Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC: Player Matchup Preview

By Brian Maurer

Kerwin Vargas and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty facing off last year, now playing as teammates (Photo courtesy of Cisco's Art/Topbin90)

Charlotte FC is coming off another road defeat on Wednesday versus the New York Red Bulls. They need to shake it off quickly, as their opponent on Saturday is the most winnable road matchup Charlotte has faced in a while.

The Crown has last four straight road matchups in MLS play. On the other hand, Toronto FC has lost three straight MLS home matches and has only won once at home in league play. This is an important moment for Charlotte because losing to one of the worst teams in MLS would be one of the ultimate disappointments to end the first half of the season.

Here are three key matchups that could decide the result in this weekend's game:

Federico Bernardeschi vs Adilson Malanda

Federico Bernardeschi has easily been Toronto's most productive player, which isn't saying a lot. That said, he must still be contained as he has hurt Charlotte plenty over the years. He has six goal contributions (3g/3a) in six games against the Crown.

Robin Fraser has been putting him more centrally lately, getting the Italian attacker more touches and more involved. Charlotte's defense will need to reduce Bernadeschi's impact, and that responsibility will fall to Adilson Malanda and the back line.

Deybi Flores vs Ashley Westwood

Deybi Flores had a good game against Charlotte last time they visited Toronto, and he continues to show up as one of Toronto's more consistent players during a rough spell for the club.

On the flipside, it can't be stated enough how important it is for Ashley Westwood and Co. to show up well in a midfield battle. Week after week, Charlotte's midfield has left their backline too exposed. Westwood will have the support of his running mate, Brandt Bronico, back in, but the Englishman needs to help this team by leading with strong defensive runs and well-orchestrated ball progression to set up attacks.

The Crown needs to win a midfield battle, and that victory likely starts with this matchup right here.

Kosi Thompson vs Wilfried Zaha

Kosi Thompson, like Federico Bernadeschi, was suspended for Toronto's midweek game. He will be rested, but his yellow card accumulation also shows a vulnerability that Wilfried Zaha can exploit.

Zaha has yet to provide a winning road performance on display, but this matchup looks like a perfect opportunity for him to do so, as he is likely going up against a young, far less experienced fullback, who also has conceded multiple yellow cards.

This is a game that Zaha should be looking to take over with several dominant sequences that help get the Crown over the line.

Summary

Charlotte FC is struggling on the road, and Toronto FC is struggling at home. Something has to give. In games like this, where both teams have shown clear weaknesses, it could likely come down to the veteran attackers who know how to exploit those shortcomings.

Bernardeschi and Zaha will both likely feature prominently in this one, and it's likely going to require a magic moment from either of them to pull their struggling clubs over the line.