Charlotte FC on the Brink of History

By Sebastian Quiroz-Gutierrez

Photo Courtesy of CJ Hellner

Charlotte FC stand on the brink of making history. With Saturday night’s clash against Inter Miami at Bank of America Stadium, the Crown have a chance to extend their remarkable winning streak to nine games — a mark that would tie the longest single-season run in Major League Soccer’s post-shootout era.

The run of eight consecutive victories is already the second-longest in MLS history, but the opportunity to draw level with Seattle’s 2018 record puts Charlotte among the league's elite. For a club still in just its fourth MLS campaign, the scale of the moment cannot be overstated.

A Historic Night in Uptown

The stage is set for a historic atmosphere in Uptown Charlotte. The club announced the match is officially sold out, with approximately 35,000 tickets sold, making it the largest lower-bowl-only crowd in team history. The energy inside Bank of America Stadium has been building with each passing win, and Saturday promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the Crown’s short but impactful story.

A playoff berth could also be secured on the night. With a victory over Miami and a New York Red Bulls loss or draw, Charlotte would clinch their spot in the postseason for the third consecutive year. It would be another sign of consistency and growth under the leadership of Dean Smith, even as he will be absent from the sidelines this weekend due to suspension after accumulating three yellow cards.

The good news for Charlotte is the return of Pep Biel, who is back from a hamstring injury and available for selection after several weeks on the sidelines. His creativity and technical quality in midfield could prove invaluable as the Crown look to break down Miami’s defensive shape.

Miami Minus Suárez

Inter Miami come into this game without one of their most experienced stars. Luis Suárez is serving a three-game suspension handed down by MLS after an incident following the Leagues Cup final against Seattle, when he was disciplined for spitting on a member of the Sounders’ staff. His absence leaves Javier Mascherano’s side shorthanded, but Miami still travel with plenty of quality. 

Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are all expected to make the trip north. Messi in particular returns from international duty with Argentina, where he scored twice in an emotional farewell match on home soil before being rested for their second September fixture. Even with Miami’s star power, Charlotte will feel confident given their recent form, defensive solidity, and ability to deliver decisive moments in big games.

Rewriting History

Charlotte FC’s eight-game streak has been a blend of grit and flair, powered by standout performances from their new attacking core. Breakout striker Idan Toklomati (8g/4a) and star winger Wilfried Zaha (7g/9a) have carried the attack during Pep Biel’s recovery, while the Spanish midfielder’s return (10g/12a) gives Dean Smith another creative weapon.

The surge has pushed Charlotte to third in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind first-place Philadelphia, with five games remaining. For the first time in club history, the Crown are chasing home-field advantage in Round One of the postseason, a sign of just how far this team has come since entering the league.

“Rewriting history” has become more than a slogan; it’s an identity. Saturday night offers the chance not only to tie an MLS record, but to further cement Charlotte FC’s place among the league’s most ambitious and successful clubs.

What’s at Stake

• Nine consecutive wins would tie the all-time MLS single-season record (Seattle, 2018).

• A playoff berth could be clinched with a win and a New York Red Bulls loss or draw.

• A sold-out crowd of 35,000 will create the largest lower-bowl atmosphere in club history.

• All eyes will be on how Charlotte responds without Dean Smith on the touchline.

  
  

History, records, and playoff destiny are all in play. The only thing that's certain is Charlotte FC has already turned heads across MLS. On Saturday night, they’ll look to make sure their story is written in the record books.