Charlotte FC is set to host FC Cincinnati, the 2023 Supporter’s Shield Winners, for their second consecutive home match.
Here are the three ingredients of the match:
Don’t Waste Chances
Charlotte FC stands out as one of the top defensive teams in MLS, conceding only 4.1 Goals Allowed (xGA) this season, trailing only behind FC Cincinnati. Despite Cincinnati's potential decline in offensive prowess, they remain one of the league's most disciplined defensive units.
Given the rarity of scoring opportunities against Cincinnati's solid defense, it's imperative for Charlotte not to squander any chances that come their way. While they were fortunate to escape unscathed from missed opportunities in their previous match against The Crew, chances are they won’t be able to get away with it in back-to-back matches.
Charlotte has generated enough offense to score at least a goal a game, so when that opportunity arises, the team needs to finish clinically.
Containing the MVP
When FC Cincinnati comes to mind, the first name that pops up is Luciano “Lucho” Acosta. The 2023 MLS Regular Season MVP continues to excel this season, reaffirming his status as one of the league's premier playmakers.
Despite the departure of key strikers Brenner and Brandon Vazquez, Cincinnati maintains their position atop the Eastern Conference largely due to Acosta's contributions. Acosta leads the league in key passes with a whopping 18 in just five matches, demonstrating his invaluable role in Cincinnati's attack.
A team that has long depended on his creativity now finds itself even more reliant on him this season. Charlotte must maintain exceptional defensive awareness to deny Acosta from receiving the ball, and when he eventually does, they cannot afford to give him time to work his magic.
Perfect at Home
Charlotte FC boasts a flawless 2-0 record at home this season and aims to extend this streak against the number one seed in the East. Not only are The Crown perfect at home this season, but they've also never suffered defeat against Cincinnati at Bank of America Stadium.
In their inaugural meeting in 2022, they emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. Last season, they once more took a 2-0 lead against Cincinnati, only to concede and settle for a draw. Charlotte has demonstrated that they're not just capable of keeping up with Cincinnati but can secure positive results against them at home.
This season, although still among the stronger teams in the East, FCC doesn't appear as threatening as in the previous two years. Nevertheless, they remain undefeated, and will be a tough test for The Crown. However, Charlotte recently halted another team's unbeaten streak in their last match, indicating they're more than capable of rising to the occasion.
CLTFC x Canes Scarf Ticket Package
Saturday, March 30 at 7:30PM | Bank of America Stadium
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a special ticket package featuring a limited-edition co-branded Charlotte FC x Carolina Hurricanes scarf, and come out for this epic crossover and cause chaos for The Crown.
