Charlotte FC vs FC Cincinnati Match Preview: Predicted Starting XI and Player Matchup
- Rylee Mckinney
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
By Rylee McKinney - @rylees_roster and Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704
Charlotte FC finally returns to The Bank tonight to face off against FC Cincinnati. After last week’s loss to New England, Charlotte dropped to 7th place in the Eastern Conference.
FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, managed a 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire despite being down a man.
The Crown have been on the road for the last few match days, and will be glad to return home to their fan-tastic fortress.
So far, Charlotte’s away record reflects their predisposition for home matches at 1W-1D-4L. Comparatively, their home record in MLS this season is 3W-1D-1L.
FC Cincinnati follows suit, with away match difficulties: a regular-season away record of 1W-2D-3L.
However, the Orange and Blue were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup, granting them more time to focus on the regular season. And it definitely shows.
In April, Cincinnati seems to be consistently climbing the table. With several draws against Toronto, Chicago, and NYCFC, Cincinnati was taking each week literally one point at a time. Now they have won their last two and are undefeated in five straight.
What is most striking about Cincinnati’s 2026 season so far is its discipline stats. Out of the 11 matchdays, Cincinnati has five red cards and 23 yellow cards, yet continues to push forward.
Heading into the 2026 season, FC Cincinnati did not make as many moves compared to other Eastern Conference teams in the transfer window. Key additions include goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek, on loan from Liverpool FC, and defender Kyle Smith, from Orlando City.
Their last true headline signings were Evander da Silva Ferreira and Kevin Denkey back at the beginning of 2025. Cincinnati acquired Evander in exchange for $12 million and up to $150,000 in conditional performance-based incentives from Portland. Denkey was acquired on an MLS-record transfer fee at the time before Atlanta United signed Emmanuel Latte Lath soon after resetting the fee record.
Charlotte, however, made several moves leading up to the 2026 MLS season: securing attacking midfielder Pep Biel as a Designated Player, signing center-back Henry Kessler, and rising young talents like Rodolfo Aloko from Crown Legacy FC.
The last time these two teams met was back in March of 2025. Charlotte and Cincinnati faced off twice last season, with Charlotte winning both.
Cincinnati managed to earn a red card against Charlotte for both matches in 2025.
This week’s matchup features two key players from each team’s starting lineup: Pep Biel versus Evander.
Pep Biel - CLTFC - Attacking Midfielder
Quickly becoming one of Charlotte’s favorite household names is Biel. He originally joined the Queen City on transfer from Olympiacos back in 2024.
His loan was extended in 2025, and eventually, he was purchased as a DP ahead of the 2026 season.
His three seasons with Charlotte have been nothing short of explosive. In 2024, Biel recorded two goals and three assists. As he entered the 2025 season, he recorded 10 goals and 11 assists despite a hamstring injury.
So far this season, Pep Biel is back and better than ever. In just 11 matches, Biel scored five goals and contributed four assists.
As the starting lineup continues to fluctuate for Charlotte, Biel is the focal point. His ability to connect with a variety of players from Charlotte’s roster makes him an exceptional attacking midfielder.
On the defensive side, Biel is responsible for a significant amount of recoveries while maintaining a low fouls committed profile.
Although Biel is not as defensively minded, he is a key component to Charlotte’s attacking third in transitional play.
Evander - FCC - Attacking Midfielder
Previously with the Portland Timbers, attacking midfielder Evander hopped on the FC Cincinnati train in the 2025 primary transfer window.
The 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player finalist and 2024 MLS Best XI Player awardee has more street cred than most attacking midfielders. His 2024 recognition comes from his 15 goals, 19 assists, and 34 goal contributions.
During his 2025 season with Cincinnati, Evander maintained his high standard, recording 18 goals, 14 assists, and 84 chances created, and was named to the MLS Best XI again.
Even though the 2026 season is not quite at its halfway point, Evander is helping the team climb the rankings. Evander has an xG of 4.96 and five goals in FC Cincinnati’s 10 regular-season matches.
Evander’s strength lies in his creativity and vision in the attacking third. Most importantly, his ability to put opportunities away.
He is also an elite playmaker, known for controlling the tempo of matches. Slowing down transitional play and finding opportunities in high-traffic areas are some of Evander’s specialties.
Summary
Evander and Biel are both critical players for their teams’ starting XIs. After all, attacks often start in the midfield.
As both teams shift their focus to regular-season play after tournament elimination, the attacking midfield will be a central focus for both head coaches.
Evander slightly leads Biel in xG, but both midfielders offer tireless work rates in the attacking third. Each player’s playmaking abilities will keep Evander and Biel at each other’s heels.
Charlotte and Cincinnati remain tooth and nail in the Eastern Conference. A win for Charlotte could be the very remedy for an unfortunate April.
Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI
Defensive Unit
Tim Ream makes his return from the injured list tonight and will likely start, bringing much-needed experience and stability to the defense. David Schnegg, Morrison, and Nathan Byrne will join him in the backfield. Kristijan Kahlina will be in goal. The Croatian keeper has yet to record a clean sheet since the scoreless draw against Inter Miami on March 14th. FC Cincinnati is tied with Inter Miami for the most goals scored in the East. Kahlina may have his work cut out for him, but Reams' return will be a big help in keeping Cincinnati's attack at bay.
Tyler Miller, Andrew Privett, and Will Cleary will be available from the bench.
Midfield
Djibril Diani seems to be Dean Smith’s preferred starter in Central Midfield. Diani has been in a rotation with Luca de la Torre and Brandt Bronico in previous weeks, but Diani shows himself to be the best fit for a start. Luca De La Torre has been uninspiring in his starts in the role, and Bronico has played well when subbing in for Diani in the second half. We likely see that dynamic play out tonight. Ashley Westwood and Pep Biel round out the midfield in tonight's match.
De la Torre, Bronico, and Aron John will be available as subs.
Forward line
Wilfried Zaha has the most security as a starter on the Forward Line, but it’s unknown how much longer the winger will be in Charlotte with his contract expiring at the end of June. Zaha should start for every match until the World Cup break, but the same certainty can't be said about the rest of the forward line. Kerwin Vargas got the starting role on the wing but was unable to record any shots against New England.
Liel Abada would sub in later for Vargas but had limited success himself. Dean Smith may start Vargas again, hoping the energy of the Bank can bring Vargas' production back. Rodolfo Aloko is also an option for the position. Idan Toklomati struggled against the New England defense but recorded two shots. Archie Goodwin subbed in but was not able to contribute to the stat sheet. At this point, Toklomati will likely take the starting nod tonight against Cincinnati.
If the front three above play out, then Aloko, Abada, Goodwin, and Tyger Smalls will be available from the bench.
Predicted Starting XI
Stats from TransferMarkt, FotMob, and MLS