Can Charlotte FC repeat its success against Columbus? Dean Smith shares his game plan
By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704
Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith spoke about playing the Columbus Crew. The two Eastern Conference clubs met earlier this year, with Charlotte FC beating the Crew 3-1. Smith noted the two goals in the first nine minutes as a big factor for the win: “We started the game extremely well, pressed them really well, won the ball back really well.”
Smith praised Columbus as a solid team that still got back into the game despite Charlotte going up early. Â
Since meeting Columbus last, the black and yellow went through an August slump, losing four straight MLS matches, including Charlotte. As The Crew approached September, they broke their losing streak with a 3-0 win over the Colorado Rapids.
Roster additions like former La Liga midfielder Brais Mendez and former NYCFC midfielder Santi Rodriguez gives the Crew a more menacing attack. Plus the return of defender Steven Moreira helps bring Columbus back to some sense of normalcy.
Heading into tonight’s match, Smith notes that the Crew's biggest strength is their grit and possessive style of play. A style of play that goes back to “Their Wilfried Nancy days.” Going against that play style, Smith said: “Our job is to win the ball back in good areas and exploit that.”
Corners played a big role in Charlotte’s comeback win over FC Dallas. The Crown won 14 corners in the match, with the game-tying goal coming off a corner. Smith emphasized the importance of having the right numbers in the box to create quality chances, as well as “Making that double movement to lose a defender.”
Smith looks to continue the club's late-season run to the playoffs with a gritty, physical match against Columbus Crew tonight.
