By Billy McGee
October 1, 2024
Photo: Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC returns home to take on the last place Chicago Fire FC with a chance to clinch a playoff berth on Wednesday night. The two teams have faced off five times previously with Charlotte holding a 4-1 record against Chicago, winning the road match earlier this season (1-0) with an Ashley Westwood free kick.
Charlotte had a rough stretch coming out of the Leagues Cup, but have now returned to form. Prior to the Leagues Cup, The Crown had a three-match road trip with a 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati, a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew, and a 2-2 draw against Austin FC. In the four matches following the Leagues Cup, Charlotte tied the New York Red Bulls (1-1) and then went on a three-match losing streak against Atlanta United, CF Montréal and Orlando City SC. They bounced back with a 4-0 win over the New England Revolution in the club’s highest scoring output of the season. On Saturday, they survived another 1-1 draw on the road holding off the Supporters’ Shield leaders, Inter Miami, led by a strong defensive performance by newly extended goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
Charlotte’s defense has been nothing short of stellar this season led by Kahlina and a back four that has primarily been made up of a rotation featuring Nathan Byrne, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, Tim Ream, and Jere Uronen. Charlotte has allowed just 34 goals in 31 matches, the second best mark in MLS. They shouldn’t have much trouble with Chicago’s attack who are tied with the fourth fewest goals scored in the league with 37.
Unfortunately, Charlotte’s attack has struggled as well this season. Patrick Agyemang leads the team in goals with eight, followed by wingers Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada with six and five respectively. They’ll need to take advantage of Chicago’s weak defense which has allowed 55 goals in 32 matches this season.
Charlotte will need to keep their defensive form and create more quality chances in the attack. Against Inter Miami, Charlotte faced 21 total shots (eight of which were on target) and allowed just one goal. However, the attack managed just nine total shots with only two being on goal, as they relied heavily on the counter in the second half. If Charlotte can put together another performance like they showcased against New England, they should have no problem coming out of this match with three points.
The Crown have performed well at home this season with a 7-3-5 record at Bank of America Stadium, while Chicago has struggled on the road at 2-9-5. Currently seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, Charlotte could clinch a playoff berth with a win against Chicago. They could also clinch with a draw or a loss, but would need to rely on a multitude of scenarios to go their way.
Charlotte FC will take on Chicago Fire FC at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available, and the match will air live on Apple TV MLS Season Pass.
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