Charlotte FC Stock Up, Stock Down: Biel brace; Vargas electric off the bench; Abada Struggles

By Sam Vanolinda

Photo Courtesy of Cisco Art/Topbin90

Charlotte FC got back to winning ways at home against New York City FC, and looked to continue that momentum last night, in the Queen City again, against D.C. United. 

While the 60th-minute Gabriel Parani goal from the Capital’s team may have raised the alarms for Charlotte FC fans after the recent late-game meltdowns, the Crown was able to hold on and secure a 2-1 victory. 

This was a very comfortable game on both sides of the ball for the home team, except for one moment of lazy defending that led to a good solo goal from D.C.; Charlotte had 58% possession and won the xG battle, 2.58-0.45.

This win moves Charlotte up to ninth in the East, and the team is now only three points behind sixth-place Orlando City.

Here’s the stock up and stock down for Charlotte FC after their victory against D.C. United:

Stock Up:

Pep Biel

Pep Biel has been an absolute pleasure to watch since his arrival in Charlotte. This was another signature performance from the Spaniard; luckily, this time it wasn’t ruined by a defensive breakdown.

19 goal contributions in 23 matches for the attacking midfielder this year (and still somehow not an All Star). 

His attacking positioning, passing, and overall intelligence are what make him one of the best players in the MLS, and his two goals were an acute example of this.

Interestingly, his advanced statistics have not been off the charts this year, in terms of progressive carries, successful take-ons, and passes attempted; however, what is off the charts is his goal contributions, and that is what matters. 

Pep Biel knows how to get into the correct positions, make the right key passes at the right times, and he finishes the ball with class.

Kerwin Vargas

Vargas looked like a different winger on the left side of the field when he replaced Zaha last night. He was looking dangerous on that side, taking on defenders, and whipping in dangerous crosses that should've ended in a third goal.

In just 20 minutes, the Colombian had the most successful dribbles of the match (3) and created the most chances in the game (3).

That is a wildly impressive stat for a player who came into a position he hasn’t been playing this year and only got to play ≈20% of the game.

Vargas has had an up-and-down season, but maybe coming in for Zaha on the left is what is comfortable for him. 

If he can replicate his performance in the upcoming games, it will be a massive boost for the Crown going into the playoff push.

Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty 

Marshall-Rutty has begun to showcase some of the potential that drew Liverpool's interest when he was just 17. 

The Canadian was electric against D.C., storming up the left side of the field alongside Zaha and Vargas at the end of the game. 

He even managed to grab an assist for the second goal of the game, a pass to Biel after Zaha found him making a good run.

It is a shame that Marshall-Rutty is just on loan, because he has made a great impression on this team in his time here so far.

The front office has made some moves that have saved this team this year, most notably bringing in Marshall-Rutty and continuing Biel’s loan, in addition to the acquisition of Zaha, of course.

Marshall-Rutty was 95% on passing (86/91), had 104 touches, 15 passes into the final third, and five recoveries.

A fantastic game, especially on the attacking side.

Bill Tuiloma

Tuiloma is a long-ball specialist. His switches and diagonal lofted passes are impressive.

He has been a significant veteran presence since Privett has dealt with injuries. He moved into the right back position last night and had a solid game. 

Not only did Tuiloma have five accurate long balls and 12 passes into the final third, but defensively, he was great, with two tackles, five clearances, and 4/4 duels won.

It speaks to the character of a player who saw such limited playing time last season to be able to step up when needed and perform the way he has.

Tuiloma is a great teammate who has been an uplifting player in his last few starts.

Stock Down

Liel Abada

Abada had another challenging game starting at the right wing position.

While he had some flashes of quality in the first half, including a very nice backheel pass that led to an opportunity, he did not provide a DP-level of impact, as usual.

He was dispossessed twice, only had 21 passes completed, and had one shot in 80 minutes of play.

While Vargas had one of his best games in just 20 minutes, Abada had little to show for against D.C United.

The attack has recently been imposing, so his lack of impact isn't holding the team back greatly. However, if Abada can step up his level of play, this offense could surprise many people in the playoffs.

Idan Toklomati 

Toklomati will always provide energy. He had a solid game today, but he should’ve added a goal to his tally with the chances that were created for him.

With Agyemang officially joining Derby County, Toklomati is now the man who will lead this team at the striker position, likely for the rest of the season.

A goal tonight could’ve boosted his confidence, but good goalkeeping and defensive actions prevented him.