It was another less than ideal week for Charlotte this week. Just when it feels like our club is gaining a little momentum, it all comes to a halt. They can't get on a run. I realize soccer is different in a lot of aspects compared to other sports, but you can't advance without winning matchups or at least drawing. At this point of the season, every match is crucial. Every goal is crucial and they’re going to have to claw their way back into the playoff discussion. To be honest though, I didn’t particularly expect Charlotte to be amazing and I have been surprised in a lot of contests, but they desperately need to improve in a lot of minor ways. I think they definitely have the talent to be a playoff team, but in games that they should have won, they don’t look like they belong. Last week against Orlando City SC, that was a must-win game in my book. A draw wouldn't have been the worst thing, but they really needed a win. McKenzie Gaines scored the lone goal for Charlotte last Sunday on a beautiful header, but Charlotte couldn’t get the job done to pull ahead or maintain the tie. Consistency has been the worst thing for Charlotte this season, so they must become stronger as a unit in the coming weeks.

Charlotte FC made some big contract news this week. They announced the extensions of Andre Shinyashiki and Brandt Bronico through 2025 and both have club options for 2026. Both players have been major bright spots for the club and these signings were very exciting news. Hopefully they will continue to build around these two and hopefully they can help lead Charlotte to prominence.

Charlotte will have another home contest tonight against Toronto FC. Charlotte lost to the Canadian club 4-0 in their previous matchup this season in Toronto and Toronto has been on a solid run since then. Although their run has been decent recently, they’re pretty similar to Charlotte this season. In fact, they’re below them in the standings. In only 6 matches since their arrivals, Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne have combined for 7 goals. Look for them to be major players in to game tonight. Hopefully the home club can redeem themselves tonight and hopefully they can go on a little run. Counting tonight, there are only 7 contests left and every match is crucial. They have a tough schedule ahead so matches like this tonight need to be won.

Yacs

Charlotte FC Report: Week 27, 2022