Charlotte FC’s Stock Up, Stock Down: Biel's goalscoring form continues, Toffolo finds his stride, and the Crown's player pathway shines

By Brian Maurer

Pep Biel celebrating (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC returned to Bank of America Stadium for their home opener at a time when they needed their supporters after a rough 3-0 defeat against the LA Galaxy. The crowd showed up, selling out the lower bowl and bringing the atmosphere that was needed to help the club get its first win of the season.

Guilherme Biro was issued a straight red in the 25th minute, and the Crown stayed on the front foot after that and were able to put the game away in the second half.

Here is our stock up, stock down from Charlotte's win on Saturday:

Stock Up

Pep Biel - The Spanish midfielder has provided the finish for all of Charlotte FC's points so far this season. He hit the equalizer against St. Louis and hit the game-winner on Saturday, adding a second against Austin to help seal the deal 3-1. It makes sense that Biel was able to create a ton of volume since the Crown was up a man, but it's still important to see it from the talisman. Now the key is to see similar volume when the opposition is at full strength. If Charlotte's star man can start getting 5+ chances generated (chances created + shots) per game, then this club will be in business.

Harry Toffolo - Toffolo was extremely active in this game, and Head Coach Dean Smith mentioned the improvement from his fullbacks being a key reason for the improvement in the team's form. He finished the game with 99 touches and 93% passing accuracy (71/76), helping create multiple chances and also finding opportunities to shoot himself. If the left back can continue to provide this attacking threat while also protecting the backline defensively, the ceiling of this club rises considerably, as they would then have five or six dangerous options capable of crashing in and around the box week in and week out.

Harry Toffolo's total passes (Graphic from Sofascore)

Charlotte FC's Pro Player Pathway - Center back Morrison made his debut against the Galaxy and earned the start against Austin. In contrast, midfielder Aron John made his First Team debut, getting a last-minute runout after the game had been put away. It's early in the season yet, but it looks like Smith has his eye on a few Crown Legacy FC players who could be pushing their way into more expansive roles as the season goes on. Morrison appears to be competing for a week-to-week starter role.

Stock Down

Andrew Privett - One of the reasons Morrison looks to be in the driver's seat to win a center back spot is because of Privett's early-season dip in form. He is a fighter who has been in this spot before, and Smith will surely look his way again as the season progresses, because the head coach has always had praise for him.