After a two-week intermission from MLS action, Charlotte FC will take on FC Dallas to start a seven-match stretch to finish the regular season.
Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, and fans can watch the match on Apple TV.
Let’s look at the Materials of the Match presented by Rubbermaid to see how Charlotte FC can begin to close out the regular season on the right foot.
Last Time Out
Charlotte FC lost 1-0 to Chicago Fire FC on September 26 at Bank of America Stadium, ending The Crown’s eight-match unbeaten streak.
Chicago scored the lone goal of the match in the 58th minute, converting on a second-chance ball inside the box. Charlotte FC stopped Chicago’s first shot that came from a corner kick, but Johan Gómez scored after the ball fell to his feet.
The Crown quickly equalized and Tyger Smalls made an impact within 10 minutes of coming on after replacing the injured Archie Goodwin. In the 59th minute following a Diani shot off the crossbar, Smalls put the rebound into the net. After a review, the goal was disallowed due to Smalls being offside, and The Crown remained down 1-0, a deficit they wouldn’t overcome.
Earning a Shot
Tim Ream earned the third red card of his career after picking up two yellow cards against Chicago last match. As a result, he will be out against FC Dallas, leaving an open spot at the center-back position in the starting 11.
Morrison has ample experience this season at center-back, starting 17 matches at the position and appearing in 21. Another option that Head Coach Dean Smith could go to is Andrew Privett who has started in six matches this season at center-back.
Morrison most recently started in Charlotte FC’s 3-1 win against D.C. United on August 22, and his last minutes came in The Crown’s away match against United on September 19. He came on at the end of the match, playing one minute. Morrison has appeared in three of Charlotte FC’s last four matches.
Privett’s last action came in the Leagues Cup against Atlas FC on August 7, starting and playing all 90 minutes.
Welcome Home
Rodolfo Aloko, Liel Abada and Idan Toklomati will be available for selection following their return to the Club from the international break.
Aloko started in all three matches for Benin during the international break, including two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and a friendly against Argentina for Lionel Messi’s final international match.
Toklomati returned to Charlotte FC before Israel’s final match due to an injury he suffered while with Israel but will be healthy for Saturday’s match against FC Dallas. He appeared in Israel’s second match of the UEFA Nations League, coming on in the 64th minute at the right striker spot.
Abada appeared in three of Israel’s four matches, including starting in the final two at right striker and right wingback. Abada finished the four matches with two shots on target, helping to try and advance Israel into League A of the Nations League.
“It's really impactful for us because we had to change the way we played against Chicago because obviously, we didn't have as many attacking options as we would normally have,” Smith said. “Getting the three of them back healthy is really important and impactful for us and the beauty of it is, the three of them won't have experienced a loss, so they'll still be feeling unbeaten.”
Top of the Table Tussle
Charlotte FC and FC Dallas are both among the top teams in their respective conferences. The Crown sit at fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 43 points, just three points behind second-place New England. Dallas is third place in the Western Conference at 47 points, three points behind first-place Vancouver.
The match will be important for both teams as Charlotte FC looks to gain home-field advantage for the first round and improve their standing while FC Dallas is trying to position themselves to win the West. The match will be a test for both teams as they prepare for a playoff run, giving each other a chance to see how they fare against top competition in MLS.
“I've said from the start that all the games you play are tough in this league because it's so evenly matched,” Smith said. “So, each game, whether you play a playoff team or not are tough games. So yeah, makes no odds to us, we're just looking forward to the game and looking to perform to win.”
Riding with Los Toros
Charlotte FC will achieve a first for them in their fifth season as a club – facing FC Dallas in league play.
FC Dallas has one of the best scorers in the league in Petar Musa, who is second in MLS in goals with 18, tying his career-best with Dallas. He has scored 16 or more goals for three consecutive seasons. He is also one of Dallas’ best passers, tied for second on the team in assists with five.
Logan Farrington has aided Musa with scoring, landing second on the team with nine goals and matching Musa’s total of five assists. Joaquín Valiente has been the primary passer though, recording 13 assists from his spot in the midfield.
“I think (our backline) has been pretty solid for a number of years,” Nathan Byrne said. “I think our strength is how we work as a team, not just the back four. It's the keeper, it's the two midfielders. We'll try and do what we know we're good at, and no one individually has to stop their best players, it's sort of all of us together.”
NEXT AT HOME
OCTOBER 10 @ 7:30 PM // CHARLOTTE VS. DALLAS
Join Charlotte FC on Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 PM as they take on FC Dallas at Bank of America Stadium. The first fans to arrive will receive the limited-edition Hooded Scarf presented by Blue Cross NC.
Limited quantities are available on a first‑come, first‑served basis and aren't guaranteed.
