By Billy McGee
November 15, 2025
After a season full of ups and downs, Charlotte FC has been eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs in Round One for the second consecutive season. Despite the disappointing ending, Charlotte improved on the success they had in Dean Smith’s first year tallying 59 points and finishing in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, giving them home field advantage in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Good
Idan Toklomati
The emergence of Idan Toklomati was perhaps the brightest development of the 2025 season for the future of Charlotte FC. The 21-year-old striker made just one appearance in 2024 and began this season as the backup to Patrick Agyemang. He took over as the starting striker in May against Orlando, filling in while Agyemang was away with the United States Men’s National Team. Toklomati went on to start every match he played for the remainder of the season following Agyemang’s transfer to Derby County.
In 19 starts and 11 appearances off the bench, Toklomati scored 11 goals, including the second hat trick in Charlotte FC history in a win over Inter Miami. He finished just one goal shy of Karol Świderski’s club record of 12 goals in a single season.
Pep Biel
The 2025 season also saw Charlotte finally secure a true impact No. 10 in Pep Biel, who looked like one of the best midfielders in Major League Soccer before injuries cut his campaign short. The 29-year-old Spaniard became the first player in Charlotte FC history to record double-digit goals and assists in a single season, reaching the milestone with a goal against Atlanta United in July.
Biel suffered a hamstring injury against Chivas in Leagues Cup play, sidelining him for a month. He returned for two substitute appearances before a knee tendon injury forced him out for the remainder of the season.
Wilfried Zaha
The signing of Wilfried Zaha prior to the season was one of the most anticipated moves of the transfer window. It took some time for him to fully adjust, but Zaha ultimately had a major impact on Charlotte FC’s success. The 33-year-old delivered the club’s first true taste of a superstar talent, finishing the campaign with 10 goals and 10 assists — the best output Charlotte has ever received from a designated player, and making him and Pep Biel the only players in club history to record double-digit goals and assists in a single season.
Zaha’s ability to get under opponents’ skin was also unmistakable. He was fouled 125 times, the most in a single season in MLS history.
The impact of all three players built toward the defining moment of the season. Starting with a home match against New York City FC on July 12, the Crown ripped off a nine-match win streak, tying a league record with a victory over Inter Miami on September 13. The run launched Charlotte from 10th to third in the Eastern Conference, securing a top-four finish.
The Bad
Charlotte went through stretches of the season where they struggled, including a 12-game span prior to their winning streak in which they went 2-9-1, falling to 10th in the standings. During this period, there was little continuity along the back line due to injuries and Tim Ream’s absence while he was away with the USMNT.
In the playoff series against NYCFC, Charlotte managed to score just one goal and lost both home games, despite dropping only three of 17 home matches during the regular season. In the final match of the series, Charlotte put only one shot on target out of their 16 attempts.
The Crown’s attack became one-dimensional without Biel, who brings a level of creativity in the midfield that no one else in the squad possesses. In his absence, the attack ran primarily through Zaha, but when opponents were able to contain him, they effectively halted a Charlotte offense that lacked additional playmakers.
As much as Zaha delivered as a designated player, Liel Abada fell short. Despite being one of the highest-paid players on the team, the 24-year-old winger left much to be desired, starting just 17 of his 32 appearances and contributing five goals and two assists. As the season progressed, Dean Smith increasingly favored Kerwin Vargas opposite Zaha instead of Abada.
What’s Next?
Charlotte will need to bolster their roster in the transfer market if they want to build on their recent success under Dean Smith. While there are several areas to address, none is more urgent than center back. The Crown’s star defender, Adilson Malanda, has played his final game for the club, departing to join Middlesbrough FC in the EFL Championship. Rumors suggest that Charlotte is among the teams interested in acquiring 33-year-old Real Madrid defender David Alaba.
They could also look to the transfer market to add some depth to the attack. As previously mentioned, if Biel is out, the club lacks creativity in the middle and could look to address that by signing an attacking minded midfielder. Charlotte will also likely add a traditional midfielder or defensive midfielder to the squad for depth as Eryk Williamson and Djibril Diani are not under contract past the 2025 season.
If the team chooses to move on from Abada, they could look to acquire a winger to compete for the starting position opposite Zaha. Moving on from Abada would also free up a designated player spot, giving Charlotte the flexibility to add a true difference-maker. With Biel set to occupy a designated player slot next season, a move off Abada could provide valuable roster construction flexibility.
Summer signings Harry Toffolo and Archie Goodwin will benefit greatly from having a full preseason to integrate with the team. Toffolo, who started at left back for the Crown down the stretch after returning from injury, could become a key contributor next season with a full offseason and preseason alongside his teammates. Goodwin, the 21-year-old Australian, joined as the backup center forward behind Toklomati and is still seeking his first goal with the team. He will be looking to earn more playing time in his first full season with Charlotte FC.
Some important offseason dates in MLS include the deadline to exercise player contract options on November 26, the start of free agency on December 10, and the MLS SuperDraft on December 18. Charlotte will likely use free agency to add depth to the squad and the SuperDraft to fill out the roster, with some players being assigned to Crown Legacy.
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