Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI vs Orlando City SC

By: Rylee McKinney

Adilson Malanda and Nick Scardina (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90)

Charlotte FC finally returns home to play Orlando City SC today, after a long spell on the road. Players have emphasized that they want to change the energy in July and escape their losing streak. 

The lineup continues to fluctuate with National Team call-ups, injuries, and yellow card accumulations. After their unfortunate loss to Chicago Fire FC last Saturday, the team desperately needs to recalculate and perform. 

As the regular season heads towards playoffs, every match matters. Here is how Charlotte FC is most likely to line up:

Defensive Unit

Despite some questionable performances, Kristijan Kahlina will most likely start in goal. Dean Smith has reiterated each week that he will think over the starting keeper position between Kahlina and David Bingham, but in the last two matches, Kahlina has taken the start. 

Last match against Chicago Fire FC, left back Souleyman Doumbia came off with a hamstring injury. Doumbia just returned to play after an ongoing hamstring injury, but it appears he is not entirely ready. In the same match, Andrew Privett exited with some hip flexor problems, so he will likely not be playing on Saturday. 

Also, Tim Ream continues to be missed as he is with the USMNT in their Gold Cup run. With Doumbia and Privett most likely out, the entire defensive line will likely shift around. 

Partnered in the center will likely be Adilson Malanda and Bill Tuiloma, who will have to create some solid chemistry fast. Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty will likely shift over to the left back position, while Nick Scardina will likely play right back. 

With limited substitutions available, Mikah Thomas and Jack Neeley will need to be ready on the sidelines. 

Midfield

The triangle in the middle will undoubtedly be Brandt Bronico on the left, Ashley Westwood on the right, and Pep Biel in the attacking midfield spot.

This starting three has been the heartbeat of Charlotte’s lineup so far this season. Additionally, Biel’s goal against Chicago Fire FC and his recently extended loan contract will guarantee his start in the midfield. 

Eryk Williamson and Djibril Diani will likely serve as substitutions and may have to step in depending on the adjusted forward line. 

Forward Line

Charlotte FC’s forward line will look a little different this time around. Wilfried Zaha will unfortunately be ineligible to play in this match due to a yellow card accumulation. Moreover, Patrick Agyemang will still be playing with the USMNT as they advance to the Gold Cup Final against Mexico. Zaha and Agyemang’s absence will seriously impact Charlotte FC’s forward line. 

Most likely, Idan Toklomati will start up top in place of Agyemang, as his performance has been stellar as of late. On the left side will consequently be Liel Abada partnered with Kerwin Vargas on the right side. 

Although this is an unusual forward line, it may be the starting lineup that changes things up for the better. After all, a recent deal made between Derby County and Charlotte FC will eventually leave Charlotte Agyemang-less. So, the team needs to start learning how to play without him. 

Tonight’s match is extremely important for Charlotte FC’s morale. Smith has mentioned that they need to turn things around in July several times. Hopefully, a win tonight can kickstart Smith’s vision. 

Predicted Starting XI