South Charlotte Today

Charlotte FC is preparing to face the San Jose Earthquakes at home as they continue their promising start to the Major League Soccer season. The team has secured two consecutive 2-0 victories and is aiming to maintain its momentum despite missing key players due to international duties.

Tim Ream and Patrick Agyemang are representing the US Men's National Team, while Liel Abada joins Israel's squad. This situation presents a challenge for Charlotte FC as it tests the team's depth and lineup flexibility. Head Coach Dean Smith emphasizes the importance of togetherness, which will be crucial as new players step up in the absence of regular starters.

The upcoming match against San Jose will also see some changes in their lineup with Josef Martinez absent for Venezuela's national team duties. Despite these absences, both teams are expected to bring their best efforts on Saturday.

Smith has expressed his desire for players to compete for minutes on the field, providing an opportunity for less experienced members like Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas to showcase their skills. Toklomati is anticipated to make his first start, while Vargas might rotate in on the wing.

San Jose enters this game with an aggressive attacking style, having made significant improvements under Bruce Arena's guidance since last year. They rank high in several offensive metrics but face a resilient Charlotte defense ready to counterattack effectively.

The match is expected to be intense as Charlotte aims to capitalize on home advantage by remaining consistent in performance regardless of lineup changes. Smith has been clear about valuing consistency throughout the season, highlighting aspirations for achievements such as the Supporter's Shield.

With additional competitions like the U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup approaching, Charlotte sees this match as an opportunity to refine strategies and test roster capabilities further.