Charlotte FC embarked on a journey to Ohio for consecutive matches against notable Eastern Conference teams, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew. They stunned Cincinnati with a 3-1 victory on Saturday and followed it up midweek with an impressive 1-1 draw against the reigning MLS Cup Champions.
While the Club and fans have always sensed that something special is brewing in the Queen City, this stretch has forced national media to take notice of The Crown.
“I think we’ve evolved as a team,” explained Dean Smith following their match against the Crew. “As well as being really good without the ball, I think we’re starting to learn how to use it a little bit better...
“They [the players] believe in the way we play and the structure. I think the big thing is that there is belief in going and competing against these teams.”
In Dean’s words, “there is no fear” in this locker room, and it’s showing on the pitch.
Charlotte's fearlessness is anchored in their defensive solidity, as they held one of MLS’s most prolific attacks to just one goal. Prior to this match, Columbus had scored an astonishing 20 goals in just five matches, averaging a league-best four goals per game.
The ability to restrict opponents to few or no goals keeps Charlotte competitive in every match. This allowed the team to snatch a point in Colombus when in the 84th minute, defender Bill Tuiloma connected with striker Patrick Agyemang for the equalizer.
Tuiloma, an unlikely goal-creator, came on for an injured Andrew Privett and demonstrated the importance of substitutes at this stage of the season when temperatures are high and games are more frequent. Smith was quick to rotate his side, showing the trust he has in his squad, and he was rewarded as they made a difference in earning the point.
“I’m always asking our substitutes to be finishers for us,” praised Dean. “To come on the pitch and make a difference. Players will get tired; it’s their second game of the week, their job is to come in and show the same energy levels, or more, but also do your job.
“Bill came on and he won his headers, and it was a really good ball in behind. We always felt we would get one of those chances because I feel they play a risky one versus one at the back.”
“I was real pleased with the contributions of all the subs who came on today.”
Despite this being a significant result for The Crown, the players showed no signs of celebration after the match. Through this, it was evident that the team wasn’t satisfied and still demand more of themselves. Goal scorer Patrick Agyemang, who had every reason to celebrate, echoed his coach’s sentiment of not being content and continually pushing for more.
“I don’t even think we were happy with both our performances; we knew we could do better, and it shows the potential we have,” said Agyemang on their away series in Ohio. “It’s all about us focusing and concentrating on the next game and leading this momentum into Leagues Cup.”
The next game pits Charlotte against Austin FC, marking Charlotte’s first visit to Q2 Stadium. Austin sits 10th in the Western Conference but boasts an electric atmosphere that rivals even that of Charlotte FC’s. Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result before the league pauses for a month-long break for Leagues Cup.
