Charlotte FC: League's Cup Preview

In one week, Charlotte FC will compete in the Leagues Cup. While this is only the second tournament in history, it has the soccer world on the edge of its seat, eager to determine the top team in North America. The question remains, will that top team be Charlotte FC? 

Last year's Leagues Cup saw Charlotte FC face FC Dallas and Club Necaxa during the group stage of the tournament. Charlotte would beat both clubs, topping the group. Facing Cruz Azul in the Round of 32, Charlotte would win on penalties 4-3. Charlotte FC would then move on to the Round of 16 where they would meet a tough Houston team. The Dynamo controlled most of the match until Charlotte swiftly scored two late goals, sending the club to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. Charlotte would face the eventual champions of the tournament– Inter Miami–who would defeat them 4-0, ending Charlotte FC’s Leagues Cup Run.  

As of July 21st, 2024, Charlotte FC currently sits 6th in the Eastern Conference on 36 points through 24 matches, with 10 wins, 6 draws and 8 losses. Charlotte currently leads the league in clean sheets with nine, largely thanks to standouts Kristijan Kahlina, Adilson Malanda. Additionally,  Dean Smith has transformed Charlotte's defense into one of the best in the league. 

The same success cannot be said for Charlotte FC’s attack, who have only been able to net 27 goals through 23 games, which ranks in the bottom five of the league. The good news for Charlotte FC fans is that Karol Swiderski will be available for selection after returning from his loan spell to Hellas Verona, which will be a huge addition to an attack that has struggled so far this season. Unfortunately, Liel Abada will miss much of the Leagues Cup tournament after being selected to represent Israel’s 2024 Olympic team in Paris.  

Charlotte's first game in the Leagues Cup will come against Philadelphia Union on July 27th at Subaru Park. Charlotte and Philadelphia met earlier this season in a game that saw Charlotte come out on top with a final score of 2-0. Philadelphia Union, who won the 2020 Supporters Shield and have made the playoffs four seasons in a row, have struggled to find form this season with the club sitting in fourteenth place in the Eastern Conference, with only four wins through twenty-two games. The Philadelphia Union recently completed the sale of Julian Carranza to Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee which saw the Union lose one of their best players. However, Philadelphia still has players such as Mikael Uhre, who currently has 10 goal involvements this season. Daniel Gazdag has been the Union’s best player, with 14 goals and one assist. Even though Philadelphia have not been as good this season they are still a team that–when healthy–can cause problems for any team in the MLS.  

Charlotte FC’s second Leagues Cup match up will be against Cruz Azul at Bank of America Stadium on July 30. Charlotte and Cruz Azul met in the Round of 32 during last season's Leagues Cup tournament in a game that saw Charlotte FC come out on top through penalty kicks. Cruz Azul currently sit fifth in Liga MX after winning their opening game of the Apertura tournament. Charlotte FC will have to watch out for Uriel Antuna, who led Cruz Azul in goals last season, and the new Cruz Azul signing Georgios Giakoumakis, who just completed his move to the club from Atlanta United. Giakoumakis scored 22 goals for Atlanta during his 38 matches with the club. Antuna and Giakoumakis have the chance to be a very prolific duo in front of goal and could cause the Charlotte FC backline some problems. 

Charlotte FC carry heavy momentum heading into this year's Leagues Cup tournament. With the return of Karol Swiderski and a backline that has improved massively under Dean Smith, the expectations for Charlotte FC in this year’s Leagues Cup will be higher than last season. I believe the team has a chance to make it to–at least–the semifinals of the Leagues Cup, with our fingers crossed to make it even further.

Image: Charlotte FC