Charlotte FC aims to extend momentum in playoff chase against New York Red Bulls
Charlotte FC will try to extend a seven-game win streak as it hosts the New York Red Bulls at Bank of America Stadium with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Charlotte has the league’s longest active win streak this season, and the Crown are aiming to keep climbing toward a top-four finish and home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Red Bulls, meanwhile, have been tougher on the road, a contrast that should make this a pivotal matchup for both teams.
New York has been strong away from home this season, posting a 1-8-4 road record, while Charlotte owns the best home record in MLS at 10-2-1. Historically, Charlotte has fared better at home against the Red Bulls, but the series has heavily favored New York in recent years: Charlotte has just one win across nine meetings since 2022, with five losses and three draws, including a pair of defeats in New Jersey in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup and the 2023 MLS playoff play-in.
Head coach Dean Smith stressed the need for a complete team effort to pull off another home win. “A good performance comes from all 11 players giving their best,” he said, noting that recent matches against New York have been tight and that Charlotte’s defending should be sharper than in earlier meetings.
Charlotte’s form is crucial as the club fights for a top-four position with four home games remaining in their schedule and seven games left overall. With eight points separating second and eighth in the Eastern Conference, every result matters for a club currently sitting seventh with 14 wins and 2 draws to go with 11 losses.
Looking ahead to the lineup, Charlotte is expected to lean on Idan Toklomati up front alongside Wilfried Zaha, who has seven goals and nine assists this season. Brandt Bronico and Kerwin Vargas provide support in midfield as Djibril Diani and Ashley Westwood push forward in front of a defensively solid trio of Nathan Byrne, Tim Ream, Adilson Malanda, and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty. Kristijan Kahlina remains in goal.
Injury and roster notes, Pep Biel continues to recover from injury but could be back for the trip to Miami on Sept. 13. Bill Tuiloma and Tyger Smalls remain out, though Smalls has resumed individual training. The club also announced a positive development with new signing Archie Goodwin, who is now eligible to be on the bench after obtaining his visa and work permit. Harry Toffolo, who joined after his impressive debut, is available for selection.
Meanwhile, Crown Legacy FC, Charlotte’s MLS Next Pro side, returned to form after three straight defeats by delivering a 6-0 home win over Inter Miami II at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. Nimfasha Berchimas, 17, scored the first hat trick in CLFC history, coming on as a substitute in the 57th minute and completing his treble by the 90th. Dylan Sing contributed a brace and an assist, reaching six goals for the season, tying the club’s scoring lead with Emmanuel Uchegbu. Mikah Thomas netted his first professional goal, with Sing assisting on that strike. Crown Legacy sits 10th in MLS Next Pro’s Eastern Division with 29 points and will return to action August 31 at Orlando City B.
What this means for fans
– Charlotte’s home form gives them a strong chance to pick up crucial points in their pursuit of a top-four finish and home playoff date.
– The matchup against New York is one of the tougher tests left on the schedule, but Charlotte’s depth and recent improvements in defensive organization bodes well for a difficult contest.
– The club’s broader plan includes integrating new signings like Archie Goodwin and leveraging veteran leadership from players such as Zaha and Toffolo to maintain momentum as the season winds down.
Summary
Charlotte FC enters a key home game looking to convert its strong recent form into a continued push for a top-four finish. With a potent attack led by Zaha and Toklomati, plus a robust home record, the Crown aim to topple the Red Bulls and keep their playoff hopes bright. Crown Legacy also showed the club’s growing depth with a big win, underscoring the broader strengths of the organization as it progresses through a busy schedule.
Helpful context
– Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium.
– The club’s dynamic attacking options and a solid defensive base will be tested by a New York team capable of posing problems on the road.
– Positive momentum from Crown Legacy’s performance signals a healthy developmental pathway for the club’s broader system.