Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew Match Preview: Player Matchup & Predicted Starting XI

By Rylee McKinney (@rylees_roster) and Sean McGuffin (@SeanMCG704)

Charlotte FC's Starting XI during Leagues Cup (Photo courtesy of Francisco Diaz/TopBin90)

MLS Regular Season is back in town after a disappointing Leagues Cup (LC) run for Charlotte FC. The Crown is set to make their return in an Eastern Conference clash against 11th-place Columbus Crew.

Prior to the Leagues Cup break, Charlotte FC fell 2-1 to Robert Lewandowski's Chicago Fire. That loss left Charlotte in 7th place, just within the playoff cut-off line at 25 points.

As for The Crew, their match before the break was against Inter Miami CF, where they put up a fight and eventually drew 2-2. However, the regular season has not been an easy road for Columbus, with coaching changes, roster shakeups, and new signings creating a turbulent transition for the squad.

Heading into tonight, Charlotte also has some roster changes, particularly on the attacking side. Both Wilfried Zaha and, most recently, Kerwin Vargas departed the team, leaving Dean Smith to reposition his usual starters.

During the international break, Charlotte signed on one replacement winger, Allan Saint-Maximin. The French addition made his debut during their last LC group stage match as a sub, drawing a penalty in the second half.

Yet, Charlotte's defense also continues to rotate to accommodate the fatigue of tournament play.

Our matchup to watch tonight focuses on Columbus Crew's newest Designated Player, Brais Mendez, against Charlotte's defensive center-back Henry Kessler.

Charlotte FC - Center-back - Henry Kessler

Despite being new to Charlotte's lineup, Henry Kessler comes with MLS experience. Kessler was drafted sixth overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution, helping the Revs win their first Supporters' Shield title. Kessler was then traded to St. Louis City SC in 2024. Back in January, Charlotte signed on the center-back as a free agent through the end of 2026 with club options for June of 2027-28.

Unfortunately, Kessler has been recovering from a hamstring injury and most recently returned to play during Charlotte's LC matches. In only two matches, Kessler has won 50% of duels and recorded 15 defensive contributions. Most importantly, the 28-year-old shows extreme composure, yet to receive any cards.

His physical strength and ability to perform consistently in one-on-one scenarios seem to have granted Kessler the start over young defenders like Andrew Privett and Morrison Agyemang.

Columbus Crew - Attacking Midfielder - Brais Mendez

Columbus' newest Designated Player, Brais Mendez, brings an elite resume from LaLiga and the Champions League. He has hit the ground running with immediate goal-scoring impact since joining The Crew.

Mendez has made goal contributions in every game since his debut against Inter Miami, even providing Columbus' critical equalizer. During Leagues Cup, the Spaniard scored in two group stage matches, helping Columbus secure their quarterfinal spot. He is essentially a vital centerpiece to the Crew's new offensive rebuild. He has seamlessly transitioned into MLS play from Real Sociedad, proving to be a versatile midfielder who can both finish chances and create them.

Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI against Columbus Crew

Here is our Predicted Starting XI for tonight:

Defensive Unit

Kristijan Kahlina returns from his Leagues Cup sabbatical with some extra rest to defend the goal against Columbus. With Harry Toffolo still out with injury, David Schnegg will be a sure start in the backfield. Tim Ream and Nathan Byrne will likely be alongside him, and we think Henry Kessler has a good chance at starting over Morrison Agyemang.

Morrison Agyemang, Will Cleary, Tyler Miller and Andrew Privett will be available as substitutes.

Midfield 

The midfield will likely be Dean Smith’s go-to with Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel and Djibril Diani. The biggest question lies with Pep Biel. He is a for-sure starter, but whether he starts in midfield is harder to predict. Smith has put Biel on the attacking line since Kerwin Vargas’s departure, and with uncertainty around Allan Saint-Maximin starting, we may see Biel back on the forward line.

Brandt Bronico and Luca De La Torre will be available substitutes.

Forward line

Allan Saint-Maximin is on the roster, but we are still unsure if he will start against Columbus. With that, we are still most likely to see Liel Abada get the start. If Biel stays in midfield, Aloko will start on the forward line with a 50/50 chance between Archie Goodwin and Idan Toklomati. Whoever sits out the start will be available as a sub.

Other available subs will be Tyger Smalls and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Predicted Starting XI