Charlotte FC at New England Revolution Preview: Predicted starting XI & player matchup to watch
- TopBin90 Football
- 19 minutes ago
- 5 min read
By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704 and Rylee McKinney - @rylees_roster
Saturday night will be an Eastern Conference clash between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC at Gillette Stadium. These two teams are breathing down one another’s necks in the Eastern Conference standings, with Charlotte in 5th and New England slightly ahead in 4th.
After a difficult loss against Nashville SC last Saturday, Charlotte fell from 3rd to 5th place in the EC standings. The Revolution earned a 2-1 win over Atlanta United during their mid-week match and secured a 1-1 draw against Miami last Saturday. Their steady performance ultimately let NER sneak past Charlotte in the rankings.
Despite its climb in the EC standings, NER had a rocky start to its season. In their opening matches, the Revolution suffered 4-1 and 1-0 losses to Nashville and Red Bull New York, respectively. However, a 6-1 victory over Cincinnati in their home opener seemed to kick-start their comeback.
Charlotte FC has also had a roller-coaster season in these 10 matchdays so far. Charlotte, as expected, performed best during their regular-season home matches.
At The Bank, Charlotte has earned a 3-1 win over Austin FC, a 6-1 win over the Red Bull New York, and a 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union. But their latest string of away matches has proven difficult for Charlotte–especially their 4-1 loss to Orlando City during MLS Matchday 9.
Both teams are making strides outside regular-season play, advancing to the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. Charlotte, however, recently lost to Atlanta United 1-0, knocking them out of the tournament. As for New England, they were eliminated in the tournament with a 4-3 loss to Orlando on Wednesday night.
With each team moving forward, their regular-season matchup will be a testament to their roster depth. Yet, injuries are beginning to creep up for both starting squads, reshaping Starting XI lineups.
Key names on the injury roster for NER include forward Leonardo Campana (hamstring) and defender Matt Polster (hamstring). On Charlotte’s side, veteran center back Tim Ream also suffered an adductor/groin injury.
Also, recent defensive addition Harry Toffolo was seen clutching his hamstring during the game against Nashville. Smith confirmed later on that he will likely be resting for Saturday’s matchup.
This week’s matchup highlights the shifting back line for Charlotte–recently plagued with injuries–and NER’s heavy right-side concentration on the front line: Luca Langoni versus David Schnegg.
Luca Langoni - NER - Right Forward
Joining the Revolution back in 2024, Luca Langoni signed with a contract through the 2027 season. Before NER, Langoni played with the Argentinian club Boca Juniors. With Boca, Langoni helped the club win the 2022 Liga Profesional title and the 2023 Supercopa trophy.
At 22, Langoni had an impressive start. In just 710 minutes (11 matches), he contributed three goals and two assists.
During his 2025 season, Langoni did not really grow, recording only two goals and two assists in 27 matches. Nonetheless, Langoni earned an xG of 3.08 by the end of the season with his persistent efforts in creating opportunities on the right side.
So far into 2026, Langoni has earned just one goal but has recorded six assists. His high performance rate in the attacking third has made him a critical player for NER.
What makes Langoni exceptional is his explosive speed. As reported by The Blazing Musket, Langoni “Clocked at 21.55 mph in 2025, Langoni is one of the fastest players in the league.”
Additionally, as a right-winger with a dominant right foot, he poses a critical threat to left fullbacks. Not only is Langoni one of the fastest players in the league, but he is also a key creator of opportunities from outside.
David Schnegg - CLTFC - Left Fullback
Left back David Schnegg is not new to MLS. During the 2025 season, Schnegg played for D.C. United, setting a team record for most matches played (35), matches started (34), and minutes played (2,947) across all competitions.
Before MLS, Schnegg spent two seasons in Austria with SK Sturm Graz and Italian side Venezia FC back in 2022.
As Schnegg developed his game overseas and eventually in the U.S., he quickly became known as an attacking-minded defender. To define Schnegg’s style of play, one must consider the duality of both his attacking mindset and physical presence.
As a defender, Schnegg is recognized as strong, especially in defensive contributions and forced turnovers. Back in 2025 with D.C. United, Schnegg made a total of 224 defensive contributions, 72 tackles, and 145 recoveries.
On the attack, Schnegg excels at creating opportunities from the flank. With D.C. last season, Schnegg tallied four assists.
With Charlotte FC, he continues to develop his attacking form. Schnegg has earned significant playing time with Charlotte’s run in the U.S. Open Cup, where he scored against USL side Charlotte Independence in the Round of 32.
Summary
Saturday’s matchup between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC ultimately serves as a strong test of both teams’ resilience, as both teams just concluded in the U.S. Open Cup.
With little separating the teams in the EC standings, endurance and roster depth will make all the difference.
Injuries and key matchups on the flank, such as Langoni and Schnegg, are likely to shape the match's overall outcome. This game will be a strong performance marker for both teams heading into May.
Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI
Defensive Unit
Kristijan Kahlina returns to his duties in goal after Tyler Miller started between the posts in the US Open. Nathan Byrne is expected to return to the backline against New England. Morrison and Andrew Privett both started on Tuesday against Atlanta, with Tim Ream still on the injury report; it is likely the two defenders will start against New England as well. Harry Toffolo is also listed as injured, meaning we should see David Schnegg starting on the backline just days after a start against Atlanta United.
Will Cleary could also be available as a substitute.
Midfield
Pep Biel and Ashley Westwood return to the midfield with both starting spots cemented for the veteran players. The biggest question is the rotating door for the final midfield position. Djibril Diani, Brandt Bronico, and Luca de la Torre seem to be sharing the starting spot. The fluctuation in midfield has done little to help Charlotte’s play in recent weeks. Finding a solidified unit for the midfield may prove crucial for Dean Smith as they continue through this season. Charlotte’s last win came with Bronico starting in the role, and his previous experience with Biel and Westwood continues to translate into positive midfield chemistry. For a crucial away game like we see tonight, Smith may look to the experience of the Mayor to get Charlotte a win.
In that scenario, Diani, Aaron John, and de la Torre would be available from the bench.
Forward line
Idan Toklomati comes into tonight rested and is a likely candidate to start at striker. Archie Goodwin comes into the weekend with consecutive starts, but in the midst of a losing streak, Smith may go with the more established Toklomati. We have yet to see Wilfried Zaha since his return from injury; tonight, we will likely see the Designated Player return for Charlotte in this Eastern Conference matchup. Rodolfo Aloko and Kerwin Vargas both came in as subs against Atlanta, letting them still have plenty of rest ahead of tonight's match. Aloko may get the start over Vargas, meaning the Colombian can continue his role as a late-game super-sub.
If Aloko starts, Vargas, Liel Abada, and Goodwin will be available from the bench.
Predicted Starting XI
Stats from TransferMarkt, FotMob, and MLS