Charlotte FC's predicted starting XI vs Charlotte Independence

By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704

Luca de la Torre (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC begins its US Open campaign tonight in the first-ever Charlotte Derby. They host the Charlotte Independence at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, a venue both teams have called home. Dean Smith is expected to send out a rotated squad with younger players looking to prove themselves in the starting lineup. 

Here’s what tonight’s starting XI could look like:

Defensive Unit

Tyler Miller is expected to make his Charlotte FC debut in goal, giving Kristijan Kahlina extra rest for Saturday's match against New York City FC. The rest of the defensive unit will likely be made up of rotation players as well, with David Schnegg, Henry Kessler, Andrew Privett, and Jack Neeley as options for the backfield against Independence.

Tim Ream, Morrison Agyemang, Harry Toffolo, and Nathan Byrne could be options off the bench.

Midfield

Djibril Diani could stay in midfield alongside Luca de la Torre and Brandt Bronico. For de la Torre, this match is a chance to get more reps in after his return from injury just weeks ago. It would mark de la Torre’s first start since matchday two against the Los Angeles Galaxy. For Bronico, it would mark his first start since matchday four against Inter Miami. Bronico brings experience to the midfield and is a safe option for Charlotte to round out the midfield

Either Ashley Westwood or Pep Biel could be available on the bench, and Aron John seems like another intriguing bench candidate.

Forward line

Freshly called up Rodolfo Aloko could make his first start with the senior team tonight. The rookie saw limited minutes after being subbed in against Nashville in the 83rd. There has been plenty of hype surrounding Aloko, and tonight he could show what he can do in a starting role. Archie Goodwin could see his first start tonight in the Charlotte Derby. Goodwin has already had a hot start to the season with three goals, including a PK to get Charlotte on the board in a 2-1 loss to Nashville. The Australian has already shown he can produce from the bench, but tonight he could get an opportunity to show what he can do from the opening whistle. Tyger Smalls could also start on the forward line.

Kerwin Vargas, Idan Toklomati, Liel Abada, and/or Wilfried Zaha may be available on the bench.

Predicted Starting XI