Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI against NYCFC

Brandt Bronico, Idan Toklomati, and Djibril Diani (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC will take on New York City FC tonight in their first round of MLS playoffs. With a 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union last week, Charlotte FC is all fired up heading into their matchup with NYCFC.

Although the Crown had a roller coaster of a regular season, tonight’s matchup will showcase what Charlotte FC can really bring to the table. Here is how the squad is likely to lineup:

Defensive Unit

Kristijan Kahlina will likely earn the start tonight, ending the regular season just the way he started it. Despite a midseason slump in May, Kahlina’s performance as of late has restored any sense of hesitancy, leaving Bingham and Calendar keeping the bench warm. 

In the left fullback position will likely be Harry Toffolo, who made his return last week against Philadelphia after a hamstring injury. Partnered in the middle will likely be Tim Ream and Adilson Malanda. The duo will share potentially one of their last starts together as Malanda is expected to depart post the 2025 season. Nathan Byrne, who has remained in good health since coming back from his injury this season, will likely take on the right-back position.

With Harry Toffolo back in the lineup, the young Canadian, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, will likely start on the bench. Other viable substitutes will likely be Nick Scardina, Andrew Privett, and Bill Tuiloma. 

Midfield

There will be no Pep in our step, unfortunately, for tonight’s match. Biel’s knee tendon issues will unfortunately sideline Biel for the remainder of the 2025 season. 

Although Biel’s impact will be missed, Charlotte's midfield has found immense success through Djibril Diani. His consistent presence in the midfield will likely grant Diani the start once again this week. To his right will likely be Captain Ashley Westwood, accompanied by Brandt Bronico in the attacking midfield spot. 

Potential substitutions for the midfield will likely be Eryk Williamson and Nikola Petković.

Forward Line

The Crown’s forward line is expected to be fired up for tonight, eager to show that NYCFC is not all that and a bag of chips. However, a red card earned against Philadelphia last week will have star playmaker Wilfried Zaha absent from the lineup. 

With Zaha suspended, Liel Abada will likely start on the left side. Kerwin Vargas will likely start on the left side and will need to amp up the offensive line’s performance. 

Leading the attack up top will likely be Idan Toklomati. Despite new signing Archie Goodwin being positioned as Toklomati’s competition, Toklomati appears unfazed by his presence and continues to excel on the pitch.

Likely substitutes for the front line will be Archie Goodwin and Tyger Smalls.

The last match between Charlotte FC and NYCFC resulted in a 2-0 loss for The Crown. Yet, with an important win against the number one-ranked Philadelphia Union last week and home-field advantage, the squad just might be able to secure a win tonight. 

Predicted Starting XI