Soccer Game Preview: Garinger vs. Independence

Garinger is 0-10 against Independence since March of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. The Wildcats will host the Patriots at 5:30 p.m. Garinger will be strutting in after a win while Independence will be coming in after a loss.

Garinger made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Ashbrook, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Wildcats' defense stepped up to hand the Greenwave a 5-0 shutout on Wednesday. The result was nothing new for Garinger, who have now won six matchups by three goals or more so far this season.

They hit Ashbrook with a three-pronged attack, as the team got scores from Eylin Granados Mejia (3), Mylie Mendoza, and Jessica Pastrana.

Meanwhile, Independence was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They came up short against Charlotte Catholic, falling 9-0. While losing is never fun, Independence can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina soccer rankings (they are ranked 316th, while Charlotte Catholic are ranked first).

Garinger's victory ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 6-7-1. As for Independence, their loss dropped their record down to 2-7.

Garinger suffered a grim 9-0 defeat to Independence in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Wildcats have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other soccer content.