Charlotte wraps up their regular season series against Toronto FC at Bank of America Stadium.
Here are the three ingredients of the match:
Trust the Process
It’s fair to say that Charlotte FC's results haven't quite mirrored their efforts. The team recently wrapped up a three-game away series with just a solitary point, before facing a similar fate with a draw at home against FC Cincinnati.
“We feel like we are just shy from something special. We can feel that within our team,” said Andrew Privett following their draw against top-of-the-east FC Cincinnati.
It's understandably disheartening for players and the team when good performances don't yield the desired results. However, the underlying data suggests that Charlotte will eventually reap the rewards. Keep faith in the process, making necessary tweaks along the way, and history indicates that victories will come.
Precision Over Power
A reoccurring issue for CLTFC this season has been their finishing. They’ve generated the 4th-most Expected Goals (xG) in the Eastern Conference but only rank 9th in goals scored with six through seven games.
When presented with a scoring opportunity, the primary objective should be to challenge the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, Charlotte has frequently missed the mark, either sending their shots wide or too high. Prioritizing getting those shots on target to force saves from the keeper is a crucial step towards increasing goal tallies.
Seize the Momentum
While Toronto appears to be making strides from the previous season, their struggles away from home persist. The Reds are yet to secure a victory on the road and are currently reeling from two consecutive losses.
In contrast, Charlotte FC boasts an impressive unbeaten streak of 12 matches at home, the longest active run in MLS. Playing at the Bank of America Stadium is already a daunting task for any opponent, and facing a team with away woes only amplifies the advantage for The Crown. However, having the edge is only beneficial if it's capitalized upon.
“It’s a real fortress, we talk about it, it’s a tough place to come... we need to use our momentum at home,” said captain Ashley Westwood about their upcoming clash against Toronto.
Charlotte aims to prolong their unbeaten home streak and reignite their winning form.
GIVEAWAY NIGHT | CLT v TOR
First fans in attendance will receive a limited-edition CLTFC minty cape, courtesy of Ticketmaster. Come out and show your support as the boys defend The Fortress.
