Charlotte FC at NYCFC Preview: Predicted starting XI and Player Matchup to watch
- TopBin90 Football
- Apr 18
- 5 min read
By Rylee McKinney - @rylees_roster and Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704
Player Matchup: Nico Fernandez vs Morrison
After a long spell of home matches, Charlotte FC ventures on the road this weekend to face NYCFC. During their home spell, Charlotte secured three wins, one loss, and one draw.
Despite their 2-1 loss last week to Nashville SC, Charlotte still holds onto a 5th-place spot in the Eastern Conference standings. NYCFC currently leads Charlotte, sitting in 4th.
The last time Charlotte saw NYCFC was during their short-lived playoff run last season. During the 2025 regular season, Charlotte earned a 2-0 victory in mid-July but later conceded a 2-0 loss to NYCFC in September. Despite their back-and-forth first-round playoff matches, NYCFC stole a 3-1 win to knock Charlotte out of the running.
NYCFC has been consistently in stride with CLTFC for the last few years. Back in 2025, NYCFC finished slightly behind in 5th place and in 6th place in 2024. After NYCFC kicked Charlotte out of contention during the playoffs last season, this match will be one to watch.
Last season, NYCFC highlighted its strong push to the Eastern Conference Final under its new manager, Pascal Jansen. Their 2025 season marked the club’s 10th anniversary, commemorated with their 2-1 victory over New England Revolution at Yankee Stadium.
Additionally, their 2025 season brought significant mid-season additions, such as Nico Fernandez following the departure of Santiago Rodriguez. Fernandez’s skill helped advance NYCFC in their 2025 playoff run, securing a brace against CLTFC in the First Round. However, despite their defeat over Philadelphia Union in the EC Semifinals, NYCFC fell to Inter Miami in the EC Finals.
Ahead of the 2026 season, NYCFC continues to make progress on its new stadium. With construction underway, the new Etihad Park in Queens is expected to open for the 2027-2028 MLS season. As for roster moves, NYCFC had several key departures, such as midfielder Justin Haak and forward Julian Fernandez. In terms of 2026 additions, NYCFC most notably added Kai Trewin to support their defense.
So far in the 2026 season, NYCFC has faced steady competition, taking on MLS superpowers like Inter Miami and LAFC. Match frequency will increase for NYCFC as they began its U.S. Open Cup run this week.
This week’s matchup explores the offensive versus defensive stamina of NYCFC and CLTFC: Nico Fernandez versus Morrison.
Nico Fernandez - NYCFC - Forward
Star forward Nicolas Fernandez Mercau joined New York City FC back in July of 2025. Taking a Designated Player spot, Fernandez arrived from Spanish side Elche CF on contract through 2029.
With his signing, Fernandez became the club’s tenth DP. Last season, the Argentinian played in 11 matches, earning three goals and one assist. During his playoff run, Fernandez earned five starts across the playoffs, securing a brace against CLTFC in the first round.
So far in 2026, Fernandez has started all seven regular-season matches for NYCFC. As the squad heads into Matchday 8, Fernandez has recorded a striking total of five goals. His electric start this season even earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 4. He currently sits in 4th place in the Golden Boot running for 2026.
Fernandez is known for his high impact on the field. His elite dribbling and ability to create changes in high-pressure scenarios make him an exceptional forward. With an xG of 2.48, Fernandez is showing the league that he is just getting started. His high work rate will be a threat to Charlotte’s back line.
Morrison - CLTFC - Centerback
Morrison was elevated from the MLS NEXT side Crown Legacy to Charlotte’s first team back in late February. Occupying an international roster slot, Morrison’s contract is set through June of 2029 with a club option for 2029-30.
At just 21 years old, Morrison has drawn MLS attention for his efforts with Crown Legacy in the Pro Player Pathway. With Crown Legacy, Morrison made appearances in six matches last year. So far with Charlotte FC, the defensive centerback has made six appearances and has most recently earned several starts with The Crown.
Although Morrison has made 59 defensive contributions so far, there has been 5.85 xGA while on the pitch. His inexperience at the first-team level is evident, especially in his own goal against Austin FC on Matchday 3. Discipline-wise, Morrison has also earned two yellow cards this season, further underscoring his status as a newcomer still learning as he plays. But he also has shown a maturity, being able to move on from mistakes and grow throughout a game.
Partnered with veteran center back Tim Ream, Morrison has grown tremendously in ability these last few weeks. His off-the-field reserved manner does not detract from his physical presence on the field. In several instances, Morrison’s physicality has made key stops to opponents' attacking chances. Most importantly, Morrison’s youth and speed are a necessary asset to Charlotte’s back line–particularly as he serves alongside Tim Ream (38), Nathan Byrne (33), and Harry Toffolo (30).
Summary
Today's matchup will be a test of stamina for both Charlotte and New York. Expected rotations to starting lineups for U.S. Open Cup play will likely raise the tensions between the two clubs. Their consistent matching strides throughout the last few MLS seasons make this matchup particularly satisfying.
NYCFC’s Nico Fernandez will be a difficult challenge for Charlotte’s defensive line, especially for newcomer Morrison. The Fernandez versus Morrison matchup will be a compelling case of physicality versus agility. Essentially, if Charlotte FC really wants to get revenge for their first-round playoff loss back in 2025, they will really need to keep a tight back line.
Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI
Defensive Unit
Kristijhan Kahlina returns to goal after a full week's rest. Tyler Miller secured a shutout win for Charlotte against the Charlotte Independence, but back in MLS competition, a fully rested Kahlina is expected to be between the posts. The rest of the backline stays unchanged as well, with Harry Toffolo, Tim Ream, Morrison Agyemang, and Nathan Byrne rounding out the defense.
David Schnegg, Henry Kessler, and Andrew Privett will be available from the bench, with all three players coming off a start in the US Open Cup.
Midfield
Captain Ashley Westwood and Pep Biel will return to the midfield tonight. On the left, we could see Djibril Diani return for his third start in the last seven days. Luca De La Torre is also an available option, playing the full 90 against Charlotte Independence in his first start since his injury.
Depending on who gets the starting nod, either Diani or De La Torre will be available as subs. Brandt Bronico will be an available option from the bench as well if he isn't given the start.
Forward line
Wilfried Zaha is back after serving his one-game suspension last week against Nashville. He will most likely be joined by Kerwin Vargas, who added yet another goal to his statsheet against Charlotte Independence after subbing in. Vargas is expected to play from the opening whistle tonight. Idan Toklomati is favored to start at striker, but Archie Goodwin has been putting pressure on Toklomati for the starting position. Goodwin converted a penalty against Nashville to give them their lone goal of the match, as well as opening the scoring for the Crown in his start against the Independence. As it stands, Toklomati is the likely starter, but his seat may be heating up with Goodwin’s recent performances.
Goodwin will likely still be a sub, alongside Liel Abada, Tyger Smalls, and Rodolfo Aloko.
Predicted Starting XI
Stats from TransferMarkt, FotMob, and MLS
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