Charlotte FC Report: Week 9, 2022
In their first week of more than one match, the Charlotte club split the games. They won the US Open Cup matchup on Wednesday against Greenville but lost in Foxboro last Saturday. They barely won the matchup against Greenville and they needed additional extra time to get it done. Charlotte has a travelling problem and I realize that this will just take time to adjust, but they seemingly can’t get their act together when they’re on the road. Titi Ortiz scored the lone goal in the matchup against the New England Revolution and becomes the 5thgoal scorer in Charlotte history. They’ll make their first trip towards the west coast this week in a late 9pm start time.
MLS
Charlotte is facing the Colorado Rapids tonight and it will be an interesting test for Charlotte. Colorado has gotten off to a similar start at this point of the season. They are good in front of their home crowd but can’t seem to come together on the road. They’re led by the leg of Diego Rubio. He has 4 goals in the team’s 7 league contests this season. The Rapids are very similar to Charlotte now and it’s crazy to see the similarities. They’re favored at home and deservingly so, however, they’re currently on the outside looking in of the playoff picture. I know it’s a little soon to be talking about playoff discussion, but it’s worth noting. Charlotte is currently in the 8 spot in the East, but at this point, I’m not feeling too confident that they can get it done tonight in Colorado.
This is going to be a big prove-it opportunity for Charlotte. Can they get a league win on the road? I’m sure they are going to be super aggressive tonight and hopefully it will work in their favor. As far as formations are concerned, they went with a more aggressive attack strategy last week, but will they do the same this week? I think they will. The Rapids have given up 6 goals in the last two matchups and I think Charlotte can take advantage of their struggling defense. Hopefully we’ll finally see Charlotte’s first league road win tonight, but I’m not expecting it. I think a draw would be nothing to scoff at here either, but obviously a win is ideal.
Yacs