Charlotte FC had the spotlight on them in a prime time matchup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, where they took full advantage, dismantling the Herons 3-0 behind a hat trick from forward Idan Toklomati and a Kristijan Kahlina clean sheet performance.
With the win, a historic ninth in a row, The Crown continue to catch the eye of the national talking heads and creep up the MLS Power Rankings.
The talking heads are taking notice, and some even think Charlotte FC stands alone at the top:
MLS: #1
Previous ranking: 4
"Just before starting this torrid run, they’d only won twice in 12 games. Since then, the ball hasn’t stopped bouncing their way. Statistically, they’ve actually been… well, slightly worse, according to the advanced metrics. The counter-point, as always, is: “Who cares?” Charlotte are on an all-time heater."- J. Sam Jones
ESPN: #5
Previous ranking: 6
"Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina stopped a Jordi Alba shot early, then kept his nerve and denied a Lionel Messi panenka attempt. From there, it was all Charlotte, with Idan Toklomati registering a hat trick in a 3-0 victory for the hosts. It's nine victories in a row and ten matches undefeated for Charlotte."- Jon Arnold
Previous ranking: 6
"(Idan) Toklomati got the hat-trick, but the front three of him, Brandt Bronico and Wilfred Zaha created trouble for Miami. They also got some late minutes for Pep Biel as he continued to work his way back from injury. Charlotte clinched an MLS Cup Playoff spot with the win and are in form at the right time." - Ben Steiner
The Crown will now aim to differentiate themselves from every other MLS team in the (post-shootout era) record books with a historic tenth consecutive league win, but face a tough away challenge at Yankee Stadium against New York City FC, who have won four of their last five matches and only sit six points behind Charlotte with two matches in hand.
It's a true six-pointer in The Bronx that could go a long way towards determining a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference for The Crown.
AWAY WATCH PARTY | NYC vs. CLT
Join us at Moo & Brew in Matthews, NC, on Saturday, September 20, at 12:00 p.m., as Charlotte FC take on New York City FC for our official Away Match Watch Party presented by Modelo.
Address: 111 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
*This watch party is free, and no ticket is needed to attend.
NEXT AT HOME
SEPT 27 // CHARLOTTE vs. MONTREAL
Charlotte FC take on CF Montréal at Bank of America Stadium on September 27 at 7:30 p.m. Join us for Por La Cultura Night as The Crown continue their push to the playoffs.
