First Half of the Season: Let's Put Some Perspective On It

We need to have a chat, Charlotte FC fans.

Your passion is unmatched. Expectations were high this season, no doubt.

BUT...

Let's put some perspective on this first half of the season. It's not all doom and gloom as some of your 'X' accounts convey. Yes, we see your posts, 'CLT Pet Peeves'. The team watches film, relax.

Now, I know what you are thinking. Pitchforks are sharpening. I can feel your anger through the keyboard. 'How dare you say I can't be angry and expect more?' And you are right. Expectations are good. Hold the team accountable, please. It is a vital part of this relationship.

But let's provide some context on the first 17+ matches played so far. Just hear me out, and maybe you will put down those pitchforks.

The Schedule

Just look at it.

It has not been the most favorable schedule to start the season, both from an opponent's perspective (more on that later) and from a home/away fixture perspective.

Let's compare to 2024 for a minute... just the numbers through the end of May (including addition of Open Cup in 2025):

Home Matches

2024 - 9
2025 - 8

Away Matches

2024 - 7
2025 - 11

May(hem)

2024 - 4 home, 2 road = 6 total matches
2025 - 2 home, 7 road = 9 total matches

Record (incl. U.S. Open Cup)

2024 - 7-6-4
2025 - 9-9-1

Total Matches

2024 - 16
2025 - 19

Total Points

2024 - 22 points from 16 matches
2025 - 25 points from 17 matches + U.S. Open Cup (1-1 record)

What do you see?

While three is a small number, that many more matches is significant on the calendar, and most of the time, it's been on the road.

There's a clear three-match swing there, too, regarding losses to draws in all competitions. But what matters most is that at this point last season, we are talking strictly to the end of May, with one extra match in regular season play = three more points.

Tune was a little different last year, though, no? May brought a run of undefeated matches, including a shutout run, for the most part at home. But the points are the points. And right now, Charlotte is in a better spot against a more challenging schedule. Period.

Still not satisfied? More on the schedule later, but let's jump to some numbers.

The Numbers

Yes, the defense has let in more goals, and it is a problem. But let's all harken back to last season for a minute. Remember when Charlotte struggled to put the ball in the back of the net? That bled into the Playoffs as well, something fans and the team alike said needed to be fixed to make a run.

That's not an issue right now with an even higher ceiling on the horizon.

2024 - 15 goals for, 16 goals against, -1 goal differential
2025 - 28 GF, 27 GA, +1 GD

Shrug emoji?

Yes, that's way too many goals allowed. Understood. Charlotte is also trying to find the formula that ensures they get the most out of the attack. When you add a player like Wilfried Zaha, you have to work out the kinks to ensure the team chemistry in the attack can find its footing.

Add some crucial injuries to the backline; we miss you, Nathan Byrne, and things become increasingly difficult. Charlotte brought in Souleyman Doumbia to help with some of those challenges... also out for a month.

Fun fact: Charlotte FC has started 11 different backline pairings in all competitions this season.

That's a lot.

Yet Charlotte remains resolute, in a playoff position, maybe just not as consistent as last year.

2024 - 6 clean sheets
2025 - 5 CS

I know some of you are saying, "No, this still isn't good enough. Our roster is much better this year." Correct, you are.

It is better—28 to 15 goals for better.

Still not satisfied? Let's take a look around the league.

The League

Yes, I know some of you are finagling the numbers above to fit your narrative instead of this one being crafted.

One last attempt, shall we?

2024 - 12 playoff teams faced
2025 - 8 playoff teams faced (based on current standings)

Yes, Charlotte's strength of schedule to start the year has been significantly more difficult. As is the entire Eastern Conference. 9 of the top 15 teams in the Supporters' Shield standings belong to the Eastern Conference, one of which is Charlotte FC.

Let's return to that schedule...

As we approach June, Charlotte is back on the road for three straight matches. After that, we hit A LOT of home matches beginning in July. In the final 17 matches of the season, including Leagues Cup, Charlotte will be at home for 12 of them.

What is Charlotte's current home record? Good question. 6-2-0. T-3rd in the league.

That's a lot of home cooking on the horizon. For a team that knows, getting hot at the end of the season is more important than the start. And this team is only going to get better with time.

Win your home matches.

I am sure I have convinced you by now. Right?

The Point

It's been a slog of a season so far, Dean Smith and the boys have all said it. They aren't pleased with some of their performances either, and this run of away games has worn on them.

Yes, you fans can continue to hold this team accountable. However, this context intends to give you perspective and, more importantly, hope.

That is the point.

They say it's the hope that kills you. But I hope... You all are ready for a fun and exciting ride the rest of the season.

There are more and better things to come, yes. But the side has still delivered a respectable start to the season despite some headwinds, and that should give you promise for future performances ahead.

Buckle up. Back the boys. Let's go lift a trophy.