Gameday Previews - Wednesday, August 31

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 08/31/22, 4:30PM EDT

All three matches features clubs within two positions of each other in table

Charlotte Independence vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC

Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium; Charlotte, N.C.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Sunny, 86°
Broadcast: ESPN+
Hashtag: #CLTvTRM

The Charlotte Independence (8-8-6, 6th) are unbeaten all-time against South Georgia Tormenta FC (8-8-6, 7th) and will aim to keep it that way on Wednesday night. With both Charlotte and South Georgia even on points, wins and goal differential, a win by the Jacks would be enough to keep them above the playoff line. For Tormenta FC to end Wednesday in a playoff position, the Ibises will need to defeat the Independence for the first time or earn a draw and hope for a Madison loss in Omaha. With each side having won only once so far this month, Charlotte and South Georgia could both really use closing out August with three points.

CLT - Miguel Ibarra: Ibarra notched the 35th professional goal of his impressive 11-year career last Saturday. In addition to a trio of chances created, Ibarra completed 90% of his passes, 88% of his long balls and won 100% of his duels.

TRM - Kazaiah Sterling: Sterling recorded his third brace of the season in Tormenta FC’s 2-0 victory over Fuego FC last week. His three braces are tied with Richmond’s Emiliano Terzaghi for the league lead this season.

Union Omaha vs. Forward Madison FC

Venue: Werner Park; Papillion, Neb.
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 88°
Broadcast: ESPN+
Hashtag: #OMAvMAD

Meeting for the third time this season, Union Omaha (8-3-10, 3rd) will host Forward Madison FC (7-5-10, 5th) for the first time since October as both sides aim to improve their position in the upper half of the table. A potential winner in this contest - something neither side has achieved in the previous two meetings this season - would firmly position itself in third place heading into the weekend.

OMA - Noe Meza: Meza has made a strong case for League One Young Player of the Year with his team-leading eight goals in his first professional season.

MAD - Raiko Arozarena: Arozarena has been lights out since joining Madison on loan in July. The 'Mingos went from an average of 1.64 goals conceded per league match before Arozarena's arrival to 0.63 after.

Central Valley Fuego FC vs. FC Tucson

Venue: Fresno State Soccer Stadium; Fresno, Calif.
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Sunny, 97°
Broadcast: ESPN+
Hashtag: #CVvTUC

The second Western Clásico will see Central Valley Fuego FC (7-9-6, 9th) host FC Tucson (4-11-5, 11th) for the second time this season as both participants will be eager to string together some positive results as the season nears its end. While neither has been eliminated from postseason contention, Fuego FC and FC Tucson have accumulated a league-low four points in their last five matches.

CV - Ofek Antman: Should Antman make at least two saves, the Israeli 'keeper will have accumulated the second-most saves in the league this season. Antman's played a large role in Fuego FC's strong defensive presence.

TUC - Louis Perez: Perez scored his third goal in as many matches as FC Tucson played NCFC to a 1-1 draw last week. The Frenchman completed 89% of his passes and was perfect on his combined eight crosses and long balls.