How Brandt Bronico Transformed His Game in his Queen City Homecoming

August 25, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Charlotte FC News Release

Brandt Bronico has been a revelation this season.

The North Carolina native and Charlotte 49ers alumni has won the hearts of Charlotte FC fans with both his approachable personality and relentless work ethic for the team. He’s had to overcome a lot of doubt in his journey here, but it was that same doubt that forged Bronico into the player he is today.

“I have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder because I’ve been an underdog my whole life. I was never called into a national team camp, and I guess people never really raved about me the way they’ve raved about other players. So, it’s just kind of like proving those people wrong that have doubted me.”

Proving the doubters wrong is exactly what he has done. However, before he did so this season for CLTFC, there were always questions as to what his best position is.

Throughout his high school years, Bronico played as a central midfielder but was shifted to a more attacking role when he arrived in college. Bronico made his name there as an attacking left midfielder to eventually get drafted by the Chicago Fire.

The Fire shifted him back to a box-to-box midfield role, but it wasn’t until his loan to the Charlotte Independence in 2021 (after being traded to Charlotte FC in December 2020) where we started to see Bronico in the defensive midfield position he’s shined in for The Crown.

“I think I pride myself the most on getting the ball, whether it’s a header or winning the ball back for the team,” said Bronico. “Also then being that connector: switching points of attack and switching the ball from one side to the other or being able to keep the ball which eventually ends up in us creating a chance to score a goal.”

As a player who wants to be known for winning the ball, covering a lot of ground, and creating chances for his teammates to go forward, there’s no better role to do that from than the six.

Bronico can still play the box-to-box midfield role at a high level, as CLTFC fans have seen in his recent performances when he shares the field with Derrick Jones. Still, Bronico has had the best season of his career playing mostly as the six and has become key to everything the Crown does on the pitch.

Mr. Reliable

Before we can talk about specific aspects of Bronico’s game, the obvious must be stated – availability is the best ability. Bronico personifies this as he currently sits as the outfield player with the seventh most minutes played…