Charlotte FC Report: Week 26, 2022

Charlotte had another up and down week last week and we’re riding with the momentum currently. They started the week off with a bad 5-0 loss in Los Angeles and it was just an embarrassing match. LAFC is the real deal it looks like they’re definitely the team to beat when it’s all said and done. We had a little false hope in that contest because it appeared that Charlotte was going to hang with them at halftime. They gave up all of the 5 goals in the 2nd half. I think they get a pass though. Corujo was a vital part of the defense and losing him isn't easy to adjust to. With that being said, they definitely redeemed themselves on Wednesday. I totally forgot that they had a Wednesday matchup last week and I didn’t preview it, but no worries. They won the matchup on the road 3-1 against 3rd ranked NYCFC. Karol Swiderski struck first in the 4th minute of action. UNC Charlotte alum, Brandt Bronico scored his first career goal in the 77th minute and Christian Fuchs sealed the victory in the second half stoppage time with a penalty kick. You could honestly make the argument that this was their biggest victory of the season. NYCFC lost their leading scorer, Taty Castellanos on a transfer and they have seemingly been down lately, but it is still a big victory for Charlotte, especially considering how awful they have been in away matchups. Luckily, they have two home games coming up over the next 2 weeks.

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Charlotte will welcome Orlando City SC tonight and it will be their second and final matchup of the season. Charlotte lost their first matchup against them back in April, 2-1. The lone goal came from Christian Fuchs on a Penalty kick. With the momentum on Charlotte’s side, hopefully they can score early and often. Orlando is a pretty similar club to Charlotte and a win is crucial tonight. Charlotte isn't out of playoff contention and they must remain strong and cohesive for the rest of the season.