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By Brian Maurer Photo courtesy CJ Hellner/TopBin90 MLS pundit Matt Doyle wrote an article last week discussing five Eastern Conference teams with tactical question marks heading into the 2026 season. One of the teams he is keeping an eye on is Charlotte FC, and more specifically, the positioning of Pep Biel. The Spanish midfielder has played at both the 10 and as a right winger in Charlotte, and Doyle did not sound convinced that the Crown had found the best way to use him in their attack to complement the other attacking options like Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati. The majority of Biel's 2025 season was in an attacking midfield role, where he excelled and put up some serious goal contribution numbers before his season ended early due to injury. Most would think Charlotte Head Coach Dean Smith would go right back to playing Biel central as he did last season, to try and get the same level of production, but could that be in question? Here are some initial thoughts I had based on Doyle's tactical question about Biel's positioning and how to get the best out of the Spaniard and this attack: Positions on a lineup card don't necessarily mean actual team setup Doyle's article hints at this as well by saying that Biel would play as an "inverted playmaking rightwinger," but the position on paper would not mean all that much in Biel's case. If he plays as a true 10 or as an inverted right winger, the aim would be the same: get Biel on the ball in central pockets of space in the attacking third so he can create chances for his teammates and himself. Two different positions on the lineup card, but the same aim in terms of where Biel actually does work on the field. Smith's trust in teammates around Biel will likely play a role in where he lines up Since the aim for Biel is to get him on the ball in central, dangerous attacking areas, it's less about the Spanish midfielder's play and trust with Smith and more about how the head coach views other teammates around him. If Smith trusts players like Brandt Bronico and Djibril Diani more than Kerwin Vargas or Liel Abada as the season goes on, then there is an argument for Biel to be positioned as a right winger. If Abada can find some form or Vargas continues to show growth in his game within this group, then the opposite will be true. This tactical question can easily be a benefit The signing of Luca de la Torre gives Smith more flexibility in midfield and options to move Biel and other pieces around depending on the game state and opponent, as well as Charlotte's form. Last season, Biel got hurt, Abada's form dipped, and other midfield options like Eryk Williamson struggled. Smith ranout of options he could trust down the stretch. Because of Biel's flexibility and the addition of de la Torre, this is less likely to happen in 2026. If we consider Ashley Westwood and de la Torre as locks in the starting XI out of the gate, then Smith still has at least four different directions he can take the midfield. He can slot Diani with them as more of a defensive midfield option. He can add Bronico as more of a box-to-box option, Biel as an attacking facilitator, or Baye Coulibaly could earn himself a role as well. Because Biel can slot in on the right and still find pockets to get on the ball from there, all of these different midfield set-ups are in play. If Vargas and/or Abada force Smith's hand with strong form and Biel stays central, then Charlotte's Head Coach has even more options at his disposal. Biel staying at the 10 with no issues on the right wing gives Smith five midfielders (Westwood, de la Torre, Bronico, Diani, and Coulibaly) competing for two spots. When player form dips or injuries occur, Charlotte should feel more comfortable that there are more directions the Crown can take their tactical setup. While it is indeed a question because there are multiple directions Smith could take things, that does not necessarily make the situation a liability. That question can equally mean flexibility as a roster asset. Inverting centrally is also dependent on the fullback setup One final thought on all of this is the importance that Harry Toffolo and Nathan Byrne will play in these tactical questions. To have inverting wingers, you generally need overlapping fullbacks that can continue to occupy the wide areas. Towards the end of last year, Toffolo had been playing higher on the left, tilting Wilfried Zaha more centrally. This setup has continued through the first few weeks of preseason. So far, it looks like Smith is keying in on inverting his wingers a bit more this season to create a more dynamic attack that has an easier time combining in central spaces. It looks like that inversion is coming from the left-hand side with Zaha rather than on the right. Byrne has not been able to get too many preseason reps, which could be one reason for the field tilt. Once the backline is fit, there will be more answers to which of Charlotte's wings inverts more often. As thing stands, it looks like Charlotte's left inverts, which would mean Biel likely stays central, because you wouldn't want to stick your best chance creator out wide right. Things could get really interesting if Smith opts to put Biel at rightwing with both wings inverting. This would tuck Zaha and Biel inside with Toklomati and also allow de la Torre to float into this central area with them, putting four of your most technically dangerous players in proximity to each other in one of the most dangerous areas on the field (see tactical board below). This option leaves a lot of openings defensively, but it is one of the reasons Smith would need more defensive ground cover in midfield to pull this off effectively. In sum, Smith has options, which leads to questions, which could be a good thing Smith's options in midfield and attacking lines should give him plenty of different directions he can go. Biel will obviously be at the center of the final decisions, regardless of position. The primary question will be whether Smith can utilize these different options to maximize the group's potential and lead them to trophies and/or qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

By Brian Maurer Photo courtesy CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Another weekend of preseason games is in the books for Charlotte FC, and finally, fans and media got a chance to watch a game streamed, highlighting just how close we are to the start of the 2026 MLS season. Here are a few notes and takeaways from the Charlotte action against San Jose, which was streamed, as well as some notes from their closed-door friendly against Phoenix Rising the following day. Charlotte FC loses 1-0 to San Jose Earthquakes Players are starting to get closer to full shifts  - Kristijan Kahlina and Andrew Privett played the full 90 minutes. Pep Biel was given 70 minutes, and the front four of Wilfried Zaha, Idan Toklomati, Biel, and Liel Abada all got an entire 70-minute shift together. It's not a huge surprise, but this looks like the highest likelihood front four for opening week against St. Louis City. Left back depth is a strength in 2026 - Harry Toffolo exited early with what looked like some discomfort, and David Schnegg came in and continues to look the part. Left back could be one of Charlotte FC's deeper positions right now. LDLT continues to get reps with the entire midfield group - Luca de la Torre is getting lots of minutes to get familiar with several different midfield pairings. Against San Jose, he played 45 minutes with Djibril Diani and then 25 minutes with Ashley Westwood. This gives Dean Smith a chance to see how all his midfielders look together in different setups and rotations. Abada putting his body on the line to earn his spot back - Abada had an opportunity to show some two-way ability against an active DeJuan Jones, who was attacking on his side. Jones forced Abada to put his body on the line a good bit defensively, which was a good sign that he was willing to do so, given the position battle he is in on the right wing against Kerwin Vargas. We still haven't seen a ton of difference-making ability from the Israeli winger in preseason action yet, but he did have a few good moments, especially when Zaha found him over the top, getting him a chance on goal. Privett's ball progression is going to be a key in early season stretch - Privett looked sound defensively but missed a great opportunity to put Toklomati through on goal. He will need to get those types of passes down this year to convince Smith he can replace what Adilson Malanda's distribution brought to the table last year. He currently looks primed to have a starting role to start the season, as he was also given the captain's armband, and should have an opportunity to fight to keep his place. Zaha helped the team create by finding the ball in central pockets - Zaha created two really good moments down the stretch in the first half and looked like the most lively attacking player on the field by the end of the half. He created dangerous moments by receiving the ball more centrally and then sending the ball on to runners in and around the box. Overall, Charlotte's front four didn't look completely insync, but there were moments where the group showed that they are looking to attack defenses in a wider variety of ways. Charlotte FC beats Phoenix Rising 2-1 in a closed-door friendly on Sunday A lot of young prospects got long runouts - Will Cleary, Andrew Johnson, Baye Coulibaly, and Emmanuel Uchegbu got full 90-minute shifts. Smith is clearly looking to see which of this group will be earning first-team supplemental roster spots, as there are still a few available. Bronico played a full 90 - Bronico played a full 90 against Phoenix and only about 20 minutes against San Jose. It looks like he could be getting rotated into a bench role to start the year. Not tremendously surprising given the de la Torre signing, but one situation to watch with the final dress rehearsal approaching. Clear A and B Team starting to materialize - This will become clearer in the coming week with the final dress rehearsal preseason matchup next weekend, but it appears there is a clear A team and B team forming based on how minutes are getting allocated and in which set-ups. The game against San Jose looked close to what the starting XI opening week could be (depending on Tim Ream and Nathan Byrne's health). The Phoenix Rising game rotation looks like the potential second-string group to start 2026. Tim Ream and Nathan Byrne continue to be absent - Tim Ream and Nathan Byrne are the main notable absences with their calf injuries. Preseason reps won't be the key for them, but the main concern is fitness for opening night. Diani at left center-back, and Jack Neeley at right back appear to be frontrunners as opening night substitutes if needed, based on how reps are being distributed across the preseason games so far. Charlotte FC minutes-by-position breakdown through preseason GK: Kristijan Kahlina - 180' Tyler Miller - 130' Isaac Walker - 65' LB: David Schnegg - 220' Harry Toffolo - 110' Will Cleary - 45' LCB: Andrew Privett - 195' Djibril Diani - 90' Jack Neeley - 45' Morrison Agyemang - 45' RCB: Andrew Johnson - 200' Morrison Agyemang - 175' RB: Jack Neeley - 175' Will Cleary - 110' Nathan Byrne - 45' Willian Sangoquiza - 45' CM: Baye Coulibaly - 215' Ashley Westwood - 205' Luca de la Torre - 195' Djibril Diani - 90' Aron John - 45' AM: Brandt Bronico - 215' Pep Biel - 115' Aron John - 45' LW: Wilfried Zaha - 115' Emmanuel Uchegbu - 110' Liel Abada - 105' Kerwin Vargas - 45' CF: Idan Toklomati - 195' Kerwin Vargas - 85' Archie Goodwin - 45' Tyger Smalls - 45' Rodolfo Aloko - 5' RW: Rodolfo Aloko - 180' Liel Abada - 90' Emmanuel Uchegbu - 75' Kerwin Vargas - 30'

By Rylee McKinney Nimfasha Berchimas (Photo Courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Charlotte FC Academy kicked off its 2025-2026 season last September and has already made headlines. The first half of their season featured regular-season play in addition to MLS NEXT Fest, one of the largest youth scouting and recruiting events in North America.  The rest of the season will return in just a few weeks. In addition to regular-season play, Academy teams will also participate in the Generation adidas Cup, MLS NEXT Flex, and MLS NEXT Cup.  Here’s a quick look at Charlotte FC Academies’ performance so far and pressing headlines: Standings Currently, Charlotte FC Academy U19s are sitting in 7th place in the Southeast Division. Out of only eight matches played so far, the squad has a 2W-4L-2D record in regular-season play. Orlando City Academy leads the top of the division with a 7W-0L-1D record.  As for the U17s, they are also holding 7th place in the Southeast Division. Out of eight matches played, the U17 squad has a 2W-5L-1D record. Consequently, the U-17 team has only eight points in the table halfway through their season. The division’s leaders, Atlanta United Academy, earned 16 points, revealing the noticeable performance gap.  Charlotte FC Academy’s U16s are following suit with the U17s and U19s, landing in 7th place in their standings. Out of five matches played, the U16s have earned a record of 0W-4L-1D. Granted, the first-place team, Houston Dynamo FC, has played in two more matches, which shifts the table in their favor.  Unlike their counterparts, the U14s are currently leading the Southeast Division. Having played 15 matches so far, the squad has an attacking score of 89.1 points and a defending score of 83.4 points. Their overall quality of play ranks at 87.4 points.  CLTFC Academy News The hottest headline regarding Charlotte FC’s Academy centers around Nimfasha Berchimas.  On February 2, Tom Bogert took to social media, announcing that Bayern Munich is in advanced talks to sign Berchimas from Charlotte FC. Although the deal is not official just yet, it looks as though Berchimas will likely move to Germany over the summer after he turns 18 years old.  Back in 2020, Berchimas joined Charlotte FC’s academy at 12 years old from NC Fusion. He signed a homegrown contract with Charlotte FC back in November of 2022 at just 14 years old. His contract with Charlotte FC made him the sixth-youngest player in MLS history to sign professionally at the time.  Across the 2023 to 2025 seasons, Berchimas has been a key forward for Crown Legacy FC, Charlotte’s MLS NEXT Pro team. Appearing in over 40 matches, Berchimas has scored 10 goals.  Internationally, Berchimas has made several appearances across five U.S. Youth National Team squads. This past year, Berchimas was called up for the U17 Men’s National Team for the U17 FIFA World Cup. He earned starting spots during their matches against Burkina Faso and Tajikistan.  Despite his impressive resume and the striking of a new deal on the horizon, Berchimas is not the only academy star.  Marcus Chairez, youth soccer advisor, writer, and scout at US Soccer Collective , contends Berchimas’ rise. According to Chairez’s Top 50 USMNT Prospects rankings released in December 2025, Nimfasha lands in 34th. However, Chairez ranks current U-16 academy player Daniel Brown higher, in 32nd place. Brown currently plays as a midfielder/forward for Charlotte’s U-16 roster and was most recently named to the U-15 Boys National Team's February Camp Roster. He will travel to Cyprus later this week for the international training camp. *See Chairez’s Top 50 USMNT Prospects rankings here . Looking to 2026 As the Charlotte FC Academy prepares to resume play, the first half of the 2025-2026 season paints a picture of both challenge and promise. While results for the U16, U17, and U19 squads reveal growing pains within the Southeast Division, they are simply markers of the academy's potential.  The academy’s commitment to long-term player development is leading to the emergence of elite talents like Berchimas and Brown. After all, their journeys are drawing national and international attention.  With marquee events like the Generation Adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup still ahead, the second half of the season offers Charlotte FC’s academy teams a chance to recalibrate and showcase growth. The spring also offers opportunities for players to move upwards through different age levels as Crown Legacy FC's season is about to kick off, and with it, more academy prospects will be getting a look with professional minutes. *Team rankings and stats from MLS NEXT

By Brian Maurer Dean Smith addressing Charlotte FC supporters (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Dean Smith has led Charlotte FC to over 50 points in each of his first two seasons. Increasing the points floor of his predecessors by 30% (55 points average, compared to 42.5). In fact, there is an opportunity this season for Smith to put the Crown in far more rare company if they can reach the 50-point mark again. Three teams in the Eastern Conference have achieved 50+ points each of the last three seasons (FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and Orlando City). The Seattle Sounders and LAFC are on three-year 50+ point streaks in the Western Conference. Only one team in all of MLS has hit the 50-point mark in the last four seasons (LAFC). The Black and Gold has also hit the 50-point mark in six of seven seasons since its inaugural year in 2018 (excluding 2020*). This gives them a strong argument that they are the highest level in terms of consistency in MLS today. Charlotte is currently one of nine teams in MLS to have hit the 50-point number each of the past two years, with an opportunity to join what will likely be an exclusive group if they can hit 50 again this season. As of now, hitting 50 points in four straight seasons seems to be the number that really starts to set the high-level, consistent teams in MLS apart. Of course, stringing a good run of seasons together like Smith is on track to do only goes as far as the ceiling. The five teams mentioned before on three-year 50+ point seasons have also won trophies; they have hit a solid peak. As Smith leads the Crown, that ceiling concern will continue to be a topic until trophies and Concacaf Champions Cup qualification are achieved in the Carolinas. *COVID

By Billy McGee Liel Abada (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) It looks like Liel Abada (24) will be staying with Charlotte FC, at least until the summer, as the transfer windows closed for most European leagues. The winger was linked to the EFL Championship and had a loan move rejected by Charlotte last summer. The Designated Player has left a lot to be desired during his time in the Carolinas. Last season, Abada made 39 appearances across all competitions, recording seven goals and two assists while competing with Kerwin Vargas for the starting right wing position. If the end of last season is any indicator, Abada will likely begin the season on the bench with Vargas starting. He will need to provide a spark as a substitute, working against tired defenders on the right to take some pressure off Zaha on the left. Abada reaching 10 goal contributions across the season would be an improvement in production on both his last two years in MLS, and could earn him more minutes. Abada's attacking output will need to be higher to make up for defensive shortcomings and match the impact of other wingers capable of contributing defensively, mainly Vargas. The Israeli will also have to contend with Rodolfo Aloko and Emmanuel Uchegbu vying for spots with the First Team after being acquired last year and signing contracts with Crown Legacy. A poor start to the season for Abada, paired with an emergence of one of Aloko or Uchegbu, could set up a summertime move with other winger options available internally for the club. Charlotte has a club option on Abada’s contract for 2027, meaning the DP winger likely needs to have a breakout season that starts quickly in the Spring for him to stick around next year.

By Brian Maurer Patrick Agyemang celebrating during his time with Charlotte FC (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Several MLS players have made the move to the English Championship this past year, and it feels like just about all of them have hit the ground running. USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang has scored in three of his last four games and now leads Derby County in goal contributions this season (9g/3a). Adilson Malanda has made six starts since joining Middlesbrough this winter and has helped the team keep three clean sheets. More than the stats, the Boro fanbase has been posting tons of adulation about the young French defender. Malanda's teammate, Aidan Morris, formerly from the Columbus Crew, has been with Middlesbrough since 2024 and has already amassed over 60 appearances. Former Philadelphia Union fullback Kai Wagner hit the ground running with Birmingham City with goal contributions in his first two starts. The Vancouver Whitecaps also transferred wide player Ali Ahmed to Norwich City this winter window, and he has four goal contributions (2g/2a) through his first four appearances. All of these recent headlines beg the question. Has MLS caught up with England's Second Tier? Experienced players who have made the switch from England to MLS have noticed a closing of the gap between MLS and England's Tier 2, "The quality and the level that the players [in MLS] are at, the athleticism is amazing, it just shows you how close the leagues actually are," said Charlotte FC's left back Harry Toffolo, who spent multiple seasons in the English Championship with Huddersfield Town, and then with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League after that. Toffolo mentioned that the Designated Player rule in MLS does still somewhat limit teams on balance, as there are teams in the EFL Championship that can have five, ten, or even fifteen players around that DP level. According to Transfermarkt, there are six teams in England's Second Tier that have an average player market value over 4 million euros (~$4.7m). Going into 2026, Transfermarkt's most valuable team in MLS is Inter Miami with an average player market value of around $4.2m. Capology estimates that Leicester City has 15 players on at least $1.9m total gross salary. The 2026 Max-TAM level for MLS* is set at ~$1.8m. Leicester is having a difficult season this year, but with several other teams in the Championship with the ability to diversify their spending in a similar way to the Foxes, it's difficult to say definitively that MLS clubs can compete with the best teams in England's Tier 2. However, as you approach the median of the Championship, MLS clubs as a whole start to look far more comparable when using Transfermarkt's valuations. It is also worth noting that most of the MLS players making the jump to England are among their brightest prospects, and in Wagner's case, a two-time MLS Best XI player. Clearly, the gap is closing and has been for several years. If changes come to the MLS's roster rules after the World Cup, that gap could shrink entirely with extra funds pulling the future closer. *Max-TAM is the highest cap level a club can use allocation money on to "buy down" a player's salary to reduce the salary budget charge. Anything over that Max-TAM level means that player has to be a Designated Player with no option of using allocation money. That means in the above example, Leicester City has at least 15 DPs on their books according to Capology .

By Brian Maurer Wilfried Zaha driving forward (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Charlotte FC's star winger, Wilfried Zaha (33), is entering the final months of his contract, which expires in June. TopBin90's Jorge Gonzales asked the Ivory Coast international how conversations regarding a new contract were going. Zaha mentioned that he had spoken with Charlotte FC General Manager Zoran Krneta, but that more proper contract discussions would happen at the end of preseason. The former Crystal Palace legend mentioned he was open to the possibility of staying, but didn't give away too much more in terms of which way he was leaning. Zaha mentioned both parties would have to sit down "...and find out if we can come to some sort of agreement." When asked how things appeared to be shaping up, Zaha said, "That I don't know, we will have to have the talk." It is worth saying that the winger mentioned his son liked his school here, and that there were definitely positives of being here that he was going to consider. He spoke like a measured professional who knew how discussions can go and that nothing is certain when it comes to sports and contract negotiations. According to Barron's , Zaha signed a three-year deal worth 15.4m euros (~$18m) in 2023. If that is the number Zaha is looking for to continue in Charlotte than that would put him in the range of a top 10 player salary in all of MLS, based on MLSPA's 2025 salary guide. There are two other caveats to note that the club will likely be considering when coming to the table with Zaha's camp. One is MLS will be shifting to a summer-to-spring calendar in 2027, meaning league transfer windows will align with the top leagues around the world. That transfer window alignment begins this summer, and could mean players become available that wouldn't otherwise. A second is that the current CBA is set to expire at the end of 2027, which means new roster and salary cap rules could be coming. All of this is to say that the first half of Charlotte's season gets a whole lot more interesting the longer negotiations go on without a resolution.

By Brian Maurer Nathan Byrne joined Charlotte FC in 2022 (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) As Dean Smith enters his third preseason at the helm of Charlotte FC, there are now only six players he has kept from the group he inherited in 2024: Brandt Bronico, Kristijan Kahlina, Kerwin Vargas, Nathan Byrne, Ashley Westwood, and Andrew Privett. It is common for new coaches to come in and make changes as they bring in their own hires within the group (both players and coaches). Highlighting these six helps us understand the overlapping traits that Smith likely keys in on and why they have been offered contract extensions since Smith's era began. Defensive work rate All six of these players have shown a strong willingness to put in a shift defensively in various capacities. From Kahlina's shot-stopping to Vargas and Byrne's two-way play, all of them have a willingness to do the dirty work off the ball to help the team stay competitive year after year. Kahlina won Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and has ranked top five in GK saves each of the last two seasons. Westwood has been noted for his ground coverage (especially in 2024) and ability to position himself defensively after supporting in the attack. These are things Bronico, Byrne, and Vargas have also become known for in Charlotte. In 2024, Privett was ranked third among all MLS CBs with over 2000 minutes in American Soccer Analysis' interrupting goals added*. Versatility All five outfield players have shown versatility with their style of play, being able to take on different roles when called upon. Privett started as a midfielder when drafted, but found his way onto the field as a center back, and has slotted in at left center back as a right-footed player to do the job needed. Byrne, over the years, has been willing to swap between left and right back depending on squad availability. Westwood and Bronico have both been willing to sit deeper when needed and also play in more advanced roles. While Vargas' two-way play and athleticism give Smith the options to play him higher on the wing or fall back in defensive support. Durability and availability All six of these players have shown an ability to stay healthy and be available through their time in Charlotte (knock on wood). Even with the extra defensive effort and running all of the outfield players are putting in, they have, for the most part, been options for Smith week after week. While one aspect of this is luck, something Byrne pointed out to us in a recent press conference, another aspect is discipline to take care of their bodies. Westwood, Byrne, Bronico, and Kahlina are all in their 30s but still showing an ability to push for 90 minutes throughout the course of a season. That's not just luck, and clearly that discipline is an important value to Smith. Coachability and trust Several of these players have lost their jobs periodically during Smith's tenure, and they have all responded by earning their minutes back. Vargas, Bronico, Kahlina, and Privett are all good examples of this. This shows that Smith has a good working relationship and knows how to work with this group and get more out of them, and their willingness to respond to his methods shows trust in both directions. Westwood and Byrne haven't been notably benched during Smith's tenure, but they have been asked to play a multitude of roles and work with several different groups of players, showing Smith trusts them to support the group as a whole, no matter the game state. *Interrupting is an ASA advanced metric that looks at aspects of the game like stopping breaks and defensive zone actions.

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Last week, the United Soccer League (USL) officially announced a new structure for promotion and relegation. This three-tier pathway is expected to launch in 2028, but has already raised the bar in the world of professional soccer in the United States.  As the USL embarks on its new chapter, everyone cannot help but ask: Will this impact MLS?  Here’s a breakdown of USL’s new promotion and relegation framework and a dive into how this might influence MLS:  Future USL Structure The USL currently operates as a traditional closed-league system where teams are limited to their respective divisions. On the men's side, USL features the USL Championship (Division II) and USL League One (Division III) leagues. USL League Two is the men's side pre-professional league. The women’s side comprises the Gainbridge Super League (Division I) and the pre-professional USL W League.  Last Tuesday, USL released a new three-division framework, impacting only the men’s division. According to the USL’s announcement, the new structure was designed to “support long-term growth, competitive integrity, and the introduction of promotion and relegation.” Taking on a pyramid shape, the new structure includes the USL Premier (Division One), the USL Championship (Division Two), and the USL League One (Division Three). USL Premier serves as the top tier of the men’s professional pathway with a long-term target of 20 clubs. Underneath the Premier division will be the USL Championship, also operating as a single national table with 20 clubs. The bottom of the pyramid will be the USL League One that will focus on building players and teams locally.  In tandem with the new structure’s launch in 2028, the USL will also adopt a promotion and relegation system. This will make the USL America’s first league to introduce promotion and relegation.  According to the USL’s official statement, they are currently reviewing applications of clubs interested in USL Premier. The USL also noted that Tony Scholes will lead this new tiered system post his position with the English Premier League this summer. MLS Impact USL’s plans have moved the chess piece in the game of United States’ professional soccer. Despite operating separately from Major League Soccer (MLS), the USL has been forward with its attempts to expand competition in professional soccer.  MLS recently initiated the game of chess with its announcement of adopting a summer-to-spring calendar format starting in 2027. The league currently operates on a February-to-December calendar, which often interferes with international competitions, especially brought to light in the wake of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Consequently, the transitional decision will align MLS with the top league calendars to improve international play and timing of transfer windows.  However, it is safe to say that the USL’s adoption of the three-tier promotion/relegation system places pressure on the MLS’s closed structure. From ownership benefits to fan engagement, this system will increase tensions between the leagues. Ownership Implications One of the most significant ripple effects of the USL’s promotion and relegation model comes at the ownership level. MLS franchise valuations are largely built on the closed system model, with expansion fees now exceeding $500 million (San Diego FC in 2023 set the record expansion fee). By contrast, USL’s model introduces competitive risk and competitive reward.  For owners, promotion to the USL Premier presents a pathway to top-tier soccer without the massive upfront cost required by MLS. Although the USL’s model might come with some financial uncertainty, it could attract new investors who will directly support infrastructure development and long-term growth.  The clear binary in ownership values may further the gap between the two leagues, forcing MLS to revisit its economic model.  Player Development USL’s new system is also likely to boost investment, with its focus on growing smaller clubs. This decision could potentially heighten competition and, over time, create some talent disparities between the leagues.  With three interconnected professional tiers, players would gain increased pathways of participation. Rather than being limited by geographic obstacles, players would have access to development everywhere.  Promotion/relegation also incentivizes clubs to invest in youth development as an integral component of deepening team rosters. Over time, this new system could position USL as a stronger alternative pathway for young players.  If USL clubs begin to reap these benefits, MLS may feel pressure to adjust roster rules, salary structures, or homegrown player policies to remain relevant.   Sponsorship & Fan Engagement Promotion and relegation, from a media sense, will bring in a new form of storytelling. Relegation battles, promotion races, and underdog narratives will naturally drive viewership and engagement.  If sponsors see tangible increases in engagement within the USL, it could challenge MLS’s dominance in the U.S. soccer market. The drama of a high-stakes pyramid system might also resonate more deeply with fans, drawing MLS viewership over to the USL.  In a sense, USL’s mimicking of the European soccer model might influence how younger fans choose where to invest their loyalty. This could directly impact MLS engagement in the long term. Looking Ahead While USL’s new system does not immediately threaten MLS’s dominance, it introduces an alternative and competitive vision for professional soccer here in the United States. It is simply just the beginning for the USL, and their success or failure of this model will foreshadow the competitive rivalry with MLS.  If the USL’s system does succeed, however, it could push MLS towards more competitive structural reforms.  The chessboard is set. Each league’s moves from here-on-out will preserve relevancy in a rapidly changing American soccer landscape.

By Brian Maurer Harry Toffolo and Wilfried Zaha high-fiving last season (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Charlotte FC's second preseason game wrapped up yesterday with a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City, a day after landing in Florida. The game was split into a 60-minute mini-game and an additional 45-minute half. The 60-minute game was split into two 30-minute halves with an opportunity for some player rotation. Based on the lineups, rotations, and comments from the Crown's Head Coach Dean Smith and midfielder Pep Biel, here are some early takeaways from the first few weeks of preseason: Players who played the full 60-minute mini-game: Tyler Miller - GK David Schnegg - LB Andrew Privett - LCB Morrison Agyemang - RCB Jack Neeley - RB Luca de la Torre - CM Baye Coulibaly - CM Brandt Bronico - AM Liel Abada - LW Idan Toklomati - CF Kerwin Vargas played the first 30' at RW, Emmanuel Uchegbu subbed in for Vargas. Lineup for second 45-minute half: Kristijan Kahlina - GK Harry Toffolo - LB Djibril Diani - LCB Andrew Johnson - RCB Will Cleary - RB Aron John - CM Ashley Westwood - CM Pep Biel - AM Wilfried Zaha - LW Archie Goodwin - CF Rodolfo Aloko - RW New signings getting a long run out: Tyler Miller, David Schnegg, and Luca de la Torre all got 60 minutes and an opportunity for Smith to get an extra look at what they can bring. Andrew Johnson and Will Cleary also got 45-minute shifts in the second leg as they compete to earn pro contracts. Crown Legacy players and players in position battles are also getting an extra look: Baye Coulibaly, Andrew Privett, Morrison Agyemang, Jack Neeley, and Liel Abada are all in position battles, trying to compete for roles within the team, and it looks like Smith is giving them an extra runout to help with his decision-making. Bronico and de la Torre play 60 minutes together: Smith has mentioned wanting to have several different types of midfielders and options to work with. Brandt Bronico and de la Torre are very different types of midfielders, so Smith likely wanted to get a good look at what their contrasting traits look like together. You can throw Coulibaly in this mix as well, although Coulibaly probably has a bit more of a fight on his hands for minutes overall than the other two. Toklomati getting 60-minute shift: Feels like Smith wants to get Idan Toklomati plenty of reps to help prepare him for his first full season as the team's nine. Likely some extra emphasis because he also now wears the nine. Vargas subbed for Uchegbu early: Smith probably was looking for a way to get Uchegbu some reps, as it looks like he is competing with Rodolfo Aloko for a senior roster spot. Kerwin Vargas' role and playstyle are something Smith is likely pretty comfortable with at this point, so he opted to get him the shorter shift. Diani and Neeley got depth reps out of position: Djibril Diani and Neeley were both used out of position to help cover for Tim Ream and Nathan Byrne, who are out with "slight calf" issues. Smith got a look at Diani at CB and Neeley at RB to see what kind of extra depth he may have at these positions. Westwood and John play in the same rotation for the second straight time: Aron John was playing further up the field as the attacking midfielder behind Tyger Smalls in the first preseason game. Looks like he got a run alongside Ashley Westwood in this second shift. The young prospect has been playing in the same rotation as Westwood for both preseason games so far. Toffolo gets a shift alongside Zaha: For Wilfried Zaha's first preseason game shift, he got partnered with Harry Toffolo, who was the starting leftback through the final playoff games last season. Pep Biel was asked about the attacking combinations between Zaha and Toffolo after the game, so it seems Smith is continuing to play that left side high like they did towards the end of 2025. Zaha and Goodwin link up for Biel's goal: Zaha was given the second assist for his pass to Archie Goodwin, who found Biel for the only goal of the game. Smith said he has been pleased with how the team has progressed, and the connection between this group likely epitomised some of that work. Another 45-minute game today: Smith mentioned that the squad was going to play an internal 45-minute game today to help catch them up on minutes because they lost out on some sessions due to weather before leaving Charlotte. At the moment, minutes and fitness do not sound like a concern, as all reports have been that the squad is arguably the fittest in Smith's tenure. This is likely a routine catch-up before they head to California for their last games of preseason action. Minutes-by-position breakdown (through two games): GK: Kristijan Kahlina - 90' Tyler Miller - 60' Isaac Walker - 45' LB: David Schnegg - 105' Harry Toffolo - 90' LCB: Andrew Privett - 105' Jack Neeley - 45' Djibril Diani - 45' RCB: Morrison Agyemang - 105' Andrew Johnson - 90' RB: Nathan Byrne - 45' Willian Sangoquiza - 45' Jack Neeley - 45' Will Cleary - 45' CM: Baye Coulibaly - 105' Luca de la Torre - 105' Ashley Westwood - 90' Aron John - 45' Djibril Diani - 45' AM: Brandt Bronico - 105' Pep Biel - 45' Aron John - 45' LW: Liel Abada - 105' Wilfried Zaha - 45' Kerwin Vargas - 45' CF: Idan Toklomati - 105' Archie Goodwin - 45' Tyger Smalls - 45' RW: Rodolfo Aloko - 90' Emmanuel Uchegbu - 75' Vargas - 30'

By Brian Maurer Harry Toffolo (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Harry Toffolo was limited in his availability after being brought in last summer, as he dealt with an injury through September. He began to find his rhythm with regular starts on Decision Day and in Charlotte FC's Round 1 Playoff series against NYCFC. Throughout the playoff series, you could see glimpses of what the veteran left-back can bring to the Crown in 2026. One of the main things is occupying width in the attacking third, which allows star winger Wilfried Zaha to drift closer to the box, putting him in more dangerous positions. Head Coach Dean Smith said after the team's preseason friendly against Charleston Battery that he wanted the Crown to be more dangerous in combining and attacking through central areas. Smith stated that he felt the team was strong in wider areas last year, but that they should be more diverse and be able to attack both out wide and through the middle. This is where Toffolo could become pivotal to the diversity in attack that Smith is looking for. When the fullback occupied the left wing in the attacking half against New York, Zaha drifted centrally, as you can see in their touch maps from Game 3 in that series. Harry Toffolo and Wilfried Zaha's touch maps from MLS Cup Playoffs Game 3 Based on that game, Toffolo's presence wide left gave Zaha the freedom to find space in and around the box. This didn't lead to a Zaha goal in this one game, but over the course of the season, this should lead to more production from the former Crystal Palace legend. Zaha's shot map from last season (pulled from FotMob) The above shot map highlights where Zaha was most dangerous, pushing inside and around the box from the left. Toffolo running the width can help Zaha push into these dangerous areas more often. It would also put the winger closer to Idan Toklomati and Pep Biel, so they can do more combining in the attack. Presence and movement alone wouldn't put Toffolo into the Player of the Year conversation; he would also need to be productive in the final third, providing goals. Something he has done in the past when he was playing in the Championship for Huddersfield Town. If Toffolo provides somewhere in the range of double-digit goal contributions and can help Zaha increase his production, then he will put himself in the conversation as a dark horse POTY candidate. Especially because all of this attacking threat would only be there if Toffolo can also manage the defensive cover required from his full-back role.

By Brian Maurer Charlotte FC players after their Game 2 road win on PKs against NYCFC in the 2025 playoffs (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Charlotte FC's Kristijan Kahlina and Nathan Byrne have each discussed the value of the continuity the team currently has, as there has been far less turnover of the roster than in previous seasons. In Byrne's first preseason scrum of 2026, he highlighted how key he felt keeping the core of a team is to success. "I think with any good team that's really successful over a long period, not just in short bursts, is that you do have that core base...wherever I've been, you add a few good quality players, and you keep the core of what you've been doing...that obviously ends with us wanting to be champions," said Byrne. As things stand, five of Charlotte's 18 players on their senior roster are entering their first preseason with the Crown (Luca de la Torre, Archie Goodwin, Tyler Miller, David Schnegg, and Harry Toffolo). One fewer than the six current senior roster players who were entering their first preseason in 2025. Midfielder Eryk Williamson was also a new signing entering camp last year, plus Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Souleyman Doumbia were added later in the spring. Charlotte FC's 2026 senior roster (18 of the 20 max) Player Preseasons with CLTFC Total CLTFC Appearances (All Comps) Brandt Bronico 5 147 Kristijan Kahlina 5 139 Kerwin Vargas 4 129 Ashley Westwood 4 112 Nathan Byrne 4 102 Andrew Privett 4 81 Liel Abada 2 66 Djibril Diani 3 63 Tim Ream 2 46 Pep Biel 2 40 Idan Toklomati 2 37 Wilfried Zaha 2 35 Archie Goodwin 1 9 Harry Toffolo 1 6 Baye Coulibaly 2 2 Luca de la Torre 1 - Tyler Miller* 1 - David Schnegg* 1 - In 2026, there looks to be nearly half as many players entering their first full preseason and/or being new spring window signings for Charlotte, and only a couple of the preseason debutants will be considered starters on opening day. On the other side of the continuity equation, seven senior roster players will be entering at least their third preseason with the Crown. Another six will be making their second full preseason. By the end of 2026, Charlotte could have four players with 150 club appearances and as many as eight with 100. Byrne could get to 150 as well, but he would have to be available for almost every game, and the Crown would need to make a few deep tournament runs. The core of the group is certainly well-established for Charlotte FC; it will now depend on whether that continuity can make the difference in terms of winning trophies in 2026. *Tyler Miller and David Schnegg are not confirmed to be on the senior roster yet, as roster compliance isn't until February 20. I am assuming they will be based on their recent salaries.