Charlotte FC’s Stock Up, Stock Down: A late penalty sends Charlotte back home with zero points

By Billy McGee - @iambillymcgee

Djibril Diani (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC traveled up to New England to take on the Revolution and played a relatively well-rounded game, but failed to find the net in the 1-0 loss, conceding the game’s only goal after a controversial penalty was given in stoppage time.

Here’s a look at our stock up, stock down for Charlotte’s fifth loss of the MLS season:

Stock Up

Djibril Diani - After starting the U.S. Open Cup match against Atlanta United, Diani was put in the starting lineup again over the weekend against New England, the first time that a midfielder other than Ashley Westwood and Pep Biel has started in back-to-back games against MLS-level competition since the home loss to Nashville on April 11. He helped Charlotte’s defense bounce back in a big way, conceding just one goal, the late penalty kick that gave New England the win. Diani recorded two tackles, three clearances, and an interception defensively while being sound in duels, winning six of nine.

First Half Performance - Charlotte hasn’t had a good track record in the first half of road games this season, struggling to put together consistent performances for the first 45 minutes. Against New England, it was a different story. They only managed three shots in the half, but all three were threatening. Two of the three shots were on target, forcing saves, while the third hit the woodwork, totaling 0.33 xG on the three shots. The team also defended well in the first half, allowing just one shot on target across the Revs’ seven total shots for 0.35 xGA and allowing a pair of corner kicks. If Charlotte can replicate this kind of first-half performance in future road games, they should be able to get much-needed road points.

Stock Down

Idan Toklomati - So far this season, through 10 starts in 11 MLS games, he has scored just three goals. The 21-year-old striker played for the majority of the game, being taken off in the 90th minute. He managed just two shots, neither of them were on target, although one did hit the woodwork. Toklomati is not involved enough in the attack for what fans expected after his breakout season in 2025. Among MLS forwards, he ranks in the 35th percentile in touches and the sixth percentile in shot attempts, significantly lower than last season. If he continues to fail to produce goal contributions, then Charlotte may have to make a change, or they might have a problem at striker, something that they can’t afford to have in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Finishing Chances - Charlotte FC failed to score a goal in their second consecutive game. They created four big chances in the match, missing all four, while also having four shots on target in the match. Of the four shots on target, three were taken by defenders, with Biel being the only non-defender to put a shot on target. This could prove to be a problem for Charlotte if it continues, as the attackers are struggling to put shots on target and even get shots off in general. Neither starting winger registered a single shot in the game; this will have to change in the future if they are to correct course on the season and get past their poor run of form as of late.