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Charlotte FC Stock Up, Stock Down: Biel creates chance after chance, Privett stakes a claim for a starting spot

Sam Vanolinda

By Sam Vanolinda


Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90


The schedule aligned perfectly this Saturday for Charlotte FC. After three straight losses, the team needed a way to get their confidence back on track, and the rebuilding New England Revolution was the perfect team to play.


It was good to see smiles again on the faces of fans and players alike as Charlotte strolled to a 4-0 victory. Seeing the ball in the back of the net four times should be enough for the players to feel encouraged as they move towards the end of the season.


Attacking players who had been incredibly frustrated, Kerwin Vargas, Patrick Agyemang, Liel Abada, and newcomer Pep Biel were the goalscorers.


Although this is an important three points, the Revs are the worst team in the East and had a 16-year-old starting. They are in full rebuild mode and played with 10 men after the 70th minute.


It's a good result for confidence, but how the team uses this momentum in the upcoming games matters.


Here's the stock up/down for Saturday afternoonā€™s game:


Stock Up


Pep Biel


The new designated player was the Man of the Match for Charlotte against the Revs. A goal and an assist were enough to tell the story of his game, but if you look at the advanced stats it's even more impressive.


97% on passing, six chances created, five touches in the opponent's box, four accurate crosses, and even two tackles plus an interception on the defensive side of play.


A seasoned European veteran going against a home-grown 16-year-old in Peyton Miller at left-back, you would expect him to have a good game, but it was still great to see Biel show some of his talent and get on the score sheet.


It was interesting to see Dean Smith switch it up, having Abada on the left and Biel Starting at right wing, but it seemed to add more flow to the offense. Vargas was able to make more of an impact as a super-sub.


Patrick Agyemang


Agyemangā€™s service was a lot better in this game than in the past three, and he was able to score a goal when subbed in for Karol Świderski in the 63rd minute.


After an acrobatic interception by Byrne, the ball was passed to Biel who bent a pass into Agyemang, who finished with power into the bottom left corner. A true strikerā€™s finish.


In just 27 minutes, Agyemang also added an assist. While I called him clumsy on the ball last week, this week he weaved through the entire right side of New Englandā€™s defense before he ran towards the touchline and passed it to Biel for the tap-in; an outstanding play.


Agyemang had a perfect forward performance, especially since he had to wait 63 minutes to get into the game. With Świderski the only attacker who struggled, Agyemang may see a start next game.


Andrew Privett


Privett made his way back into the lineup on Saturday. Despite having his spot taken by Tim Ream since he arrived from Fulham, Privett has been understanding of the situation. I was impressed by his maturity and the way that he came back into the team and was his usual composed self.


Privett was 94% passing the ball, four of five on accurate long balls, two tackles won, three blocks, four recoveries, and four of four on-ground duels.Ā 


I think Smith needs to find a way to get Privett, Malanda, and Ream into the game because they are three of the best players on this team.


Stock Down


Karol Świderski


In a game in which the entire team was performing, Świderski was not as impressive as his fellow attackers.


He wasnā€™t awful, but you would think in a game where Charlotte FC scores four goals he would be on that score sheet.Ā 


The Polish international had only seven attempted passes in the game and two shots. Only 20 touches as well, just not a lot of production.Ā 


I still think Świderski will end up being key for this team as the season ends, he has amazing ability as we saw last year, but just needs to find his groove.


Summary


As I have said, a much-needed win for the Crown. The real test, however, is next Saturday, against the team-to-beat, Inter Miami.

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