Opponents may change, but Charlotte Independence philosophy remains the same.

Top of the Eastern Conference isn’t an unfamiliar position for the Jacks (2-0-1, 7 points), but they have never sat first so early in a season. Their first road test comes in Nashville (No. 7 in the East 1-1-1, 4 points) on April 7 against a side they have never faced before.

“Nashville is a new team, but they’ve had a few games,” coach Mike Jeffries said. “We have a sense of what they look to do, and how they want to play. They’re a really good group, and certainly have been super organized defensively, and have done a good job limiting opponents’ chances in all the games that they’ve had. It poses a good challenge for us on the road.”

Nashville’s inaugural USL win came last week in a 1-0 win against Bethlehem. Striker Michael Cox converted a sixth-minute penalty kick, their only goal of the season. It marked the second clean sheet for goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Their loss came was against No. 3 Louisville, 2-0 in the season opener.

Midfielder Lebo Moloto has proven instrumental for Nashville. The 27-year-old South African has completed 90-of-114 passes (78.9 percent), as well as 9-of-12 long passes (75 percent).

“Going forward, they have a lot of different guys who can play as No. 9 or underneath,” Jeffries said. “Moloto has been very good for them in terms of his movement, finding the game and being the creative engine for their group. We’ll have to be alert for him for sure.”

Similar to Moloto for Charlotte is midfielder Yann Ekra, 27. The Ivory Coast native has completed 111-of-132 passes (84.1 percent) and 8-of-11 long passes (72.7 percent) to play a role in four of Charlotte’s eight goals.

Striker Jorge Herrera remains key for the Jacks up top. The 38-year-old has scored in each game for the Jacks, and leads the league with four goals.

“He has a lot of experience,” said Charlotte striker Caleb Calvert, 21, who has started alongside Herrera in each match. “He teaches me a lot by just watching him. Getting to play with him and getting to be a part of that is something special.”

Charlotte has allowed 6-of-33 shots on target, while putting 15-of-37 on frame.

“We’re really good going forward, but one thing we could be a little bit better at times is just being a little bit more patient,” Calvert said. “It doesn’t always have to be forced. We don’t always have to go straight forward. We can knock it around, move it side to side and break down teams.”

While the duo of Calvert and Herrera up top has not changed, injury has led to changes at center back. Donnie Smith’s groin injury in training kept him out of the lineup against Atlanta. Jung-Soo Lee replaced him at center back, but he’s not entirely healthy, either. Defender Henry Kalungi, who re-signed with the Jacks following the season opener, has paired with center back Bilal Duckett for several seasons. While the Ugandan international missed preseason, his match fitness may be tested sooner than anticipated if Smith and Lee do not travel.

“We’re still sorting the lineup stuff out,” Jeffries said. “It’s been a group that does feel we have depth, and other guys can step up at any point when they are needed. One of the key surprises for us has been that Sam has played well and consistently at left back, and that has opened up some other possibilities for us. At center back, it’s early season, so it’s not desperate time to have to establish ourselves, and have to have a definitive group. Certainly, as time goes on over the year, we would look to do that a little more.”

Said Kalungi: “As a team, we’re going to focus on giving our best. I have the opportunity to come back and play. Hopefully the coach names me on Saturday. I’ve been ready. …. I’m excited, because now I feel my body is moving very well. Most importantly, as a team everyone wants to win. We know what is at stake.”

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