Charlotte FC's predicted starting XI vs Red Bull New York

By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90

Charlotte FC returns to the Bank for the third straight week after a scoreless draw with Inter Miami. The 0-0 result was the first clean sheet of the season for Charlotte, with an impressive showing from the defense, but some missed opportunities from the forwards. Charlotte will look to make ground in the east against Red Bull New York.

Here is our predicted Charlotte FC starting XI for tonight's game: 

Defensive Unit

Kristijan Kahlina remains in goal after a clean sheet against Inter Miami. Kahlina had a plethora of impressive saves to keep Inter Miami off the board and continues to be reliable in goal each week. The backline held their own against a Miami team missing Lionel Messi, allowing only three shots on goal. Morrison is beginning to look more comfortable next to the veteran Tim Ream, and Harry Toffolo continues to show proficiency in winning the ball back. Nathan Byrne began the match with a scary injury, colliding with Mateo Silvetti while trying to head the ball. Byrne recovered, playing through the final whistle. This is a resilient backline that is showing improvement, and it is unlikely Dean Smith will make any changes for tonight's match. 

Tyler Miller will be the backup goalkeeper option, with Andrew Privett, David Schnegg, and Jack Neeley available as subs.

Midfield line

The trio of Brandt Bronico, Ashley Westwood, and Pep Biel will likely be called upon as the experienced core of this starting 11.  Bronico and Westwood’s veteran presence is crucial to the transition from defense to offense, and Biel continues to be a scoring threat each week. 

Djibril Diani is once again an expected midfield sub. Diani subbed in for Bronico in the 71st against Inter Miami, and his fresh legs could be crucial in the late game. Luca de la Torre will also be available this week.

Forward line

The forward line has been a topic of debate since the Inter Miami match. Idan Toklomati had a relatively quiet game, but is expected to start against the RBNY. Wilfried Zaha continued to show skill in play, yet his antics after the whistle remain a weakness. Zaha should start this weekend, but if he earns another yellow card tonight, he will be suspended for the next match. The biggest question mark coming into tonight's match is who plays the right wing. Liel Abada had multiple scoring opportunities but could not capitalize. It may be time for Kerwin Vargas to get the starting nod in the forward line and use Abada as an available sub.

Archie Goodwin and Tyger Smalls both saw time off the bench against Inter Miami and remain likely subs against New York.

Predicted Starting XI