Charlotte FC's MLS Cup Round 1 schedule and path to the MLS Cup Final is set
By Brian Maurer | @BAMaurerMedia
Charlotte FC's Round 1 schedule is set against the Chicago Fire after the announcement Sunday night. Charlotte will begin their playoff run on the road against the Fire on Sunday, Nov 22 and will then host on Saturday, Nov 28.
The playoff schedule has been set to make sure every game is in a standalone time slot through the first two games of Round 1. The Crown's Game 1 is sandwiched between both one seeds on Sunday and will also be one of the games broadcast on FS1, giving Charlotte some extra national exposure and a chance to know where things could stand with their Semifinal opponent if they can get past Chicago.
Other interesting schedule wrinkles for Charlotte's upcoming series against Chicago is the opener will be played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL instead of Soldier Field as the Chicago Bears have a home game that night. Charlotte's home game will be an afternoon game on Thanksgiving weekend.
Same as last year, Round 1 is a best-out-of-three series with games going straight to PKs to decide a winner in the event of a draw.
Charlotte FC's Round 1 Schedule vs Chicago Fire
Game 1: Sunday, Nov 22 | 6:30 p.m. ET at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL
Game 2: Saturday, Nov 28 | 12:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC
Game 3*: TBD | Tuesday, Dec 1 or Wednesday, Dec 2 at Chicago Fire
*If necessary
Charlotte FC's Path to the MLS Cup Finals
Charlotte FC has never made it out of the First Round, but their attack should give fans room to hope and dream that this year's run can be different. It's also always fun to look at the potential path ahead which would include some incredible potential matchups for the Crown.
Round 1: Chicago Fire
Eastern Conference Semifinal: at Nashville SC, OR vs Orlando SC/FC Cincinnati
EC Final: at Inter Miami/New England Revolution, OR vs Philadelphia Union/Columbus Crew
MLS Cup Final: at Vancouver Whitecaps/FC Dallas OR vs the rest of the West
Of course you never want to think too far ahead, but knocking off Chicago sets up for an exciting EC Semifinal for the Crown. Either travelling to record setting Southern rivals Nashville or hosting Orlando and Antoine Griezmann highlights just how exciting a run in this tournament could be if Charlotte can take care of business in Round 1.
Only two Western Conference teams finished ahead of Charlotte in the Supporters' Shield Standings (Vancouver and Dallas; fewest in Charlotte FC history) so if the Crown can breakthrough in the playoffs they would have a reasonable chance to host the final.
