What's Next For Charlotte FC?

By Brian Maurer

Image courtesy of Charlotte FC

On Tuesday Charlotte FC held a Celebration of Life ceremony for center back Anton Walkes, who tragically passed away last week. The team had returned to Charlotte from their first stop on their preseason tour in Florida for the ceremony. “We feel a responsibility to carry his [Walkes] legacy. I can’t stop thinking about Anton. I drive more and I get more strength because I think Anton is somehow with us” Lattanzio said at the ceremony.

Now that the preseason is set to continue, what is next for the team? What are the first steps to carrying on Walkes’ legacy?

Flying to California to Continue Preseason

Charlotte FC are flying to California today to continue their preseason training. They are expected to play a closed door friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday before participating in the Coachella Invitational.

Charlotte FC’s Coachella Invitational schedule:

Wednesday, February 1st at 2:00PM ET versus DC United
Saturday, February 4th at 2:00PM ET versus Vancouver Whitecaps

After the Coachella Invitational, Charlotte FC will return to the Carolinas to finish their preseason training. This includes an open friendly against the Charleston Battery on Saturday, February 11th.

Looking for Center Back Help

With Walkes’ tragic passing, and Guzmán Corujo still recovering from his injury last season, the Black and Blues find themselves thin at center back. Sources confirm that Charlotte FC are actively looking to add a center back before the start of the season.

Mickaël Nadé (image courtesy of ASSE)

One name that Charlotte FC reportedly has interest in is Frenchman Mickaël Nadé from Saint-Étienne. Nadé had 29 starts for Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1 during their 2021/22 season before the club was relegated. The 23 year old has 8 starts so far in Ligue 2 this season.