South Charlotte Today

The Battle of the South is set to unfold at Bank of America Stadium as Charlotte FC hosts Atlanta United. The match brings a blend of strategies and new team dynamics that could determine the outcome.

With the departure of key players like Giorgos Giakoumakis and Thiago Almada, Atlanta has leaned on counterattacks and crosses targeting their tall strikers. Despite losing central field quality, Atlanta retains one of the league’s top attacking fullbacks, Brooks Lennon, who has recorded five assists this season. On the right flank, winger Saba Lobzhanidze remains a standout in Atlanta's attack with six goals and three assists.

Charlotte’s strategy to neutralize Atlanta involves cutting off wide-area service and staying vigilant against counterattacks. Effective execution could limit Atlanta's scoring opportunities significantly. Charlotte must then capitalize on their own chances to secure victory.

Charlotte's strong defense contrasts with its struggling offense, ranked third worst in goals scored in the Eastern Conference. To address this, they re-signed Karol Świderski, signed Pep Biel as a playmaking number 10, and are awaiting Jamie Paterson. These additions join Liel Abada and Kerwin Vargas in strengthening Charlotte’s attack, while Iuri Tavares, Brandon Cambridge, and Patrick Agyemang provide depth from the bench.

However, recent performances show a disjointed attack partly due to unfamiliarity among new teammates and unforced errors during critical moments. “We can’t make that many unforced errors in the final third, and that’s on us,” said Dean Smith after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against the Red Bulls.

Improved decision-making could transform Charlotte from one of the weaker attacks to one of the stronger ones in the East. With several new faces in limited MLS matches remaining, quick adaptation is crucial for an optimal finish in standings.

Karol Świderski and Liel Abada played together for the first time against the Red Bulls after Abada returned from representing Israel at the Olympics. Tim Ream partnered with Adilson Malanda in defense for their debut pairing as well.

New signings Pep Biel (who debuted against Red Bulls) and Jamie Paterson (working through visa processes) have limited time to make an impact but are expected to perform immediately. "The timeline [for Biel and Paterson to make an impact] is they haven't got much time,” Smith said. “They've got to hit the ground running...I know they can do that.”

Smith aims beyond just making playoffs; a deep postseason run is envisioned for his team. With one more home match before two consecutive away games, it’s an opportune moment for Charlotte's revamped attack to showcase potential synergy heading into crucial final fixtures.

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