By Billy McGee
May 16, 2025
Photo: Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC lost two disappointing games in a row to extend their MLS losing streak to four, falling 2-1 to Nashville SC and 3-1 to Orlando City SC. The losses drop them to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.
The current losing streak is Charlotte’s longest winless run since the four games following the 2024 Leagues Cup. During that stretch, they drew with the New York Red Bulls before losing three straight to Atlanta United, CF Montréal, and Orlando City, scoring just three goals in those matches.
Charlotte’s recent struggles have been marked by a failure to capitalize on scoring chances. Over the four-game span, they’ve managed just 11 shots on target. They accumulated more expected goals (xG) than their opponents in all but the Columbus match, but failed to convert key opportunities.
Defensively, the team has been plagued by uncharacteristic mistakes — leaving players unmarked and allowing runners to get in behind the back line. These issues have been compounded by the absence of first-choice fullbacks Nathan Byrne and Souleyman Doumbia, both sidelined with injuries.
“I think we’re going through a rough patch, because it’s like we’ve got to continue playing, we’ve got to continue doing what we’re doing because we look dangerous,” said Wilfried Zaha in the post-game press conference following the loss to Orlando. “It’s just, I think defensively we just need to plug a few holes and I think it’ll get better.”
The Crown Remain Winless in Nashville
Charlotte went to Nashville seeking their first-ever win at GEODIS Park and had the chances to secure one. They forced two one-on-one saves from goalkeeper Joe Willis in the 12th and 47th minutes before Liel Abada opened the scoring in the 48th minute, capitalizing on a turnover created by their high press.
However, the lead didn’t last long. Nashville struck back quickly, scoring twice before the 55th minute. The equalizer came just one minute after Charlotte’s goal, with Hany Mukhtar volleying home after a quick throw-in caught the Crown off guard. The second came when Jacob Shaffelburg was left unmarked between Tim Ream and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, giving him space to slot past Kristijan Kahlina at the near post.
“That’s probably the most disappointed I’ve been on the road this season, because it’s a game that we’ve given away,” said head coach Dean Smith following the match. “The ball goes out and we allow them to throw it into our box and give a really, really poor goal away. And the second was just as poor. If you give goals away like that, then you’re not going to get wins when you travel.”
Failed Redemption Against Orlando
After the 2-1 loss in Nashville, Charlotte traveled to face Orlando City SC in a midweek match. The two sides met five times last season, most notably in the playoffs, which Orlando won. Charlotte lost all three matches at Inter&Co Stadium in 2024 by a combined score of 5-1.
With nine matches in May, Charlotte had to rotate the squad to maintain fitness. Against Orlando, Dean Smith opted for a 3-4-3 formation instead of the usual 4-3-3. Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, and Tim Ream formed the back three, while Marshall-Rutty moved into midfield. Nick Scardina, who started against Nashville, began the match on the bench.
Orlando scored early, with Luis Muriel sneaking a shot past Kahlina in the 8th minute. Martín Ojeda added a second in the 24th minute after a clearance and blocked shot fell to him at the top of the box, and he placed it just beyond Kahlina’s reach.
Zaha pulled one back in the 34th minute with a goal from just outside the box, threading a shot between two defenders and past Pedro Gallese. It was only his second goal from open play this season. Orlando sealed the 3-1 win in the 82nd minute, as Ramiro Enrique broke through the back line on a through ball, taking a touch to bypass Ream, and firing it past Kahlina.
While Charlotte held Orlando to just 10 shots, six were on target — and they made them count.
Returning Home
The Crown returns home next to face Chicago Fire FC, a team they beat twice last season: a 1-0 road win at Soldier Field and a thrilling 4-3 home victory during their playoff push.
Chicago is coming off a strong 2-1 win over Atlanta United. Hugo Cuypers converted a 14th-minute penalty after a handball, but an own goal in the 80th minute allowed Atlanta to equalize. Rominigue Kouamé scored the winner in the 86th minute, tapping in a cutback pass. The Fire generated 2.9 xG on 18 shots, with eight on target.
Charlotte’s struggling defense will have to deal with a Chicago team that may be finding its rhythm — especially Cuypers, the league’s third-leading scorer. The Crown must limit the quality of chances they allow and avoid conceding easy shots on target. Just as importantly, they need to improve their finishing. Their current skid is largely due to a lack of clinical execution in front of goal.
A return to Bank of America Stadium, where Charlotte has won five of six this season, could offer a crucial lift after a grueling four-match road stretch.
The match against Chicago Fire FC is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, and will be available to stream on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass.
U.S. Open Cup
Following the home clash with Chicago, Charlotte will travel again — this time to face D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.
D.C. is coming off a 0-0 draw with New York City FC, managing just five shots while facing 17. They will play Nashville SC this weekend before taking on Charlotte. A win over D.C. United would send Charlotte to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals for the first time in club history.
The match will be played on Wednesday, May 21, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. and streaming available on Paramount+.
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