USL Cup: Charlotte Independence Set for Marquee Clash with Pittsburgh Riverhounds
- Staff Writer
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One of the most anticipated matchups of the Prinx Tires USL Cup group stage arrives at American Legion Memorial Stadium this Friday, as the Charlotte Independence host the reigning USL Championship titleholders, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
With both clubs currently perfect in cup play, Friday’s result will likely determine who takes the inside track toward the knockout stages in a high-stakes Group 6 battle.
A Battle for Group 6 Supremacy
The USL Cup is heating up in its second round of group play. Currently, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and the Charleston Battery are locked in a three-way tie at the top of Group 6, each with three points.
With only seven group winners and one wild card advancing to the knockout rounds, every goal matters. For Charlotte, this match represents an opportunity to prove they can compete with the elite of the USL Championship.
Last Time Out: Building Momentum
Both sides enter the weekend in peak form following clinical performances in league and cup play:
The Jacks: Charlotte picked up their first league win of the season last Saturday, a 3-1 victory over Corpus Christi FC. Goals from Enzo Martinez, Jefferson Amaya, and Luis Alvarez powered the offense, while goalkeeper Matt Levy recorded four saves to push the team back above the playoff line.
The Hounds: Pittsburgh returns to North Carolina fresh off a massive 2-0 road win against Louisville City FC. Trevor Amann and Samuel Bassett provided the scoring for the Riverhounds, who currently sit fifth in the USL Championship table.
Players to Watch
Charlotte Independence:
Enzo Martinez: The veteran is on a legendary "heater," scoring in three consecutive matches. He recently celebrated his 100th career professional goal at Corpus Christi and was named Player of the Round for his performance against Richmond.
Matt Levy: A wall in the net, Levy currently ranks second in USL League One with 25 saves.
Jon Bakero: The playmaker remains a constant threat, sitting second in the league with three assists.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds:
Trevor Amann & Albert Dikwa: This "two-headed monster" has already combined for nine goals across all competitions this season. Amann enters the match in soaring form after a brace in Pittsburgh’s USL Cup opener against Greenville.
Match Details & Fan Experience
The Independence are celebrating Salute to Sacrifice Night, offering several fan-focused perks following a successful seven-point week:
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium
Tickets: Available for just $7 (three-day flash sale)
What to Wear: The Jacks will be debuting their Red Homage Kit.
Promotions: The first 500 fans will receive a commemorative challenge coin, with post-game fireworks scheduled (weather permitting).
Match Snapshot: By The Numbers
Category | Charlotte Independence (USL1) | Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USLC) |
Record | 3-2-2 | 4-4-1 |
League Standing | 8th (USL League One) | 5th (USL Championship) |
USL Cup Points | 3 (Group 6) | 3 (Group 6) |
Key Scorer | Enzo Martinez (100th career goal) | Trevor Amann (Cup Brace) |
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