The challenges of the Western Conference roadtrip
- Brian Maurer
- Feb 27
- 1 min read
By Brian Maurer
Charlotte FC is getting set for its second Western Conference roadtrip in as many games. While on paper, the Crown and its fans should feel confident that points are there for the taking against the LA Galaxy, these cross-conference trips have been anything but easy throughout Charlotte's history.
Through 14 Western Conference road games in league play, Charlotte is 2-5-7 all-time with a -12 goal differential. Dean Smith has yet to earn a road win against a WC team (0-4-3, -4 GD).
The WC trip isn't just tricky for the Crown, though. On opening weekend, seven Eastern Conference teams traveled to the WC, and Charlotte was one of only two that came away with a point (0-2-5, -11 GD). This should make fans feel better about Charlotte;s draw earned last week against St. Louis, even if it wasn't their strongest showing.
It also seems to be difficult for WC teams to make the trip East as Charlotte is 4-1-1 with a +6 GD at home against the West under Smith, which is slightly higher than his very strong 2.12 ppg home average in the past two years.
Given how hard it was last week for the East, and how much Smith's squad has struggled making these types of trips, this game looms a bit larger and more difficult than what one might have previously anticipated. They should still feel the points are there for them, but clearly, traveling West is a major variable to overcome this weekend.
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