Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs LA Galaxy

By Brian Maurer

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90

Charlotte FC travels to the Western Conference for the second straight week to open the 2026 campaign, and after structural struggles in a 1-1 draw last week against St. Louis City, Dean Smith's starting lineup could start to see changes soon if the current group isn't able to flip the switch and show improvement.

Here is our predicted starting XI for the Crown's Week 2 matchup against the LA Galaxy:

Defensive unit

Kristijan Kahlina earned a spot on the MLS TOTW for his 10-save performance in Week 1, so his position is one of the most secure on the team at the moment. Tyler Miller will remain as the veteran backup GK. From left to right, the same backline is expected: Harry Toffolo, Tim Ream, Andrew Privett, and Nathan Byrne, especially with Henry Kessler still out. While many fans and media have pointed to the backline's struggles, within the team, it seems like the structure further up the field is of greater concern.

David Schnegg, Jack Neeley, and Morrison Agyemang were the defensive options off the bench last week, and that same group is expected again in Week 2. Schnegg is the most likely of the three to be pushing for more minutes.

Midfield line

The midfield line could be where changes happen if the team doesn't start improving as a group. Currently, Ashley Westwood and Luca de la Torre are still the expected double pivot, but Smith will be willing to take other directions if he feels the need. Pep Biel is locked into the attacking midfield role ahead of them.

Djibril Diani was the only midfielder used in Week 1 and looks like the early frontrunner for an expanded role. Brandt Bronico is the other midfield option off the bench, as Baye Coulibaly was left off the squad entirely last week.

Forward line

The front three are expected to remain the same, with Wilfried Zaha occupying the left wing, Idan Toklomati starting up top, and Liel Abada covering the right. Kerwin Vargas did get a 20-minute shift and is likely the frontrunner among the backup attackers to get starting minutes.

Tyger Smalls was used off the bench this past week, and Archie Goodwin will be another substitute attacking option.

Predicted Starting XI