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By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704 Luca de la Torre (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Charlotte FC begins its US Open campaign tonight in the first-ever Charlotte Derby. They host the Charlotte Independence at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, a venue both teams have called home. Dean Smith is expected to send out a rotated squad with younger players looking to prove themselves in the starting lineup.  Here’s what tonight’s starting XI could look like: Defensive Unit Tyler Miller is expected to make his Charlotte FC debut in goal, giving Kristijan Kahlina extra rest for Saturday's match against New York City FC. The rest of the defensive unit will likely be made up of rotation players as well, with David Schnegg, Henry Kessler, Andrew Privett, and Jack Neeley as options for the backfield against Independence. Tim Ream, Morrison Agyemang, Harry Toffolo, and Nathan Byrne could be options off the bench. Midfield Djibril Diani could stay in midfield alongside Luca de la Torre and Brandt Bronico. For de la Torre, this match is a chance to get more reps in after his return from injury just weeks ago. It would mark de la Torre’s first start since matchday two against the Los Angeles Galaxy. For Bronico, it would mark his first start since matchday four against Inter Miami. Bronico brings experience to the midfield and is a safe option for Charlotte to round out the midfield Either Ashley Westwood or Pep Biel could be available on the bench, and Aron John seems like another intriguing bench candidate.   Forward line Freshly called up Rodolfo Aloko could make his first start with the senior team tonight. The rookie saw limited minutes after being subbed in against Nashville in the 83rd. There has been plenty of hype surrounding Aloko, and tonight he could show what he can do in a starting role. Archie Goodwin could see his first start tonight in the Charlotte Derby. Goodwin has already had a hot start to the season with three goals, including a PK to get Charlotte on the board in a 2-1 loss to Nashville. The Australian has already shown he can produce from the bench, but tonight he could get an opportunity to show what he can do from the opening whistle. Tyger Smalls could also start on the forward line. Kerwin Vargas, Idan Toklomati, Liel Abada, and/or Wilfried Zaha may be available on the bench. Predicted Starting XI

By Andrew Crowell - @ajc10_11 Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Charlotte FC’s former star striker, Connecticut-born Patrick Agyemang, took the EFL Championship by storm, with 10 goals and 3 assists in 37 matches, with his goal contribution tally tying for the most by Derby County in the 2025/26 season. His performances have even earned him callups to the United States Men’s National Team by Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino, where he has made six appearances this year and netted two goals. He was absolutely in contention to feature at this summer's FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This would have meant he’d return to Charlotte for a USMNT friendly against Senegal before the World Cup as well. That was until Derby’s match against Stoke City on April 6. After landing awkwardly, Agyemang was stretchered off with a reported Achilles tendon injury while visibly emotional. The club confirmed the injury and refused to give a recovery time for their American talisman.  Achilles injuries are not uncommon among professional athletes, as many big stars have suffered this fate in recent memory, including Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, and Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This fibrous tissue that connects your calf muscles and your heel is the reason you are able to walk, run, and jump. But when it is injured, even simply standing can cause a world of pain. Think of it as a rope that helps pull your heel up when you walk, run, or jump.  Tendons in the human body connect muscle and bone, and store and release energy like a spring. You use it every day when you do actions such as pushing off with your toe when walking, standing on your toes, jumping, or running. Sudden traumatic injuries such as Agyemang’s occur usually when sprinting, jumping/landing, or a quick change of direction is performed. Athletes who have had this injury describe it as if ‘someone kicks you in the back of the leg and if you look at videos of the injuries happening, sometimes the athlete will look behind them.  An Achilles tendon rupture in a high-level athlete could take 9-12 months to heal and return to the sport they love. This recovery includes a surgery in which the tendon is reattached together or reattached to the heel bone, followed by a long period of physical therapy/rehab. What does rehab look like? Early on, the focus is on returning the joint's range of motion, or how much movement the joint can have. When range of motion returns, strengthening can begin in order to support the repaired tissue/structures. Later in their recovery, they can get back to running and jumping, and then finally, when the strength of one leg is close to equal to the other, sports-specific training and agility work can occur. This process is very slow and a lot of hard work, not only physically but mentally as well, and this psychological recovery is usually underestimated by everyday people. But learning how to trust one of your body parts that has been surgically repaired after being injured is a taxing and non-linear process.  Luckily, Agyemang seems to have a great support system not only from his home club, but he also posted on social media that he has gotten a wave of supportive messages wishing him a good recovery. Agyemang’s absence likely means the United States will be led by Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Haji Wright (Coventry City), and Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), with Josh Sargent (Toronto FC) and Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps) now able to fight for a spot on the final roster. Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice

By Billy McGee - @iambillymcgee Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 For the second time this season, Charlotte FC has dropped points against a rotated side. With Wilfried Zaha serving his suspension, the attack struggled, putting away just one goal on 2.19 xG with two penalty kicks. Their upcoming U.S. Open Cup match should be a much-needed game to correct what went wrong against Nashville. Here is our stock up, stock down from Charlotte’s record-setting win on Saturday. Stock Up Archie Goodwin - The Australian striker scored Charlotte’s lone goal of the match after he won the foul to earn the penalty. On the foul, he ran over towards a loose ball and put himself between the keeper and the ball, forcing the keeper to foul him and giving Charlotte their second penalty kick of the night, and scoring the PK. The goal was his third in as many matches. If he continues to produce for Charlotte off the bench and score goals late, he will earn himself more playing time with the struggles of Idan Toklomati. Goodwin will likely have the opportunity to showcase what he can do as the starting striker against a lower-tier side in the upcoming U.S. Open Cup match against Charlotte Independence on Wednesday. Brandt Bronico - The Mayor came on as a halftime sub after having just a handful of minutes as a late substitute against the Red Bulls and Philadelphia. In the second half, Bronico made a case to be a part of the starting midfield trio going forward, generating 0.52 xA and making a run in to flick the header on to Toklomati when he was fouled for a penalty. He also contributed some defensively, recording a tackle and two interceptions. Stock Down Liel Abada - This past weekend was Liel Abada’s biggest chance to prove himself with the absence of Wilfried Zaha due to his suspension. Abada was subbed off going into the second half as Dean Smith opted to move Pep Biel out wide in his place. In the match, Abada managed to get just one touch in the opposition box, didn’t register a single shot, and generated 0.01 xA. The match also saw Rodolfo Aloko make his debut for Charlotte FC, meaning there is now more competition for minutes among wingers. Abada failing to capitalize on his opportunity seems like it could be the official beginning of the end, as his play doesn’t justify occupying a Designated Player spot. Djibril Diani - Djibril Diani was the other player subbed off at halftime, along with Abada. On Nashville’s first goal, the space was created in zone 14 for the shot after Diani drifted wide, following an attacker towards the touchline. On top of vacating the area where the first goal was scored from, Diani did not have a single tackle or win a single duel in his 45 minutes on the pitch. As other midfielders vie for the third starting midfield spot alongside Ashley Westwood and Biel, being taken off at halftime does not bode well for Diani in that position battle. Idan Toklomati - Toklomati came into this season with high expectations after being a pleasant surprise last season as the starting striker following the departure of Patrick Agyemang in the summer. So far, he has not lived up to those expectations, scoring just two goals and assisting another through seven games started. His goal contributions are not the only thing that have been lower than you would hope for; he has taken just eight shots this season and is not on the ball often, with just 25.5 touches per game. Against Nashville, he had a penalty kick saved in a crucial moment when Charlotte needed a goal to get back in the game. His underwhelming play is leaving the door open for Goodwin to earn more minutes and potentially earn some starts further into the season if he continues to produce off the bench while Toklomati struggles.

By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704 Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Charlotte FC looks to continue its winning ways tonight against a red-hot Nashville SC team. The southern rivalry pits Charlotte against the top team in the East who came off a midweek 0-0 draw against Club America. Here is our predicted Charlotte FC starting XI for tonight's game: Defensive Unit Charlotte has yet to record a clean sheet in a win this season, but the backline of Harry Toffolo, Tim Ream, Morrison, and Nathan Byrne is unlikely to change. No changes are expected in goal either. Kristijan Kahlina will face a Nashville team that has already scored 13 goals in 2026. Andrew Privett, David Schnegg, Henry Kessler, and Jack Neeley will be available from the bench. Midfield Dean Smith spoke about a potential shakeup in the midfield with Pep Biel being rotated to the right wing. Ashley Westwood is in great form and will be the first name on the sheet in midfield, with Djibril Diani, Brandt Bronico, and Luca de la Torre all options to partner with him in the double pivot. The midfield continues to be experimental with Dean Smith looking to find the perfect combination at the core of the team.  If Diani keeps his starting role, Bronico and de la Torre will be available substitutes. Smith mentioned in a recent presser that he liked what de la Torre was bringing to games as a substitute. Forward line We are guaranteed a change in the forward line after Wilfried Zaha’s fifth yellow in just six games. Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada have been trading starts on the forward line, but tonight we will likely see both take the pitch to open the match. There still seems to be competition for the right-wing position, and only one will return to the starting 11 after Zaha’s return. Idan Toklomati is expected to remain in the striker role.  Tyger Smalls will be available off the bench, as well as newly called-up forward Rodolfo Aloko. If Aloko doesn't see any minutes against Nashville, he is likely to debut in the US Open Cup match against Charlotte Independence. Predicted Starting XI

By Rylee McKinney Ashley Westwood on Matchday 5 (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Undefeated at home, Charlotte FC returns to The Bank this weekend to face off against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.  Last week, Charlotte continued their home streak with a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union. Nashville, despite its overall success so far this season, suffered a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire.  After Matchday six, Charlotte rose to third in the Eastern Conference standings while Nashville held on to first.  The Crown earned a 2-1 home win and an unfortunate 2-1 road loss against Nashville. The Coyotes concluded their 2025 season in sixth in the EC while Charlotte FC finished in 4th. Yet, this season reflects a powerful Nashville as they continue to dominate the standings.  Last season, Nashville SC made serious momentum under head coach B.J. Callaghan, showing significant improvement over its 2024 season. With Callaghan last season, the squad recorded a 12-match unbeaten streak in MLS play. The squad even secured their first trophy in club history after defeating Austin FC 2-1 in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup finals. The win demonstrated Nashville’s standout attacking line, with Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar both scoring goals in the final match. Their U.S. Open Cup victory also secured Nashville a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.  Also, back in 2025, striker Sam Surridge set a new Nashville SC record for goals in a single MLS regular season with 24. Surridge also tallied 29 goal contributions in league play. At his side is Hany Mukhtar, who remained the creative heartbeat of the team. Surridge’s chemistry with Mukhtar is one for the history books as they became the seventh pair of teammates in MLS history to combine for over 40 goals in a single season.  Before the 2026 season, Nashville SC initiated a soft reboot of its squad. This shift focused on parting ways with longtime veterans and welcoming new Designated Players, both of which increased the squad’s depth. Key departures for Nashville included former captain Walker Zimmerman. Now, Zimmerman starts as a center back for Toronto FC.  With Zimmerman’s departure, Nashville was able to sign Argentine winger Cristian Espinoza as a Designated Player in January 2026.  So far this season, Nashville has been busy. They are currently balancing regular-season play with the Concacaf Champions Cup. Nashville took on Club America last night in Leg 1 of the Quarter-finals and again next Tuesday. These midweek matches are resultantly shaking up Nashville’s starting XI as Callaghan prioritizes rest and recovery for his usual starters.  Charlotte FC also has some midweek matches on the horizon, as they begin the U.S. Open Cup next week. Head coach Dean Smith will likely have to pass along minutes to his bench during the Open Cup to preserve his Starting XI’s health. Charlotte FC has also said goodbye to its veteran centerback Adilson Malanda at the end of the 2025 season. Over the last few matchdays, The Crown has been experimenting with their back line, especially their midfield triangle. Charlotte’s back line has combined newcomers Harry Toffolo and Morrison Agyemang with veteran center backs Tim Ream and Nathan Byrne. Although there are some kinks, this defensive formation looks like it will stick. Their midfield still appears to be heavily rotating, especially on the left wing. Previously held by Brandt Bronico, the left wing has been up for grabs this season. Djibril Diani and Brandt Bronico have thus been battling each week for the start. Despite the fluctuation, Pep Biel and captain Ashley Westwood are holding down the midfield, creating significant opportunities for Charlotte.  This week’s matchup explores the fluctuating midfield spots for both Charlotte FC and Nashville SC: Ashley Westwood versus Edvard “Eddi” Tagseth.  Ashley Westwood - Charlotte FC - Right Midfielder Captain Ashley Westwood has been one of Charlotte’s most prized players. Signing on with Charlotte FC in 2023, the midfielder has been an essential playmaker and genuinely embraces the electric supporter culture.  Westwood is most known for his leadership presence on the pitch, creating opportunities for his ‘mates whenever possible. Westwood even achieved 100 appearances for the Club in less than three seasons, becoming a marker of consistency for Dean Smith.  Last year, Westwood made a total of 32 appearances, earning one goal and six assists. So far this season, Westwood has made all six appearances in regular-season play. Most recently, Westwood scored one of his “Westy-Bangers” against the Philadelphia Union in the 30th minute, once again proving that his age is no obstacle.  Since arriving from the Premier League, Westwood has been a consistent starter. From his defensive endurance and long-range shot accuracy, Westwood can be considered a heartbeat for the Starting XI. Westwood’s intense connection with attacking midfielder Pep Biel and midfielder(s) Brandt Bronico/Djibril Diani helps the squad create unique and fast-paced opportunities.  Eddi Tagseth - Nashville SC - Midfielder Given that Nashville is advancing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Eddi Tagseth will most likely earn the start against Charlotte this weekend. In Nashville’s 4-3-3 formation, Tagseth usually falls into one of the midfielder positions, accompanying Patrick Yazbek and Alex Muyl.  Tagseth recently received an extended contract back in February, securing a spot with the team through December of 2027. Originally signing on at the end of 2024, Eddi Tagseth quickly made himself a mainstay in Nashville’s midfield. In his first season alone, Tagseth appeared in 39 of the club’s 42 matches across all competitions, helping lead the team to its 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship.  During the 2025 regular season, the Norwegian only earned two assists; yet, Eddi Tagseth was responsible for 29 chances created and made 139 defensive contributions. Although the Norwegian is not as attacking-minded, his ability to recover possession in the midfield is quite impressive. Additionally, his speed and “everywhere-all-at-once” player persona often disrupts the start of the opposition's offensive playmaking.  Summary Saturday's matchup will be one of endurance for Nashville as they continue to play in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Charlotte has the opportunity to capitalize on Nashville’s lack of recovery and use of second-string players.  Charlotte’s Ashley Westwood will most likely be able to create key opportunities for The Crown, given Nashville’s expected rotation. However, Westwood will also be pestered by Tagseth’s energy and ability to force turnovers in critical moments. It will be interesting to see two defensive-minded midfielders go head-to-head, pushing each other to take more offensive action.  Stats from TransferMarkt, FotMob, and MLS

By Andrew Crowell - @ajc10_11 Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Few teams in Major League Soccer have built a home-field advantage as quickly—or as intentionally—as Charlotte FC, where record-breaking crowds, tactical confidence, and a fortress-like record have turned Bank of America Stadium into one of the league’s most difficult places to play. From pre-match coronations to the Poznan tradition while horns from Farruko’s Pepas blare around the stadium, Bank of America Stadium sure knows how to back its players.  Charlotte has been an exceptional team at home in their history. Since Charlotte’s inaugural season in 2022, they have had the second-best home record with 139 points behind only LAFC with 158 points. This proves Charlotte doesn’t just have great vibes at home; they have the performances to back it up. Top 5 MLS Home Records Since 2022 Team Points Record Los Angeles FC 158 49-11-12 Charlotte FC 139 41-16-15 New York City FC 137 41-14-17 Columbus Crew 134 38-20-12 Philadelphia Union 134 38-20-13 Taking a closer look by season, Charlotte finished with 31 points, including one loss at home, with a ninth-place finish in 2022. The following year, they finished with only 26 points at home, including a shocking eight draws at home and another ninth-place finish in 2023. In 2024, Charlotte finished with 32 points at home, along with a fifth-place finish. Finally, last season in 2025, The Crown finished with a fantastic 40 points at home and a fourth-place finish to go along with it. The trend doesn’t lie; the more points Dean Smith and crew acquire at home, the better place they will finish in. To begin the 2026 season, they are one of only three teams to play at least four games and be unbeaten at home, winning three out of their four home games to start the season. How do they do it? The electric atmosphere in the stadium puts endless pressure on the opponent with each pass, adding more nerves, especially in the earlier parts of the game. This pressure on the opposition lets Dean Smith's tactics reflect more pressure and possession and less reliance on pure counterattacks to lead to a chance on goal. This more aggressive playstyle is reflected in their home scoring record, as the Crown has scored multiple goals in five straight home wins. Especially as of late, these are not 1-0 wins for the team; they are multi-goal performances. Points at home have proved to be crucial to a squad’s success in competing for the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup. In the last five years, the average home point total in a season for the Supporters' Shield winner has been 39.6, while the average of the MLS Cup winner has been 38.6. These values have made up almost two-thirds of a team's point total when the end of the season rolls around, proving how crucial it is to take as many points as possible at home. Charlotte has shown an ability to get their home points up to this level; what they have been missing is applying that home pressure in the moments that put them on a true trophy hunt. Continuing this home form will be essential to The Crown’s success this season and requires not only the players to perform but the loyal fans to be there and be loud, making the true difference that makes matchdays at The Bank that much more impactful.

By Billy McGee - @iambillymcgee Wilfried Zaha (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) Charlotte FC took down the Philadelphia Union 2-1 at home for their second consecutive win, bringing their unbeaten streak to four. Ashley Westwood’s first goal of the season gave them a 1-0 lead in the first half, and a quick answer to Philadelphia’s goal in the second half helped Charlotte get all three points while the Union is still looking for their first points of the season.  Here is our stock up, stock down from Charlotte’s win on Saturday. Stock Up Tim Ream - The veteran center back returned from USMNT duty with a steady performance on Charlotte’s backline. Ream was active on the ball, taking 99 touches and distributing the ball well. He went 78/81 on accurate passes, a 96% accuracy rate. On long balls, he had a 71% accuracy rate, going 5/7, and had six passes into the final third. The 38-year-old also had a sound defensive performance, blocking a shot and making nine clearances while winning four of his six duels and committing just one foul across 90 minutes. We should continue to see solid performances consistently from Ream as the center back pairing of himself and Morrison Agyemang continues to gel. Wilfried Zaha - Charlotte’s number 10 starred against Philadelphia as he has now scored a goal in back-to-back games. He was a threat anytime he was on the ball, completing a dribble on three of his four attempts, going three for three on accurate long balls, having six touches in the opponent's box, creating a big chance, and scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute. The Ivorian international showed once again why he is a game-changer when he is on. But even with all the positives from the match, there is still a negative. Zaha was given a controversial yellow card in the 42nd minute, his fifth yellow card in just six games, meaning he will now miss the upcoming game against Nashville SC. Team Resiliency - Charlotte FC has struggled in the past with holding onto leads and closing out games. It appeared that the match against Philadelphia was going to be more of the same as they conceded a 78th-minute goal on Philadelphia’s 12th shot of the half while Charlotte was yet to register a shot in that span. While fans may have been dejected and expecting Charlotte to drop points to the point-less Philadelphia Union, Pep Biel and Zaha had other plans. Shortly after the restart, Biel received a pass from Luca de la Torre with plenty of space on the right wing and carried the ball forward, eventually sending a cross in to Zaha, who finished at the far post on a volley to recapture the lead quickly. It's the second time this season that this combination has earned points for Charlotte, as they connected for the team’s lone goal against St. Louis City in the opener to salvage a point. Having players like Biel and Zaha, who can will the team to a better result with brilliant play when things seem to be trending the wrong way late, is crucial for success across an entire season. Stock Down Game Control Across 90 Minutes - After a dominant first half that saw Charlotte take a 1-0 lead with 67% possession, 16 touches in the box, a pair of shots on target, and a big chance missed, they let Philadelphia take control coming out of the break. As mentioned earlier, the Union logged 12 shots, including their goal in the 78th minute, before Charlotte got their first shot of the half. The possession battle swung significantly in the second half, as Philadelphia held a slight majority at 53%. They were able to overcome their slow start to the second half with a late goal, but the momentum swing in favor of the Union at the start of the half is concerning. Charlotte doesn’t need to have complete control of the game from start to finish, but they need to be consistent across 90 minutes, something we’ve yet to see against a fully manned side this season. Wing Depth Against Nashville - With Zaha receiving his fifth yellow card of the season, Charlotte will be without their DP and will likely be starting Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada as the wing duo against Nashville SC. Tyger Smalls is the only other first-team winger to have made an appearance this season and has been an unused substitute in each of the last two games. Nimfasha Berchimas is the only other winger on the first-team roster to provide options other than Smalls. Nashville has a pair of midweek matches against Club América in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, sandwiching the game against Charlotte, which could mean they bring a heavily rotated side to the Queen City. If they bring their B team, then the lack of Zaha will hurt Charlotte a little bit less, but one of the remaining wingers will still need to step up.

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90 Goalscorers (All-Competitions) Karol Swiderski - 32 Patrick Agyemang - 22 Kerwin Vargas* - 20 Pep Biel* - 16 Idan Toklomati* - 15 Assist Leaders (All-Competitions) Pep Biel* - 16 Karol S widerski - 14 Ashley Westwood* - 12 Brandt Bronico*/Kamil Jozwiak - 10 Most Goals in a Single Game (All-Competitions) Daniel Rios - 4 (vs Philadelphia Union Oct 1, 2022) Idan Toklomati - 3 (vs Inter Miami Sep 13, 2025) Patrick Agyemang - 2 (vs Columbus Crew May 24, 2025) Patrick Agyemang - 2 (at Philadelphia Union June 22, 2024) Karol S widerski - 2 (vs Chicago Fire October 2, 2024) Karol S widerski - 2 (vs FC Cincinnati July 8, 2023) Karol S widerski - 2 (vs Toronto FC Oct 4, 2023) Karol S widerski - 2 (vs New England Revolution March 19, 2022) Karol S widerski - 2 (vs FC Cincinnati March 26, 2022) Karol S widerski - 2 (at Chicago Fire Sep 17, 2022) McKinze Gaines - 2 (at Richmond Kickers May 11, 2022) Yordy Reyna - 2 (at Inter Miami July 16, 2022) Enzo Copetti - 2 (vs NYCFC May 6, 2023) Justin Meram - 2 (at Atlanta United May 13, 2023) Brandon Cambridge - 2 (vs Chicago Fire May 17, 2023) Ben Bender - 2 (at NYRB June 21, 2023) Liel Abada - 2 (at Atlanta United June 2, 2024) Pep Biel - 2 (vs DC United July 16, 2025) Pep Biel - 2 (vs Austin FC March 7, 2026) Archie Goodwin - 2 (vs RBNY March 21, 2026) Longest Win Streak (All-Competitions) 6 - Aug 7-Sep 13, 2025; vs Monterrey, at Cincinnati, vs Salt Lake, vs NYRB, at New England, vs Miami 4 - July 12-July 26, 2025; vs NYCFC, vs DC, at Atlanta, vs Toronto 4 - May 6-May 17, 2023; vs NYCFC, vs Orlando, at Atlanta, vs Chicago 3 - Apr 5-Apr 19, 2025; vs Nashville, at Montreal, vs San Diego 3 - Sep 10-Oct 1, 2022; vs NYCFC, at Chicago, vs Philadelphia 3 - May 4-May 15, 2024; vs Portland, vs Nashville, at Chicago 3 - Oct 2-Oct 19, 2024; vs Chicago, vs Montreal, at DC Longest Unbeaten Streak (All-Competitions) 6 - Aug 7-Sep 13, 2025; vs Monterrey (W), at Cincinnati (W), vs Salt Lake (W), vs NYRB (W), at New England (W), vs Miami (W) 5 - July 5-July 26, 2025; vs Orlando (D), vs NYCFC (W), vs DC (W), at Atlanta (W), vs Toronto (W) 5 - May 4-May 25, 2024; vs Portland (W), vs Nashville (W), at Chicago (W), vs LAG (D), vs Philadelphia (D) 5 - June 10-July 8, 2023; vs Seattle (D), at NYRB (D), vs Montreal (D), at NYCFC (D), vs Cincinnati (D) 5 - Aug 26-Sep 20, 2023; vs LAFC (W), vs Orlando (D), at Nashville (D), vs DC (D), vs Philadelphia (D) 5 - Sep 21-Oct 19, 2024; vs New England (W), at Miami (D), vs Chicago (W), vs Montreal (W), vs DC (W) Longest Clean Sheet Streak (All-Competitions) 5 - May 4-May 25, 2024; vs Portland (W), vs Nashville (W), at Chicago (W), vs LAG (D), vs Philadelphia (D) 4 - Aug 7-Aug 24, 2025; vs Monterrey (W), at Cincinnati (W), vs Salt Lake (W), vs NYRB (W) Kristijan Kahlina (right) - Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90 Most Appearances (All-Competitions) Brandt Bronico* - 152 Kristijan Kahlina* - 145 Kerwin Vargas* - 135 Ashley Westwood* - 118 Adilson Malanda - 116 Brandt Bronico (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90) The longest streak of games without being shut out (All-Competitions) 25 - May 3-Sep 13, 2025; at Columbus (L)...vs Miami (W) 8 - Sep 30, 2023-Mar 2, 2024; at New England (L), vs Toronto (W), at Chicago (W), at Miami (D), vs Miami (W), at NYRB (L), vs NYCFC (W), at Vancouver (D) 7 - Mar 18-Apr 25, 2023; at Orlando (W), vs NYRB (D), at Toronto (D), at Salt Lake (L), vs Colorado (D), vs Columbus (W), vs Tormenta (W) 5 - May 6-May 20, 2023; vs NYCFC (W), vs Orlando (W), at Atlanta (W), vs Chicago (W), vs Nashville (L) 5 - May 29-June 22, 2024; at NYRB (L), at Atlanta (W), vs DC (W), vs Orlando (D), at Philadelphia (W) 5 - Sep 21-Oct 19, 2024; vs New England (W), at Miami (D), vs Chicago (W), vs Montreal (W), at DC (W) Best Finish in MLS Supporters' Shield Standings 2025 - 7th on 59 points 2024 - 11th on 51 points 2023 - 19th on 43 points 2022 - 19th on 42 points Charlotte FC's MLS Records Tied for longest MLS winning streak excluding shootout era - (9 games - tied with 2018 Seattle Sounders) First Win Mar 19, 2022; vs New England (3-1) First Goalscorer in Club History Adam Armour - Mar 13, 2022; at Atlanta United - header from a corner kick First Assist in Club History Ben Bender - Mar 13, 2022; at Atlanta United - a corner kick which led to a headed goal by Adam Armour First Clean Sheet in Club History Mar 26, 2022; vs FC Cincinnati - Kristijan Kahlina made five saves Charlotte FC's Record by Month (All-Competitions) October - 9-2-4, 29 points (1.93 PPG) August - 10-2-7, 32 points (1.68 PPG) July - 10-5-6, 35 points (1.67 PPG) May - 14-2-13, 44 points (1.52 PPG) November - 2-0-2, 6 points (1.5 PPG) March - 9-4-8, 31 points (1.48 PPG) April - 9-3-9, 30 points (1.43 PPG) September - 4-4-7, 16 points (1.07 PPG) June - 4-5-7, 17 points (1.06 PPG) February - 1-2-3, 5 points (.83 PPG) Historical Record of Official Captains Christian Fuchs - 2022 Ashley Westwood - 2023 Ashley Westwood - 2024 Ashley Westwood - 2025 Ashley Westwood - 2026 Ashley Westwood (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90) *Active player or streak

By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704 Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Charlotte FC returns to the Bank two weeks after breaking the team scoring record in a 6-1 win over New York Red Bulls. The Crown will hope to carry that momentum in their matchup against a winless Philadelphia Union.  Here is our predicted Charlotte FC starting XI for tonight's game: Defensive unit Kristijan Kahlina stays in goal against Philadelphia. Kahlina failed to secure the second clean sheet of the season, but still recorded six saves during the match. The defensive performance against New York was overshadowed by the high-scoring offense, as the defensive unit allowed seven shots on goal. The backline of Harry Toffolo, Tim Ream, Morrison, and Nathan Byrne still looks to be Dean Smith's defensive foundation.  The Union has only scored three goals on the season so far. If Charlotte can take a comfortable lead, Smith may experiment with the backline with Andrew Privett and David Schnegg available. Henry Kessler was given a runout at Crown Legacy and is probably still one week away from being available for the First Team, according to Smith. Midfield Djibril Diani had his second start of the season against New York, replacing Brandt Bronico in the starting 11. Diani would play until the 66th, in which a returning from injury Luca de la Torre would sub in. Bronico would later sub in for Pep Biel. Tonight's match against Philadelphia could be a great chance for de la Torre to get more reps coming back from injury. Diani also earned a yellow card early in the match against New York, which could affect his chances of a start. Brandt Bronico remains the safe option for the position, continuing to use his veteran experience on the field. Biel continues to be one of the club's most dynamic players and will feature in the XI. Captain Ashley Westwood will round out the midfield. If Bronico starts the match, de la Torre and Diani will be available from the bench. Forward line Two weeks ago, we saw the greatest offensive performance in Charlotte FC history. The starting line of Wilfried Zaha, Idan Toklomati, and Kerwin Vargas all scored one goal, making up half of the Charlotte scoring against the Red Bulls. Vargas showed he is worthy of a starting spot on the wing. Liel Abada nearly scored the seventh goal of the game in added time after subbing in, but it was ultimately called offside. Archie Goodwin scored his first two goals of his Charlotte FC career and showed himself to be a scoring threat off the bench.  The starters of Zaha, Toklomati, and Vargas will likely stay the same, with Abada and Goodwin available as substitutions.  Predicted Starting XI

By Rylee McKinney Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) The MLS’s 2026 season is well underway as the league breaks for international play. In just five matchdays, teams have been fluctuating up and down the Eastern Conference standings. For now, our Southeast teams are not unfamiliar with the top conference spots. As international play forces MLS to pause for upcoming friendlies, the Southeast chaos can kick their feet up… temporarily. Here are some updates on all six clubs, including power rankings and "under-the-radar players to watch: Player of the Month Sam Surridge - Nashville SC's striker has gotten off to an extremely fast start with seven goals in three MLS starts and eight goals overall in all competitions. Surridge was already one of the top strikers last season, and looks to be an early benefactor of the Cristian Espinoza addition this year. Power Rankings Nashville SC Inter Miami CF Charlotte FC DC United Atlanta United Orlando City Nashville SC Record all-comps since February/March:  Regular season: 4W-1D- 0L Concacaf Champions Cup: 2W - 2D - 0L ( advance to play Club América on April 7th in the Quarter-Finals) Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield:  1st place Nashville SC is off to a historic start in its 2026 season. They currently sit at 1st place in the Eastern Conference standings with 13 points. Additionally, Nashville is advancing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, most recently knocking out 2025 MLS Cup Winners Inter Miami in dramatic fashion, advancing on aggregate in Leg 2.  So far this season, Nashville has been literally stomping on teams. Their squad most recently defeated a struggling Orlando City 5-0 on Matchday 5, illustrating their league dominance. Their attacking unit reflects a triple threat, with Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, and Cristian Espinoza mowing down defensive opponents–and they are just getting started.  Nashville has also been making headlines internationally, with six call-ups for the March window. Forward Warren Madrigal (Costa Rica), forward Woobens Pacius (Haiti), goalkeeper Xavier Valdez (Dominican Republic, and Patrick Yazbek (Australia) have all been called up for their respective national teams. Moreover, defenders Reed Baker-Whiting and Thomas Williams received call-ups for the USA U-21 squad.  Under-the-radar player to watch Left winger Warren Madrigal (21) has come off the bench for Nashville, earning significant minutes. Madrigal has made five appearances with Nashville this season, tallying two goals and one assist so far. The Costa Rican has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 1 with their 4-1 win over New England Revolution. Most importantly, Madrigal received a call-up for the Costa Rican National team ahead of their international friendly against Jordan. Fans can expect Madrigal’s chemistry with the dominant forward line to blossom throughout the season, making Madrigal a player to watch.  April schedule Nashville has a lot on its plate heading into April. After defeating Inter Miami CF in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup. With this win, Nashville advances to the Quarter-finals, where it faces Club América. So, their April schedule balances Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS regular season, testing Nashville’s endurance.  Saturday, April 4th, 8:30 PM ET - at Chicago Fire  Tuesday, April 7th, 8:00 PM ET - vs Club América (Concacaf Champions Cup Quarter-Final) Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET - at Charlotte FC Tuesday, April 14th, 11:30 PM ET - at Club América (Concacaf Champions Cup Quarter-Final) Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - at Atlanta United Saturday, April 25th, 8:30 PM ET - vs Charlotte FC Inter Miami CF Record all-comps since February/March: Regular season: 3W - 1D - 1L Concacaf Champions Cup: 0W - 2D - 0L ( lost to Nashville in Round of 16 on away goals ) Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 9th place Inter Miami CF, as per usual, is making MLS headlines. In their match against NYCFC, superstar Lionel Messi achieved a major milestone – scoring his 900th career goal. During this match, Messi also recorded a deflected free-kick goal, proving his GOAT status once again. Despite recent league success, Inter Miami was ousted from the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, following a draw with Nashville SC. However, in the regular season, Miami is preserving its unbeaten run as they head into Matchday six.   Outside of play, Inter Miami recently entered a new partnership with Brazilian financial services company NU. The Herons will be renaming their stadium NU Stadium, expected to open on April 4th. Management has also announced a five-year extension of a long-term partnership with Adidas, including plans to build the largest team store in MLS in their new stadium.  Internationally, Inter Miami has received a filing-cabinet full of call-ups for the March International window: Forward Germán Berterame (Mexico), defender Israel Boatwright (Dominican Republic), midfielder Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina), defender Ian Fray (Jamaica), forward Lionel Messi (Argentina), midfielder Telasco Segovia (Venezuela), and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (Canada). Youth international call-ups for Inter Miami include defender Noah Allen (Greece, U-21), midfielder Santiago Morales (USA, U-19), forward Daniel Pinter (USA, U-19), and midfielder Alexander Shaw (USA, U-18).  Under-the-radar player to watch Inter Miami CF recently announced its signing of Academy graduate Alex Shaw (17). Signing on as a Homegrown Player until the end of 2026, Inter Miami also has options to extend his contract. With this signing, Shaw becomes the 11th Inter Miami CF Academy product to sign for the first team.  Shaw made his MLS debut on a short-term loan from the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Inter Miami II during Miami’s match against Charlotte FC on March 14th. During his time with Inter Miami II, Shaw made 13 appearances and recorded two assists. It will be interesting to see how young talent like Shaw fits in with some of Miami’s most notable veterans.  April schedule After a longer February/March schedule, Inter Miami slows down in April, only playing five matches. Relieved of their Concacaf Champions Cup duties thanks to Nashville SC, Inter Miami will spend most of April resting and recovering. Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Austin FC Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET -  vs NY Red Bulls Saturday, April 18th, 4:30 PM ET - at Colorado Rapids Wednesday, April 22nd, 9:30 PM ET - at Real Salt Lake Saturday, April 25th, 7:30 PM ET - vs New England Revolution Charlotte FC Record all-comps since February/March: Regular season: 2W - 2D - 1L Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 11th Place Most of Charlotte FC’s recent headlines stray from on-field happenings. Rather, Charlotte FC is focused on its World Cup hosting duties and the upcoming MLS All-Star Game. Charlotte FC management confirmed in early March that they will be hosting the Scotland National Team for the 2026 World Cup training. Its fellow cities, Greensboro and Durham, will be hosting Norway and Germany. With the World Cup just around the corner, Charlotte’s defender Tim Ream has been called up for March’s friendlies. As for pitch-side news, Charlotte FC’s roster has been fluctuating, especially in the midfield. Despite the new signing of Luca de la Torre, head coach Dean Smith still seems unsure of who to give the starting midfield spot to regularly. Mayor Brandt Bronico has been battling for minutes with Djibril Diani and de la Torre for several weeks. On the flip side, Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Crown Legacy, has been dominating its season. Crown Legacy currently sits in first place, undefeated so far in their run. Crown Legacy forward Nimfasha Berchimas has also gained significant traction, with a potential move to Bayern Munich over the summer. Berchimas recently received a U-18 call-up for the USA’s March window. Under-the-radar player to watch Australian left-back David Schnegg (27) has been an under-the-radar player for Charlotte FC. So far this season, Schnegg has only made two appearances. However, Schnegg’s advantageous attitude has earned him an assist during their match against Red Bull NY. Having yet to earn a start, Schnegg not only brings experience to the squad but also versatility.  April schedule The Crown’s April schedule is on the lighter side, with only four Saturday matches. Charlotte FC will spend its first two matches after the International break at The Bank, but will be on the road for the rest of April’s matches. The squad will also face Eastern Conference powerhouse Nashville SC twice, which may lead to long-term fatigue.  Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Philadelphia Union Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Nashville SC Wednesday, April 15th - vs Charlotte Independence Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - at NYCFC Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - at Orlando City Saturday, April 25th, 8:30 PM ET - at Nashville SC Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance) DC United Record all-comps since February/March: Regular season: 2W-1D-2L Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 14th place February and March have been somewhat quiet for DC United. In their off-season, DC United signed striker Tai Baribo and goalkeeper Sean Johnson. During his debut against Philadelphia Union, Baribo proved DC right in their $4.6 million deal. So far, Baribo has started in all five matches for DC, scoring three goals. As for Johnson, he has also started in all five matches, shutting down 16 goals. It appears that under their new manager, René Weiler, DC United is slowly progressing from last season’s disaster. Given how early in the season it is, DC still has time to grow and solidify its starting XI. Unfortunately, DC United has had some misfortune: forward Gabriel Segal recently underwent right ankle surgery to repair a ligament. The injury occurred earlier in the 2026 MLS season, but he is expected to recover over the next five months.  Under-the-radar player to watch Jackson Hopkins (21) is yet another Homegrown product for DC United. Hopkins’ experience ranges from Academy play to U.S. Youth National Team Call-ups, putting him under professional pressure from the start. Hopkins is known for his technical composure on the ball, which ultimately gained the attention of DC United’s first squad. Singing with DC back in April of 2022, Hopkins has accumulated 67 appearances across all competitions. Despite a lengthy history of injuries, Hopkins continues to grow on the pitch. This season, Hopkins has transitioned from winger to an attacking midfield spot, making five appearances with the squad. As DC strives to bounce back, Hopkins supports their growth on and off the pitch.  April schedule Similar to Charlotte and Miami, DC United has a lighter schedule in April. For the most part, DC will be on the road, sticking to the East Coast. Yet DC will surely face some lighter competition this month, as teams like Philadelphia and New England are struggling in the standings. DC should be able to add some significant points to their tally this month.  Saturday, April 4th, 7:40 PM ET - vs FC Dallas  Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET - at New England Revolution Wednesday, April 15th, 7:30 PM ET - vs One Knoxville SC Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - at Philadelphia Union Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - at NY Red Bulls Saturday, April 25th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Orlando City Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance) Atlanta United Record all-comps since February/March: Regular season: 1W -1D - 3L Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 22nd place In March, Atlanta United shook things up in the front office. Former Mexican Football Federation COO Mauricio Culebro was appointed as the new President of Soccer to oversee Atlanta United and its future NWSL franchise. On the pitch, the squad has had a rougher start to their season, securing their first win in Matchday 4 against Philadelphia. After the squad’s explosive performance against Philadelphia, Miguel Almirón and Tomás Jacob were named to the Matchday 4 edition of MLS Team of the Matchday with their four-goal contributions combined. Almirón even broke Atlanta United’s all-time assists record that night.  On the international stage, Atlanta United players received six National Team call-ups for the March FIFA Window: midfielder Miguel Almirón (Paraguay), midfielder Matías Galarza (Paraguay), defender Adyn Torres (Puerto Rico), forward Luke Brennan (USA U-21), midfielder Santiago Pita (Venezuela U-20), and midfielder Cooper Sanchez (USA U-18).  Under-the-radar player to watch After conceding a total of 63 goals during regular-season play in 2025, Atlanta United has made efforts to add depth to its roster. Defensive midfielder Tomás Jacob (21) might just be the answer for a struggling Atlanta. Jacob signed on with Atlanta back in 2025 from Club Necaxa through the U-22 Initiative and an international roster spot. However, Jacob did not earn a starting spot until this season.  This season, Jacob has earned significant minutes as a right fullback and center back. In the first five games, he even scored for Atlanta’s match against Philly. His versatility as a player not only provides insurance for a shaky back line but also creates transitional opportunities in the attacking third.  April schedule Pausing their regular season for the March international break on a 3-1 win will have Atlanta fans looking for some more wins heading into April. But Atlanta will face serious competition from EC performers such as Nashville and Chicago, which may jeopardize its plans.  Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Columbus Crew Saturday, April 11th, 8:30 PM ET - at Chicago Fire Wednesday, April 15th, 7:30 PM ET - at Chattanooga FC Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Nashville SC Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - vs New England Revolution Saturday, April 25th, 1:00 PM ET - at Toronto FC Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance) Orlando City   Record all-comps since February/March: Regular season: 1W - 0D - 4L Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 28th place Orlando sits near the bottom of the EC, with only one win so far this season. Although their offseason appeared hopeful with new transfers, it has been less than ideal. But in their darkest hour, Orlando has had a beacon of light in the form of Antoine Griezmann. The announcement of Griezmann’s signing came just last week, shaking off their unfortunate 5-0 loss against Nashville in Matchday 5. Still, Griezmann’s contract will begin in July 2026, leaving Orlando to rely on its current squad to pull it up.  Ahead of the March International window, Orlando also saw seven call-ups: defender David Brekalo (Slovenia), goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau (Canada), midfielder Braian Ojeda (Paraguay), forward Marco Pašalić (Croatia), forward Justin Ellis (USA U-19), midfielder Colin Guske (USA U-19), and defender Tahir Reid-Brown (USA U-20).  Under-the-radar player to watch Orlando City announced, prior to their match against Nashville SC, that they would sign midfielder Dylan Judelson to a short-term agreement. Judelson currently plays for their MLS NEXT Pro team, Orlando City B. Out of his 22 appearances across all competitions, Judelson has made 11 starts for Orlando City B. He has also made more than 20 appearances for Canada’s youth national teams and was a key part of the Academy’s run to the U-18 Generation adidas Cup title last year. Judleson’s impressive academy and youth international run might be another spring in Orlando’s step moving forward. Investing in the academy pathway could be a reasonable long-term strategy for their struggling first team.  April schedule As Orlando waits for Greizmann’s appearance, they will have to face their regular-season schedule as it currently stands. April will be a tough month for the team, with several away matches and a midweek match at the end of the month.  Saturday, April 4th, 9:30 PM ET - at LAFC Sunday, April 12th, 7:00 PM ET - at Columbus Crew Wednesday, April 15th, 7:00 PM ET - at FC Naples Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Houston Dynamo Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - vs Charlotte FC Saturday, April 25th, 7:30 PM ET - at DC United Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance)

By Brian Maurer Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90 Charlotte FC had just about as good a US Open Cup draw as they could ask for this morning. They were one of the eight designated home teams from MLS going into the draw and were then drawn as the top host priority for their Clint Dempsey Group. Here is a breakdown of everything that happened and how their bracket now lines up heading into the US Open Cup Round of 32: Clint Dempsey Group Hosting Priority Charlotte FC Atlanta United Chattanooga FC Charlotte Independence Charlotte FC will host Charlotte Independence on either April 14 or 15 at the Sportsplex in Matthews in their Round of 32 fixture. If they advance, they have hosting priority and will host the winner of Atlanta United and Chattanooga FC in the Round of 16 on April 28 or 29. It's a favorable route for Charlotte as they have an opportunity to make it to their first US Open Cup Quarterfinal in club history. The Independence is a USL League One side, and while they are off to a good start this season, the Crown should be heavy favorites. The opportunity to host either a struggling Atlanta United rival or an MLS NEXT Pro side in the Round of 16 is also favorable. Head Coach Dean Smith couldn't ask for a better situation to lead his squad on a deep tournament run and start to change the perspective on the group's struggles in tournament formats. Key Players to Watch from the Clint Dempsey Group Charlotte FC - Pep Biel The Crown's key man in the middle is off to a quick start on the scoresheet with four goals through five games. He could be left off the starting XI against the Independence, but his services will likely be required during the tournament if Charlotte is going to push for a quarterfinal or better. Charlotte Independence - Luis Alvarez Alvarez is off to a great start this season for the Independence as he has five goal contributions (2g/3a) in four games in all competitions. The Honduran will be pivotal to pull off a Charlotte Derby cupset. Atlanta United - Miguel Almiron The Paraguayan's return to Atlanta hasn't gone as planned, but a deep tournament run could help turn the tide and the vibes for the Five Stripes. He could be rotated in the Round of 32, but he will likely be needed sooner than later if the club is going to make a go of it. Chattanooga FC - Alex Krehl Chattanooga's attacker is leading the squad in goal contributions with three goals and an assist. Krehl will look to lead Chattanooga's line as they aim for a big-time upset in front of their hometown crowd against Atlanta United in the Round of 32. Clint Dempsey Group Bracket Charlotte FC vs Charlotte Independence Chattanooga FC vs Atlanta United

By Rylee McKinney Kerwin Vargas Matchday 4 (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90) The wait is finally over as Charlotte FC returns to The Bank this weekend to take on Philadelphia Union. After the two-week international break, MLS returns to regular-season play. Before their break, Charlotte FC had an electric win against RBNY. The squad demonstrated just how strong their team is by putting away six goals in 90+ minutes. As for Philadelphia, they ended Matchday 5 in a 2-1 loss against Chicago Fire FC. Currently, Charlotte sits in 4th place in the EC, while Philadelphia sits in 15th and has yet to earn a point.  The Crown earned a 2-0 home win and an unfortunate 2-1 road loss against Philadelphia last year. The Union concluded their 2025 season as Supporters’ Shield winners while Charlotte FC finished in 4th place. However, the 2026 season is showcasing a Philadelphia that looks entirely different from last year.  Led by head coach Bradley Carnell, Philadelphia set a new club record for wins in 2025, concluding their regular season with a 20W-8L-6D record. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, their run came to a close with a 1-0 loss to NYCFC in the EC Semifinals.  Changes to Philly’s lineup reflect significant departures and a variety of new signings. Departures ahead of 2026 include defender Jakob Glesnes (LA Galaxy), left back Kai Wagner (Birmingham City), and striker Tai Baribo (D.C. United). To combat their losses, Philadelphia brought on Danish center-back Japhet Sery Larsen (25) and Colombian center-back Geiner Martinez (23). On offense, the Union signed strikers Agu s tín Anello (23) and Ezekiel Alladoh (20). Despite the departures and new signings, Philadelphia appears to be focusing on its homegrown players as well. Players like Frankie Westfield and Cavan Sullivan continue to earn minutes on the pitch, demonstrating the youth development focus of Philadelphia’s squad. Charlotte FC’s attacking unit will therefore be a dangerous threat to the Philadelphia Union’s younger backline, especially on the wing. Obvious threats to Philadelphia include Wilfried Zaha and Pep Biel. Yet, a significant opportunity will be Charlotte’s right wing, with either Kerwin Vargas or Liel Abada at the start. Philadelphia's Philippe Ndinga has had the responsibility, the past couple of weeks, to try and replace Wagner, who was one of the best left-backs in MLS and a player Philly had counted on for years. Kerwin Vargas/Liel Abada - Charlotte FC - Right Winger Dean Smith’s right wing is a double threat as he balances playing time between Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada. Continuing from last season, Smith has alternated between the two, calling upon their individual skills based on the opponent-of-the-week’s abilities.  Kerwin “Flippin’” Vargas has been with Charlotte FC since 2022, making over 100 total appearances with the squad. Last season, Vargas appeared in 34 matches, tallying six goals and three assists during regular-season play. Vargas’ high-intensity attacking runs and dominant 1v1 abilities are a genuine asset to Charlotte’s attacking unit.  So far in 2026, the Colombian has made five appearances, making the starting XI twice. He even scored his first goal of the season during their dominant 6-1 win over Red Bull New York before the two-week international break.  On the other side of the coin is right-winger Liel Abada. The Israeli midfielder signed on with Charlotte back in 2024 from Scottish Premiership side Celtic FC. For an $8 million fee, Abada joined The Crown, making him the most expensive signing in Charlotte FC history at the time. Today, Abada continues to be one of Charlotte’s highest-paid players, earning roughly $2 million per year. Abada appears to earn more starting positions than Kerwin Vargas, making 60% of the starting XI this season alone.  With five matchdays in, Abada has made two assists and has started three games. Back in 2025, he recorded five goals and one assist in 32 matches. As an alternate to Kerwin Vargas, Abada excels at exploiting space in the box to create goal-scoring opportunities. His direct approach toward the goal allows him to finish at close range. Philippe Ndinga - Philadelphia Union - Left Back The Philadelphia Union recently added left back Philippe Ndinga (20) to their backline ahead of the 2026 season. Ndinga’s contract makes him a permanent transfer from Swedish top-flight Degerfors IF. With Degerfors IF, Ndinga made 10 league appearances, even scoring his first professional goal against IK Sirius. Although Ndinga is on the younger side and is new to MLS, he has made significant progress with Philadelphia’s novice back line. Ndinga even earned some minutes against Club America in Philadelphia’s Concacaf Champions Cup run. It may be too early in the season to make any serious judgments for Ndinga. But his experience so far will have him anticipating the Vargas/Abada threat on the right wing.  Summary Saturday's matchup will be an interesting one on the right wing. Charlotte’s fluctuation between starting Vargas or Abada will keep the Philadelphia Union guessing until the last second. For newcomer Philippe Ndinga, this ambiguity might be overwhelming. Philadelphia will put pressure on Ndinga to keep Vargas/Abada out wide, preventing any playmaking attempts on the wing. For Charlotte, they must not overlook Ndinga’s MLS-rookie label, especially after coming down from their 6-1 win against NYRB.  Ndinga's responsibility of replacing Kai Wagner, one of the best left-backs over the last several years, is key for Philadelphia's season, but as of now, it's a developing situation that Charlotte's wingers should look to exploit. Dean Smith will ultimately decide who will challenge Philadelphia’s left back. It will be up to Philadelphia to memorize both Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada’s attacking style. What both Vargas and Kerwin have in common is their ability to create space, which will be combatted by Ndinga’s physical defending style. Stats from TransferMarkt