Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI vs Sporting KC

By: Rylee McKinney

Zaha, Toklomati, Doumbia, and Marshall-Rutty celebrate Zaha's goal against Philadelphia Union (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90)

Charlotte FC kicks off their midweek matchup against Sporting KC, looking for a win on the road. After the madness of May’s schedule, the team suffered an unfortunate 2-1 loss against Philadelphia Union two weeks ago. Injuries and national team call-ups continue to shake up the team’s starting XI, leaving fans with some understandable apprehension. 

With two matches ahead of them this week, Charlotte FC will certainly have their work cut out for them. Major names like Agyemang and Ream will be absent from the roster, and Nathan Byrnes is still recovering from surgery. 

This double-match week will test Charlotte FC’s endurance. Here is how Charlotte FC is most likely to line up: 

Defensive Unit

David Bingham will likely start between the posts for Charlotte FC as he appears to be winning the starting battle over Kahlina. Bingham has started the last two matches against Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC, suggesting that Kahlina might just not be at his best.

While the defensive line has been one of Dean Smith’s biggest challenges this season, it appears to finally be stabilizing. Partnered in the center back will most likely be Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett. The absence of Tim Ream with the USMNT will grant Marshall-Rutty the start at right back. Souleyman Doumbia will most likely start in the left-back position as he continues to recover to full fitness. 

The back line is starting to shape up, and depending on Charlotte FC’s performance against Sporting KC, Dean Smith might be able to allot some minutes to Nick Scardina or Bill Tuiloma.

Midfield

Once again, Charlotte FC’s midfield will likely mirror the previous starting lineups. Captain Ashley Westwood will most likely start alongside Brandt Bronico, with Pep Biel pushing at the top of the triangle. Pep Biel continues to dominate the attacking midfield position, earning a goal recently against Toronto FC. 

Eryk Williamson and Djibril Diani will likely serve as reliable substitutions, depending on the squad’s first-half performance. 

Forward Line

For yet another match, Patrick Agyemang will not be a part of Charlotte FC’s starting XI against Sporting KC. In his place will most likely be Idan Toklomati, who is continuing to earn serious minutes. 

To his left will likely sit the fired-up Wilfried Zaha, who is beginning to show his Premier League-level talent. Toklomati and Zaha will likely be supported by Liel Abada on the right side. Abada has a stronger chance of starting over Vargas, but their interchangability has been a recent fixture for Charlotte FC’s lineups. 

Tonight’s match will set the tone for a busy week as Charlotte FC returns to the pitch for two matches this week.  With the season now in its second half, the club must begin securing wins to secure a playoff spot. 

Predicting Starting XI