Eleven, Independence settle for point each in Matthews

Photo credit: Jared Allen/Charlotte Independence

Sometimes a nil-nil scoreline isn’t indicative of a match’s excitement level. Other times, unfortunately, it looks every bit the part.

Saturday evening at the Sportsplex at Matthews the latter type of stalemate developed, with the Indy Eleven and Charlotte Independence settling for a point each from the snoozefest. The final stats were fairly even, and fairly ugly: Charlotte held a tiny edge in possession at 52-48 percent, but didn’t put a single shot on target. Indy only had two shots on frame, hardly troubling the hosts as well.

As difficult on the eyes as the match was to behold, it didn’t lack action entirely.

Indy left midfielder Tyler Pasher linked up with forward Jack McInerney to create one of the few dangerous opportunities for either side in the first half which nearly produced a cheeky tally. Pasher served in a low cross to the near post to McInerney’s feet in traffic, but Jack Mac’s backheel attempt was blocked. Neither team had much to boast about at the break.

In the 68th minute, Pasher darted forward with a series of dribbles and found enough space for a shot, but didn’t get all of it as his attempt trickled wide of frame.

The Independence surely thought they’d opened the scoring when Joel Johnson played a ball in from the end line in the 72nd minute. His astute pass found an open Jorge Herrera a little outside the six-yard box, but his shot that appeared destined for the back of the net struck the underside of the crossbar instead, allowing Indy to clear danger.

Photo credit: Jared Allen/Charlotte Independence

What the match lacked in imagination it tried to make up for with a subplot, but even that proved uneventful and left a lot to be desired. Independence striker Eamon Zayed faced his former club in just his second appearance of the season after having to wait for approval of his P-1 visa.

For the second game in a row, Zayed came off the bench and barely touched the ball. He and his teammates seem to be gelling at a snail’s pace in his limited minutes thus far. Zayed is a classic box striker who requires service, and he simply hasn’t gotten it — or anything close to it — yet. He attempted and completed just one pass on the night. The Independence will learn the hard way if they continue to be unable to funnel the ball to their Irish-Libyan striker, as Zayed simply doesn’t do enough “other things” outside of poaching to positively impact matches if he isn’t getting opportunities near goal.

For Indy, solid shifts by midfielders Matt Watson and Tyler Pasher were worthy of man of the match consideration. A case could be made for goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams or a defender for securing a road clean sheet, but the backline simply wasn’t tested enough to deserve too many accolades. Watson was smooth in his pitch generalship, changing the point of attack when needed while making few errors. Pasher caused several headaches with his pace, dribbling ability and service.

Central midfielder Kevan George was one of the few bright spots for Charlotte. He completed an impressive 71 total passes and 13 long passes, while also winning nine of 14 duels. Defensively, he contributed five tackles, four interceptions and two clearances.

Indy will get the chance to avenge its lone loss of the season Wednesday at home against FC Cincinnati. The two Eastern Conference powerhouses both played Saturday, so it’ll be interesting to see how head coaches Martin Rennie and Alan Koch manage their rotations on short rest.

The Independence will enjoy a full week off before heading south to face the Charleston Battery on the road Saturday.

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

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