Houston Dynamo versus Charlotte FC: Player Matchup and Predicted Starting XI
By Rylee McKinney (@rylees_roster) and Sean McGuffin
It is matchday for The Crown as they take on Houston Dynamo in an Eastern versus Western Conference clash! Tonight's match takes place at The Bank ahead of a three-game on-the-road stretch.
In the Eastern Conference standings, Charlotte holds 5th place and qualifies for a playoff spot with 35 points. As for Houston, they are in a dominant 2nd-place position in the Western Conference with 39 points.
Tonight's match will not be a walk in the park for Charlotte and will surely test their abilities. During Houston's last two matches, they have played in a 5-back defensive formation, creating a literal wall for opposing attacks. TopBin90's Player Matchup explores Houston's backline versus Charlotte's attacking power: defender Agustin Resch versus forward Idan Toklomati.
Houston Dynamo - Center-Back - Agustin Resch
This former Seton Hall defender has started in 16 of Houston's 21 matches this season. Out of his 1,494 minutes played, Resch has made 155 defensive contributions.
Selected 69th overall in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, Resch has performed well beyond his "rookie" status.
The 24-year-old has been a strong contributor to Houston's back line, responsible for 83 clearances and 31 tackles. In Houston's last two matches, Resch has played as a right center-back alongside four of his teammates. This formation will prove tricky for Charlotte's young starting striker, who will have to rely on footwork and quick through passes to create opportunities.
Charlotte FC - Striker - Idan Toklomati
Idan Toklomati will likely earn the start tonight, and he will have to amp up the volume for Charlotte's attack. Facing off against Houston's wicked back line will require each and every member of Charlotte's midfield and attack to be at their best.
This year, Toklomati has started in 20 of Charlotte's 22 matches, recording seven goals. The 22-year-old striker has taken 16 shots on target and has an xG of 7.00. Although statistically Toklomati looks promising, his performance on the field has not been that of a typical striker. His nonchalant, "follow-up goal" type of play will likely need to change ahead of tonight. Toklomati will simply need to play hungrier and on high alert.
Charlotte FC Predicted Starting XI
Here is our Predicted Starting XI for tonight as Charlotte takes on the Houston Dynamo:
Defensive Unit
Kristijan Kahlina held a clean sheet in the I-85 Derby and looks to keep Houston scoreless tonight as Charlotte returns to the Bank. David Schnegg, Tim Ream and Henry Kessler are all sure starts for tonight's match, with Will Cleary getting the slight edge over Nathan Byrne for the start.
Morrison Agyemang, Nathan Byrne, Tyler Miller and Andrew Privett will be available as substitutes.
Midfield
Pep Biel is a sure start in his typical position of attacking midfielder, with Captain Ashley Westwood very likely to start alongside as a defensive midfielder. Djibril Diani has the highest likelihood to round out the midfield, but the position remains highly competitive between Diani, Bronico and De La Torre.
Brandt Bronico and Luca De La Torre will be available as subs.
Forward line
Allan Saint-Maximin made an immediate impact in his start against Atlanta, contributing to both of Charlotte’s goals in the win. He is a sure start for tonight's match against Houston, with Liel Abada and Idan Toklomati likely to start alongside. Toklomati and Abada both scored with assists from Saint-Maximin last week, showing some serious chemistry early on for this attacking unit.
Archie Goodwin, Rodolfo Aloko and Tyger Smalls are the most likely subs for tonight's match.
Predicted XI
