Charlotte FC’s Stock Up, Stock Down: Charlotte FC sneaks out a win against New England with 10 men heading into the World Cup break

By Billy McGee - @iambillymcgee

Photo courtesy of Joel Franquiz/TopBin90

Charlotte FC took an early lead and held on to squeeze out a 1-0 win against the New England Revolution to win back-to-back games against MLS competition for just the second time this season. The score was an exact response to the 1-0 loss they suffered on the road against New England at the beginning of the month.

Here’s our stock up, stock down for Charlotte’s second consecutive win on Saturday as they head into a two-month break.

Stock Up

Will Cleary - After making his MLS debut against Toronto FC as a substitute, replacing an injured Nathan Byrne, Will Cleary got the nod for his first career start against New England Revolution. The 2026 MLS SuperDraft selection impressed in the match, picking up his first career assist, finding Idan Toklomati in the box for the only goal of the game. On top of his goal contribution, he showcased his versatility by playing both fullback positions, switching sides to play left back when David Schnegg was sent off, and Andrew Privett came on to play right back. Cleary was named Man of the Match for his performance, giving reason why he should compete for more minutes even when Byrne and Harry Toffolo return from injury.

Idan Toklomati - Charlotte’s No. 9 picked up his fifth goal of the season off the assist from Cleary. The goal was his only shot on target of the match, and he took just one other shot in the game. He wasn’t on the ball very often in the match, but was impactful when he was, having eight touches in the opposition box, the most of any player. On his goal, he was the one who started the chance, bringing the ball down in build-up play and laying it off for Kerwin Vargas, although the pass was slightly off, to maintain possession in the final third. The goal should give him a much-needed boost of confidence heading into the break.

Kristijan Kahlina - Kahlina made three saves in Charlotte’s first MLS clean sheet since the 0-0 draw at home against Inter Miami on March 14. He faced 0.74 xGOT, making a pair of diving saves in the match to blank the Revs. It was a testament to Kahlina and the backline for holding strong through the final stretch, limiting the overall number of chances to New England even when they were down a man.

Stock Down

David Schnegg - Schnegg had started five consecutive MLS matches in place of the injured Harry Toffolo, having mixed results. Against New England, he did have the joint-most chances created with three, but was shaky at times, with only 71% of his passes being accurate and committing two yellow card offenses. His second yellow, resulting in his sending off, was in the 59th minute, making it squeaky bum time for Charlotte with 10 men on the pitch for over 30 minutes, with them ultimately pulling through and earning all three points.

Wingers - Neither starting winger played poorly in the match, with Kerwin Vargas creating two chances, completing two successful dribbles, and recording four touches in the opposition box in his 61 minutes, and Wilfried Zaha completing four dribbles, the most in the game, and putting two shots on target. The Ivory Coast international also drew three yellow cards.

However, Charlotte will now be without Zaha as he announced he will not be returning to play for Charlotte following the end of his contract, which expires over the break. Vargas has shown flashes over the last few games, but with no Zaha, there is more pressure on him to perform, and no solidified option to play opposite him on the current roster. The transfer window will likely see a Zaha replacement join Charlotte FC as they now have an open DP spot.