After exceeding expectations in their debut season, Charlotte FC head into 2023 looking to achieve something special.
The Crown shocked everyone by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, missing out on the MLS Cup Playoffs by just six points.
CLTFC had their ups and downs, from setting the MLS attendance record in their first home match against the LA Galaxy to firing first-ever head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez midway through the season. But overall, the signs are very promising.
So, here’s everything you need to know about Charlotte FC ahead of the new MLS season, including tactics, key players, and predictions.
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Transfers in
|
Player |
Former Club |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Enzo Copetti |
Racing Club |
$6m |
|
Ashley Westwood |
Burnley |
Free transfer |
|
Brandon Cambridge |
Portland Pilots |
Free transfer |
|
Patrick Agyemang |
RI Rams |
SuperDraft |
|
Hamady Diop |
Clemson Tigers |
SuperDraft |
Transfers out
|
Player |
Club Joined |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Koa Santos |
Loudoun United |
Free transfer |
|
Jordy Alcivar |
Independiente |
Undisclosed |
|
Daniel Rios |
Chivas |
Undisclosed |
|
Adrian Zendejas |
Miami FC |
Loan |
|
Quinn McNeill |
– |
Released |
|
Christian Fuchs |
– |
Retired |
The more time he had with his players, the more Christian Lattanzio’s plan became clear once he took over from Ramirez last season.
Lattanzio most often opted to set up in a 4-3-3 system, inverting the full-backs when Charlotte had the ball to allow the more advanced central midfielders to act as dual No.10s. The basic principles were about keeping the ball, using wingers to occupy opposing full-backs, and causing overloads through the middle with those advanced midfielders.
On occasion, Lattanzio did switch to a 4-4-2, partnering Daniel Rios alongside DP striker Karol Swiderski. This season, with the addition of Argentine marksman Enzo Copetti, expect to see something closer to a 4-2-3-1, with Swiderski playing as a second striker behind the new arrival.
Charlotte FC predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Corujo, Mora; Westwood, Bronico; Santos, Swiderski, Jozwiak; Copetti.
Karol Swiderski
The signing of Copetti should work wonders for Charlotte FC’s attack, but so much still depends on the form of Karol Swiderski.
CLTFC’s first-ever DP, Swiderski – who represented Poland at the World Cup in Qatar – hit 10 goals and four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022. It’s a…
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