Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI against New York Red Bulls
- Rylee Mckinney
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Rylee McKinney
Topbin90's team finally understands what Carrie Underwood has been singing about all these years because we've been waiting all day for Sunday night!
Charlotte FC will face off against the New York Red Bulls tonight with some shiny new additions to the squad. The last time Charlotte saw the Red Bulls was back in May, and Charlotte unfortunately suffered a 4-2 loss.
Tonight's match will be a terrific scientific experiment for Charlotte, with Archie Goodwin, Drake Callender, and Harry Toffolo joining the squad during the summer transfer window.
Injuries and additions will significantly impact Charlotte FC's form once more. Here is how Charlotte FC is most likely to line up:
Defensive Unit
Kristijan Kahlina has been a major asset to the squad in the recent weeks, earning a spot on MLS’s Team of the Matchday for two consecutive weeks. So, Kahlina will likely snag the starting spot in goal. But Dean Smith made it very clear during Saturday’s press conference that new signing Drake Callender will be competing with Kahlina for that starting spot in the coming weeks.
After a strong start last week against Real Salt Lake, Nathan Byrne will likely start again in the left fullback spot. Partnered once again in the center will likely be Tim Ream and Adilson Malanda. As for the right fullback spot, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty will likely earn the start as well.
Although the defensive unit has reflected season-long expectations, change will likely become a reality soon. According to Dean Smith, Harry Toffolo is in great shape after training this entire week with the squad and will be expecting serious minutes in the coming weeks.
Potential substitutions for the back line will therefore likely be Harry Toffolo, Jack Neeley, Andrew Privett, and Nick Scardina. Unfortunately, Bill Tuiloma is still unavailable with his recent hamstring injury.
Midfield
Fans will have to spend another weekend yearning for Pep Biel, as Dean Smith anticipates his return against Inter Miami after the brief international break in early September.
Brandt Bronico will likely start in his usual left side position with Djibril Diani assuming the right spot. Captain Ashley Westwood will likely take on the attacking midfield spot as a result of Biel’s ongoing hamstring injury.
Charlotte’s inability to secure another midfielder during the summer transfer window leaves their midfield bench scarce. Unless Dean Smith pulls Wilfried Zaha back into the attacking midfield position like he did against FC Cincinnati, Eryk Williamson will be the only viable option for relief.
Forward Line
Wilfried Zaha’s spectacular goal against FC Cincinnati proves that he is not just a “bot,” but a fantastic playmaker for The Crown. Zaha will likely start in the left attacker position with Kerwin Vargas on the right side.
Idan Toklomati will once again likely start in the center attacking spot. However, with Archie Goodwin receiving his visa on Friday, Goodwin will be a test for Toklomati’s game.
Moreso, the forward line will see an increase in internal competition with the starters competing with newcomer Archie Goodwin and DP Liel Abada.
Tyger Smalls, unfortunately, is still in recovery but is expected to be back in training next week.
The closure of a successful transfer window this summer means that Charlotte’s bench tonight will be buzzing with energy. It is simply do or die for the starters, as Charlotte’s roster just got significantly deeper, and the regular season is winding down.
Predicted Starting XI
