FC Cincinnati versus Charlotte FC Match Preview: Player Matchup and Predicted Starting XI
By Rylee McKinney (@rylees_roster) and Brian Maurer (@BAMaurerMedia)
Tonight, Charlotte FC travels to The Queen City...well, the Queen of the West, that is. In their second match this week, The Crown will look to continue their six-game unbeaten streak on the road.
During the midweek, Charlotte secured a 2-0 win over CF Montreal while Cincy suffered a 5-0 blowout against Philadelphia Union.
Currently, Cincinnati stands in 7th place (31 points) in the Eastern Conference while Charlotte is just ahead in 5th place (39 points). Tonight's match is another important step in both teams' playoff push, heightening the tension.
Tonight's Player Matchup to watch highlights each roster's depth due to injuries and red card suspensions for both Charlotte and Cincinnati: Will Cleary versus Gerardo Valenzuela.
FC Cincinnati - Midfielder - Gerardo "Dado" Valenzuela
Stepping up as a primary creator, the 21-year-old Homegrown midfielder plays an increasingly crucial role for Cincinnati. His 2026 metrics show creative impact across his 19 MLS appearances, generating one goal, three assists, and 26 chances created. Valenzuela combines this attacking flair with neat distribution, maintaining an elite 89.7% passing completion rate while frequently drifting into dangerous areas to compromise opposing backlines.
With Cincy's Evander and Obinna Nwobodo suspended as well for tonight's match, Valenzuela will have to work alongside Cincinnati's substitutes, which may prove difficult in solidifying chemistry.
Charlotte FC - Right Fullback - Will Cleary
The 23-year-old rookie and Stanford product has secured his role on Charlotte's backline with remarkable maturity. So far this season, Cleary has registered one goal and one assist while logging 15 clearances and 208 successful passes over 592 minutes played.
His defensive discipline and aerial threat—highlighted by his first career MLS goal coming off a powerful header—will make him a critical piece of Charlotte's defense tonight. With David Schnegg and Ashley Westwood ineligible due to disciplinary suspension and Harry Toffolo still injured, Cleary will have to provide stability on a weakened defense while also pushing up in transition to help create some chances.
Predicted Starting XI
Defensive unit
Kristijan Kahlina, per usual, is expected in goal. The fullback position is up in the air with David Schnegg suspended and Harry Toffolo still out injured. Most likely Nathan Byrne or Will Cleary will shift over while the other will stay on the right. Tim Ream and Henry Kessler are likely to stay as the centerback pairing this weekend.
Tyler Miller, Morrison Agyemang, and Andrew Privett are the only defensive players available out of the primary group that Dean Smith has been calling up. This means there is a good chance Jack Neeley gets a call up as a reserve. The other likely candidate is Willian Sangoquiza who has been getting reps with the First Team lately and could get moved up on a short-term loan.
Midfield
With Ashley Westwood serving his yellow card accumulation suspension Djibril Diani will likely continue getting the start on the left side of the double pivot where he has started the last three games. Luca de la Torre or Brandt Bronico are Smith's primary options to play alongside the Frenchman. It feels like a coinflip between de la Torre and Bronico at the moment. Pep Biel will continue playing his attacking role in the midfield.
Baye Coulibaly and either de la Torre or Brandt Bronico will be the most likely sub options.
Forward line
Smith will likely revert back to his usual front three after giving Archie Goodwin a start on Wednesday. Allan Saint-Maximin is expected out left, Idan Toklomati in the middle, and Liel Abada on the right.
Goodwin trained yesterday after suffering a hip injury Wednesday and should be available off the bench alongside Rodolfo Aloko, and Tyger Smalls.
Predicted XI
