USL Weekend: Independence seeks to extend winning streak

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Mar 31, 2018

The Charlotte Independence, which leads the overall USL standings with two wins and a 6-1 goal difference after Week 2, has a chance to wrap up March with a 3-0-0 record for the first time when it hosts expansion Atlanta United FC on Saturday.

An influx of new players has adapted quickly under veteran coach Mike Jeffries.

Caleb Calvert, one of four players on loan from MLS's Colorado Rapids, was named to the USL Team of the Week after he had a goal and assist in the 2-0 win over Toronto FC II.



Defender Sam Vines, 18, made the Team of the Week Bench. He returned to the Independence after the Rapids signed him to a Homegrown contract.

In all, eight of the 11 starters against TFC II have spent time on MLS rosters. They included Trinidadian Cordell Cato, who came over from the San Jose Earthquakes in the offseason, and Donnie Smith, who arrived from the New England Revolution.

Another Trinidadian, Kevan George, is back after missing last week's game while on international duty with the Soca Warriors against Martinique.