Charlotte FC Report: Week 14, 2022
Week 14 is on its way and last week, it was more of the same. Charlotte picked up a nice league home win against Vancouver, 2-1. They dominated the match and the two goals came from Andre Shinyashiki and Daniel Ríos. Charlotte was very aggressive on the attack and it proved to be the winning strategy. The club matchup against the Red Bulls didn’t go so well for them though. They were defeated 3-1. Charlotte had possession for the overwhelming majority but couldn’t get any great looks at the goal other than the lone score from Ríos, who continued his hot run from last Sunday evening. They’re no longer eligible to win the US Open Cup and their main focus will be back on league play.
Jennifer Buchanan/ USA Today Sports
This week, we will see Charlotte facing the Seattle Sounders for the first time ever. The Sounders are one of the most consistently good squads in MLS history, but they’re getting off to a bad start. They haven’t had a losing season in the history of their club, but they currently have a losing record. They have finished second in the Western Conference for the last 5 seasons, but it’s not looking like that is going to be the case this season. As far as stats go, this is going to be an even matchup for Charlotte. The only thing that will harm Charlotte is the fact that they’re playing in Seattle. Seattle is one of, if not, the toughest place to play. Just like the Seattle football games, the Seattle soccer fans show out in number and they’re loud. Charlotte has yet to pick up a road win, but what a better first than Seattle on the road? I can’t think of many. Raúl Ruidíaz will be a big name for the Sounders on Sunday night. He has scored the most goals in the last 4 seasons and will likely do so again this season.
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I think we’ll see a more defensive approach from Charlotte this weekend. The Sounders haven’t had much luck on the attack this season, but it could change in just one matchup. A draw is fine here, but not ideal. Charlotte needs a great road win to carry their momentum throughout the rest of the season. Road woes have been hanging over their head since the start of the year and a big win in Seattle will be a huge momentum boost.
Yacs