December 20, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Charlotte FC News Release
Charlotte FC’s third season in Major League Soccer is fast approaching, promising an exciting lineup of matches. In addition to the anticipated regular fixtures, the team is gearing up for some historic first-time encounters.
Let’s delve into the key matchups that should be on every fan’s must-watch list for the upcoming season:
Home Opener against New York City FC
Charlotte FC’s home openers have become must-attend attractions over the last couple of seasons, and for good reason. The anticipation of a brand-new season excites a packed Bank of America Stadium as both teams on the pitch vie for electric starts to their season.
The last two home openers were against LA Galaxy and New England Revolution; this season’s opponent is one that The Crown has had a lot of success against – New York City FC. Charlotte has given the 2021 MLS Cup Champions a tough time in all of their encounters, including handing them two losses out of two matches at Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte has yet to win a home opener, but if there’s a team that they’ll feel extra confident against, it’s the Pigeons.
First-Time Western Conference Matchups
In Charlotte’s first two seasons, they faced familiar Western sides like the Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy, and LAFC in both years. This season, Charlotte will face some Western sides they have yet to encounter in any competition – the Vancouver Whitecaps, Portland Timbers, and Minnesota United.
They will host Minnesota on April 20th and the Portland Timbers soon after on May 4th. However, CLTFC will travel cross-country before then to face the Vancouver Whitecaps on March 2nd. Later in the summer, they will face a familiar opponent in Austin FC, but this time around they will be traveling as visitors to the notorious Q2 Stadium for the first time on July 20th.
The I-85 Derby
Every time Charlotte FC has faced their rival, Atlanta United, it’s made for a memorable positive or negative experience… depending on who you support. Last season, the two Southern sides split the series with each team earning a win in their opponent’s stadium.
The matchups have also generally come early in the season, but this time around the sides will face each other a little later in the year. First, it’s a trip to Atlanta for the Crown on June 2nd, with the second part of the series hosted in Charlotte on August 31st.
MLS Cup Champions
A matchup against the reigning MLS Cup Champions is…
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