Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC Match Preview: Player Matchup and Predicted Starting XI

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

Liel Abada (Photo courtesy of Francisco Diaz/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC approaches a two-match week and is hitting the road. Their midweek destination is Toronto, to face off against the 12th-place team in the Eastern Conference.

Despite dropping out of the Leagues Cup, Charlotte seems to have regained some momentum. The addition of winger Allan Saint-Maximin and a 3-1 win over Columbus Crew last Saturday have given some fans hope for the second half of the MLS Regular Season. The Crown currently holds 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Last week, Toronto FC squeezed in a 2-1 win over New England Revolution with a second-half red card awarded to midfielder Djordje Mihailovic. Additionally, The Reds will be missing another midfielder, Jonathan Osorio, who tweaked his knee ahead of their match against New England last week. With a severe disadvantage in Toronto's midfield, Charlotte FC has the opportunity to capitalize on both the defense and the attack. Tonight's Player Matchup zooms in on Charlotte's left winger, Liel Abada, and Toronto's backup right winger, Theo Corbeanu.

Toronto FC - Right Midfielder - Theo Corbeanu

The 24-year-old Canadian international will likely serve as a replacement midfielder for the red-carded Mihailovic. Their lineup will, however, look different with two key midfielders out. With a preferred left foot on the right wing, Theo Corbeanu should not be overlooked by Charlotte's squad. This year, Corbeanu has started in four of six appearances, recording one goal. Although his goal-scoring is not quite impressive on paper, his playmaking abilities say otherwise. Out of his six appearances this season, Corbeanu has created six chances and has had 174 touches. On defense, he has made nine recoveries and five defensive contributions.

His two-footed technical ability and brute physicality will prove difficult for Charlotte's Liel Abada on the wing.

Charlotte FC - Left Winger - Liel Abada

Since bringing in Allan Saint-Maximin, head coach Dean Smith has made it clear that he is not quite at a full 90-minutes just yet. In the meantime, Liel Abada has earned some serious minutes on the left-hand side. In addition to the departure of right winger Kerwin Vargas, Smith has been left to grant Abada more time on the pitch. So far this season, Abada has started in eight of 13 matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists. His current xG sits at 2.4, and he is responsible for 11 chances created.

Once Saint-Maximin proves he’s fit, Liel Abada could find himself fighting for minutes again with Rodolfo Aloko and Pep Biel. Tonight’s performance is a prime opportunity to make his case to Dean Smith.

Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI against Toronto FC

Here is our Predicted Starting XI for tonight:

Defensive Unit

Kristijan Kahlina will start between the posts after conceding one goal to Columbus in a winning effort. He will likely be joined in defense by David Schnegg, Tim Ream and Henry Kessler. Nathan Byrne missed Monday practice, but was seen training on Tuesday, meaning he may take the start over Will Cleary

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

Midfield 

Brandt Bronico put Charlotte ahead in a matter of seconds against Columbus, and could once again start alongside Captain Ashley Westwood against Toronto tonight. Pep Biel is a sure starter, but whether he starts in midfield or the forward line is the question.

Luca de la Torre and Djibril Diani will be available as subs.

Forward line

The forward line holds a great deal of mystery tonight, with Liel Abada likely to start tonight, but Allan Saint-Maximin has a high chance of taking the starting position in the near future. The other two positions will be highly competitive tonight, with Rodolfo Aloko a possible starter, but if Pep Biel is moved to the forward line, he will be utilized as a substitute. At striker, the position battle between Archie Goodwin and Idan Toklomati continues, with each of the young strikers having a chance to start tonight.

Saint-Maximin, Archie Goodwin and Tyger Smalls are the most likely subs for tonight's match.

Predicted Starting XI