Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI vs Philadelphia Union

By: Rylee McKinney

Zaha and Pep Biel celebrating a goal (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90)

After a much-needed break after nine matches in May, Charlotte FC will return to the pitch this weekend against Eastern Conference Leader Philadelphia Union. Charlotte FC concluded May with a 2-0 win over Toronto FC on the road. However, their rocky month-long performance caused Charlotte FC fans to reminisce about their previous 1st place standing. 

As Dean Smith has emphasized, the squad is itching to return to winning ways. Luckily, the injury report is slowly waning. Yet, international play has led to major changes in Charlotte FC’s starting XI. 

With Charlotte returning to regular-season play once again on the road, here is how Charlotte is most likely to line up.

Defensive Unit

The defensive line has been tricky for Dean Smith this season. With injuries and international call-ups, the back line has seen some major shifts. In goal, Kahlina will most likely start. However, with his wishy-washy performance in the last few matches, Bingham has earned some significant minutes between the posts. 

Partnered in the center back will most likely be Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett once again. With Tim Ream on international duty for the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty will get the start at right back. Souleyman Doumbia will most likely start in the left-back position; however, considering he is not entirely back to full fitness, Nick Scardina might just take on the start. 

All in all, the defensive line is still not entirely secure. On the bench will be Bill Tuiloma, as he also recently returned from international play with New Zealand. With a goal against DC United in the US Open Cup Round of 16, Tuiloma might just be able to shake things up. 

Midfield Line

The midfield triangle will most likely reflect past lineups for Dean Smith. Captain Ashley Westwood will probably sit alongside Brandt Bronico and will be looking to bring some energy to the midfield. Pep Biel will likely start as the attacking mid, creating essential opportunities for the forward line. 

Eryk Williamson and Djibril Diani will most likely serve as substitutions for the midfield, as they have seen some minutes in recent weeks. 

Forward Line

Patrick Agyemang’s absence in the forward line will be noticeable this weekend. Most likely to fill in for Agyemang will be Idan Toklomati. During Thursday’s press conference, Dean Smith shared that Toklomati is back to full fitness after participating in a full week of training. On the left side, Wilfried Zaha is likely to start as the former Crystal Palace player has finally begun to meet fan expectations and adjust to Charlotte’s style of play. 

Liel Abada has also returned from international duty with Israel and will likely start on the left side. Yet, in his absence, Kerwin Vargas has gained some significant starting time and might just challenge Abada’s start. 

Charlotte FC will be looking to regain some confidence in June after their long-winded stretch in May. Although Charlotte FC continues to predominantly play on the road, they simply must return to winning ways. A win this weekend could just be the remedy for Charlotte FC’s rankings.

Predicting Starting XI