March 30. Charlotte Independence (USL League One) is expected to have a full squad available, with no key absences noted from recent cup or league updates. Charleston Battery (USL Championship) also enters healthy; rotational players from their First Round win remain fit. Both sides should field competitive lineups—final confirmation will come via official team channels or the U.S. Soccer site closer to kickoff.
Player Matchups to Watch
Charlotte Independence (USL League One hosts): Captain Clay Dimmick provides leadership and set-piece threat (opened the scoring in their 4-1 First Round win). Midfielder Enzo Martínez and forward Fabrice Ngah were clinical in the cup, while Viggo Ortiz and Javen Romero anchor the back line. The Jacks will rely on home energy, quick transitions, and exploiting any early Battery rust from travel.
Charleston Battery (USL Championship visitors): Forward Colton Swan is the man in form after a brace in the 2-1 First Round victory. Midfield creators Emilio Ycaza (veteran presence) and Jeremy Kelly supply width and service, while Douglas Martínez and Wesley Leggett offer proven Championship scoring punch. Defenders Langston Blackstock and Joey Akpunonu bring physicality and organization.
Overall edge: Charleston’s higher-tier experience, depth, and recent scoring form should control the midfield and wide channels, though Charlotte’s cup momentum and home crowd could create early chaos.
Team Records
Charlotte Independence: Early 2026 USL League One campaign shows modest results (approximately 0-1-0 or 1W-1D-1L range from limited matches played), placing them mid-to-lower table. They advanced with a commanding 4-1 First Round win over NPSL side Ristozi FC.
Charleston Battery: Strong 2026 USL Championship start with an unbeaten record (2W-0D-0L, excellent form). They advanced comfortably via a 2-1 First Round win over Florida Badgers FC.
Recent Team Forms
Charlotte Independence (last 4 competitive matches, including cup): W (4-1 vs Ristozi FC – Open Cup), plus early league results showing mixed but attacking output (goals from multiple players in recent outings). Form highlights: attacking flair at home but defensive vulnerabilities against higher-quality sides.
Charleston Battery (recent USL-C + cup): W (cup 2-1 vs Badgers FC), W (league), W (league). Explosive attack (multiple goal contributions from Swan, Kelly, and Ycaza) and solid defensive structure. Form: W-W-W (unbeaten streak carrying momentum).
Series History
This is the third meeting in recent years between these Southern Derby rivals. Charleston Battery won the most recent Open Cup encounter 1-0 after extra time in the 2023 Third Round (Nick Markanich golden goal). The last time Battery traveled to Charlotte (2021), however, Independence won 5-1 in league play. No other head-to-heads in the current era—expect a competitive, grudge-filled cup atmosphere.
MATCH ODDS
Charleston Independence + 475
Charleston Battery – 225
Draw + 340
Over 2.5 – 120 Under 2.5 + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, March 30, 2026
