South Charlotte Today

As the 2024 Leagues Cup concludes, attention shifts back to the final third of the MLS season. Charlotte FC currently holds 6th place in the Eastern Conference, well within playoff contention. With nine matches remaining, the unpredictability of MLS means outcomes are far from certain.

Dean Smith's tenure as head coach has seen Charlotte FC maintain a top-six position throughout this season, a significant improvement from last year's fluctuating standings between 8th and 12th place. Smith attributes this progress to a focus on attitude and application during preseason.

Last season, Charlotte was ranked 21st in MLS for Goals Allowed. This year, they have significantly improved their defense, conceding just 27 goals in 25 matches—currently the second-best record in the league. Smith’s straightforward approach to defensive organization has provided players with clear assignments, transforming them into one of the toughest teams to play against.

Their resilience is evident in strong performances against top teams like defending MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew and 2023 Supporters' Shield winners FC Cincinnati. Captain Ashley Westwood credits their success to a "doggedness" that has propelled Charlotte to new heights. The team aims to secure a home playoff match and make a deep postseason run.

“We can take a lot of confidence with what we’ve done in our last three games that were all away from home,” said Smith reflecting on recent performances before the Leagues Cup break. “All were tough games, and we came out with five points with good performances in all three games as well.”

Throughout the season, Charlotte has shown resilience by earning crucial points even when key players were absent due to international duty. The Front Office and Dean Smith used these insights to shape their approach during the summer transfer window.

The first major move was bringing back Karol Świderski after his loan spell in Italy. Świderski’s return adds firepower alongside Patrick Agyemang, who leads the team in goals scored this season. Additionally, USMNT and Fulham star Tim Ream was signed to strengthen an already elite defense.

Charlotte also secured attacking midfielder Pep Biel late in the transfer window. Biel brings an impressive goal-scoring record for a midfielder and is expected to enhance their offensive capabilities.

With these reinforcements and a fully healthy squad, Dean Smith believes they now have “as complete [a squad] as it’s going to be.” Reflecting on their transfer window objectives, Smith stated: “The aim of the window is to come out of it looking better... Having a better squad and an improved team.”

Charlotte currently sits on 37 points with nine matches left—a potential for earning up to 27 more points. Their remaining schedule includes six opponents ranked below 7th place in the standings.

Key fixtures include matches against New York Red Bulls (4th place), Orlando City (7th place), and league-leaders Inter Miami. These games will influence Charlotte's final standing significantly as they compete for playoff positioning until Decision Day on August 24th.

Charlotte also benefits from playing five of their last nine games at home with manageable travel demands for away matches. They have an opportunity to continue making history this season but must remain mentally focused as they navigate through an unforgiving Eastern Conference battleground.

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