Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew: 1 v 1 battles to watch
- Brian Maurer
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Brian Maurer
Charlotte FC and its fans are desperate to see a positive result. After another disappointing finish midweek when the Crown was eliminated from the US Open Cup after PKs, they return home looking for some revenge against the Columbus Crew, whom they lost to just weeks ago.
If there is any solace for Charlotte fans right now, it's that the Crew are struggling to finish games off, as they have drawn in three straight contests. Here are three player battles to watch that could be deciding factors for either club getting a result:
Adilson Malanda vs Diego Rossi
Diego Rossi leads the Crew in goals scored, and while he often acts as more of an attacking midfielder behind the striker, he leads the team in shots inside the box. Adilson Malanda will need to be involved in tracking Rossi and limiting his attacking volume, particularly at close range. It's a tricky prospect, especially for a backline that has struggled to reduce attacking volume against in recent weeks.
If the Crown is going to turn this losing streak around, they need better performances from the defensive unit. Containing a key player like Rossi would help show the squad and Charlotte fans that the tide can be turned.
Brandt Bronico vs Dylan Chambost
Brandt Bronico said in the presser after losing to the Crew 4-2 a few weeks back that he was eyeing this opportunity to avenge that performance. Well, the time has arrived, and the squad is in desperate need of vengeance. Bronico is likely going to be needed to help contain Dylan Chambost, who leads the Crew in chances created so far this year.
Charlotte's midfield duo of Bronico and Ashley Westwood has been put under serious scrutiny during this recent rut, so a strong defensive performance from Bronico, reducing Chambost's impact, would go a long way towards quelling some of those concerns.
Charlotte FC's front three vs Patrick Schulte
Patrick Schulte has only kept two clean sheets so far this year, and he hasn't kept one since March 8. Charlotte FC's front three should have opportunities to put some pressure on Schulte and look to take advantage of the Crew's defense, which has been more vulnerable this year.
Volume is going to be the key. Can Charlotte's front three, especially Wilfried Zaha, find space and put multiple shots on frame to make Schulte work a bit? If they do, they should get a couple past him.
Summary
The primary focus of this game and all future Charlotte games will be improving their defense. In this one, it's all about reducing the Crew's primary attacking threats, who all play centrally. An area where Charlotte has been attacked time and time again.
If Rossi gets multiple looks in and around the box, the Crew will have a good chance to get a result. On the flipside, if Charlotte's front three can challenge Schulte, then they should have a chance of putting up enough goals to mitigate defensive frailties and snap their losing streak.