By Billy McGee
October 5, 2024
Photo: Charlotte FC
After securing a spot in the MLS Playoffs with a 4-3 win over Chicago, Charlotte FC will take on CF Montréal in their final home match of the regular season. The sixth meeting between the two teams and the second this season, Charlotte has not won any of the previous matchups against Montréal, including a 2-1 road loss earlier in September.
Charlotte is coming off an impressive four-goal performance against Chicago on Wednesday night, tying a season high for goals, but uncharacteristically allowing three goals, also tying a season high. Karol Świderski and Pep Biel were both included in the MLS Team of the Matchday for their performances. Świderski had two goals, scoring and assisting on a third while Pep Biel assisted on two of Charlotte’s goals and led the team with six shots, including one that hit the crossbar.
Montréal is in excellent form with a five-match unbeaten streak, coming off a 2-1 win over Atlanta United, keeping them alive in the race for a top seven spot in the MLS Eastern Conference. Montréal’s current unbeaten streak started with the previous matchup with Charlotte.
The Crown have a couple things going for them heading into the matchup. First, they are figuring things out with their attack, scoring nine goals over their previous three matches. Świderski has scored three goals in the last two and Liel Abada has scored a goal in each of his last two home outings. Meanwhile, Montréal is tied for third-most goals allowed in MLS this season with 62, although they have held their opponents to just one goal over the past three matches.
Charlotte’s defense will have their hands full with Josef Martínez, who has scored in each of Montreal’s three previous wins, including back-to-back braces against Atlanta United and the San Jose Earthquakes. Caden Clark has also scored in three of the previous five matches, including the one against Charlotte on September 14.
The Crown have been stellar at home this season with a record of 8-3-5, while Montréal has struggled on the road at 3-8-5. This matchup also has big playoff implications for both sides as Charlotte currently sits in seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference and Montréal is in eighth– just five points behind Charlotte. A win or a draw would guarantee a finish inside the top seven, avoiding a play-in scenario. The fourth seed in the Eastern Conference side of the MLS Playoffs is also still in play for Charlotte, but they will need things to go their way with Orlando City SC, New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, in addition to winning each of their final two matches.
The upper bowl will be open for the first time since the match against Inter Miami on July 1. The first fans in the building will also receive a Charlotte FC T-shirt celebrating Fan Appreciation Week.
The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 (purchase tickets here) and will stream live on Apple TV MLS Season Pass.
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