Fresh off 13 straight matches unbeaten at home, Charlotte FC hosts their first Western Conference opponent of the season as they welcome Minnesota United to the Queen City for the first time.
Here are the three ingredients of the match:
Snatching the Opening Goal
Charlotte FC's results have hinged on who scores first. When Charlotte has netted the opening goal, they've proven formidable and unbeatable, clinching victory three times and drawing twice. Conversely, when conceding the initial goal, they have suffered defeat in all three instances.
Earning the lead early, especially when playing at home, significantly enhances Charlotte's chances of success. Avoiding early defensive lapses and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be pivotal in securing victories.
The team can also rely on a key player to tilt the odds in their favor...
Feed Liel Abada
Abada, Charlotte's recent acquisition, wasted no time in making an impact, requiring only 179 minutes to find the net for the first time. It could have also been a brace if his initial goal wasn’t denied due to a controversial foul call in the buildup.
In the recent match against Toronto, Abada's involvement correlated with increased threat from Charlotte's attack. While the team initially struggled to penetrate the visitors' defense, Abada's greater involvement in the second half sparked a resurgence, highlighting his importance to the team's offensive approach.
The 22-year-old winger surpassed his teammates in progressive carries, as well as advances into the final third and even the penalty box, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities. His knack for dribbling past defenders, providing key passes, and clinical finishing will be crucial in overcoming Minnesota's fourth-best defense in the Western Conference.
Remain Vigilant
Despite narrowly clinching a victory against Toronto, Charlotte exhibited vulnerability by relinquishing the lead twice. In their previous home fixture against FC Cincinnati, they conceded an equalizer in extra time.
Against Minnesota, Charlotte must maintain vigilance, especially late in the game, as their opponents have a penchant for scoring crucial goals in the dying minutes. They’ve scored five of their nine goals this season in the 87th minute or later. A major contributor to this has been Tani Oluwaseyi, who’s played the role of super sub this season with two goals and two assists in just 159 minutes of play.
Conversely, Minnesota has shown susceptibility to late goals, conceding four out of their nine goals in the 77th minute or later. Charlotte must be disciplined in both attack and defense to avoid being caught off guard and seal the match in the closing stages.
SUNDAY FUNDAY = $20 TICKETS + $5 BEER
A little rain isn’t stopping this party! THE FORTRESS. SUNDAY, APRIL 21 @ 6:00 P.M.
*Available at Blue Cross NC East Gate Taprooms. $5.00 - 12 oz. Draft Michelob Ultra. While supplies last.
