Charlotte FC’s Stock Up, Stock Down: Charlotte FC off to a hot start in Leagues Cup

By Billy McGee - @iambillymcgee

Brandt Bronico (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC kicked off their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Pumas. They threatened to score early on, being denied by a couple of cheeky little Keylor Navas saves before finding the breakthrough in the 27th minute and adding two more goals in the second half. The big win put Charlotte at the top of the Leagues Cup standings for MLS teams.

Here’s our stock up, stock down for game one of the Leagues Cup.

Stock Up

Archie Goodwin - Goodwin was in and around dangerous areas often against Pumas, having the most touches in the opposing box (5) and taking four shots after registering just one in his most recent start. He did have three big chances missed, but also scored one of the team’s three goals. With two more games coming in the next week, we will likely see him start at least one of them.

Brandt Bronico - Bronico was given the nod to start in the midfield alongside Ashley Westwood and Djibril Diani, marking just his second start since the start of May. He got the scoring started for Charlotte with his 27th-minute goal, his first of the season. He played a sound game, not being dispossessed while playing the full 90 minutes, making four passes into the final third and recording a tackle.

Tyger Smalls - Smalls came in as a substitute in the 71st minute with Charlotte already leading 2-0 and impressed on his limited touches. Of his seven touches, three were in the box; he went 4/4 on accurate passes and won a penalty, which he stepped up to take and score. His penalty goal is his first goal since the Leagues Cup game against Monterrey last season. If he can give sparks like this off the bench occasionally, then Charlotte could have more depth at a crucial position than we would have thought. 

Djibril Diani - With Pep Biel moved to the wing temporarily, the Charlotte FC midfield is being pieced together with players who typically profile more as defenders. Diani was able to be a do-it-all midfielder against Pumas in this setup. He was incredibly sound defensively, recording four tackles, a block, and three interceptions, the joint-most defensive contributions in the match. In possession, he did well, passing at a 96% accuracy rate and going perfect with his one accurate cross and four long balls. He was credited with two big chances created and forced a save on a shot. Diani’s performance showed why he has been the most common player to start in the midfield alongside Westwood and Biel this season.

Tyler Miller - In his first game since April 28 and just his third of the season, Miller didn’t look rusty at all, making six saves, four of which were from inside the box. He also did well with his distribution, going 26/34 on accurate passes and 9/16 on accurate long balls. A performance like that as a second-choice keeper gives everyone confidence, knowing they can rely on him if he is called upon.