Enzo Martinez helping spur Charlotte Independence’s strong start

Following a loss to Cincinnati on April 9, Charlotte Independence soccer coach Mike Jeffries decided to throw Enzo Martinez into the starting 11.

Smart move.

Independence started the USL Pro season with losses in two of its first three games, but has won four and drawn two in the six contests since Martinez slotted into his preferred No. 10 position just behind the striker. Martinez has been a central figure in the unbeaten run that has pushed Charlotte into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference. Martinez scored in three consecutive games – all wins – during one two-week stretch.

“From the start of the year my whole thought is when you get your opportunity, you take advantage of it,” he said after Thursday’s training session.

Jeffries lauded Martinez for keeping a good mindset even when he wasn’t starting at the season’s onset.

Charlotte was set to host Cincinnati on Saturday, but the game was postponed due to expected wet weather in the area, and poor field conditions. No makeup date has been announced.

When the sides do meet, the Independence will look much different from the two teams’ first meeting, but beyond that, Martinez said there is a different vibe around the club in its second season as a more settled – but still plenty talented – roster begins to gel. The reaction to draws at Wilmington and Rochester were indicative of the team’s new mindset.

“We go away to two really hard places and get two points and we come off the field pissed off,” Martinez said. “We wanted the three points, we were fighting for the three points. In the past I feel like you leave those places happy with a point and that’s not us anymore.”

Martinez was at the height of his game after leaving the University of North Carolina as an NCAA national champion in 2011, but a couple of fruitless years with MLS side Real Salt Lake dimmed his career. It’s safe to say the Uruguayan is back at full tilt.

“I never doubted myself, or anyone. Every player here is ready for that,” said Martinez. “But it felt good to be able to contribute with the goals.”

Henry Kalungi off to strong start in 2016

Former Winthrop standout Henry Kalungi tore his ACL in a Richmond Kickers game on July 31, 2014. After nearly an entire year out and a patchy, partial 2015 season, he’s started all nine league games for Charlotte this spring.

“It wasn’t easy being injured,” said Kalungi, who rehabbed almost daily at Winthrop Coliseum over the winter. “I’ve put in so much work and a lot of people have pushed me. It’s a blessing to be back and working with the team and the position we’re in right now.”

Kalungi has formed a strong partnership in the back with Bilal Duckett. Independence has kept clean sheets in four of its last five matches.

“Henry’s been a very solid defensive stalwart,” said Jeffries. “He does a great job for us in terms of physicality, winning balls and defending one-on-one situations.”

Kalungi returned to action mid-summer in 2015 but didn’t completely establish himself in the starting 11, playing some at right back and coming off the bench on other occasions. His strong start to 2016 should see him reenter the fold with the Uganda national team; Kalungi has made 15 appearances for his native country. It also strengthens the likelihood that the Independence’s positive start won’t fade in the warmer months.

“It’s great for us,” said Martinez, about Kalungi’s emergence. “Both centerbacks are clicking, clean sheets, we’re very physical at the back. Things are aligning for us.”

Alex Martinez itching to return to full action

Alex Martinez cut a forlorn figure during Thursday’s rainy and gray training session at Ramblewood Park in Charlotte. During the practice-ending scrimmage, he was confined to an alley along the sideline; players couldn’t enter the alley and he wasn’t allowed to leave.

“That’s the most frustrating, when you can’t get involved and touch the ball any time you want to,” said Martinez, who was a regular starter for Independence last season.

But it’s the present reality for the former Northwestern and N.C. State standout, who broke his ankle in January and only recently returned to training.

“It’s just one of those injuries, it takes time,” said Jeffries.

Martinez had two different cleats on during Thursday’s training. When he fractured his left ankle, trainers had to cut his shoe off because of the sudden swelling. Martinez autographed the boot and gave it away to a little kid.

“I’m not ready for any type of game yet, but it just feels good to be out, feeling like a player again,” he said.

Asa Kryst waiting for his chance

Former South Carolina Gamecock and Fort Mill product Asa Kryst tried out with the Independence on the advice of his agent in early March and was signed by the club several weeks ago.

“Hometown team,” said Kryst, “I figured I’d give it a shot.”

Kryst graduated from South Carolina in December, following a four-year soccer career. He’s currently living at home in Fort Mill.

“Get free food that way,” Kryst said, grinning.

The powerful, athletic attacking player may not make much of an impact immediately for the Independence; he hasn’t made a competitive appearance yet. But the club sees Kryst as a prospect to develop for the long run, one for the future, an assessment that Kryst himself agrees with.

“He’s got really good one-on-one ability and can be a difference maker in the final third (of the field) with his individual skill level,” said Jeffries. “He’s a young player that because of those qualities has a good upside.”

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 4:07 PM with the headline "Enzo Martinez helping spur Charlotte Independence’s strong start."