March 29, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
Charlotte FC is undefeated at home in 2024, notching two straight wins over New York City FC (1-0 in the home opener) and the Columbus Crew (2-0 last Saturday). Their last win made it four wins out of four all-time against defending MLS Cup Champions.
Now, CLTFC faces their third home match of the season against FC Cincinnati, the defending Supporter’s Shield champions.
Match: Charlotte FC vs FC Cincinnati
When: Saturday, March 30
Where: Bank of America Stadium
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV – How to Watch & Listen
Listen: WFNZ 92.7 FM (English) & WOLS 106.1 FM (Spanish)
Potential DP Debut
Last week, ahead of a critical matchup with the Columbus Crew, we talked about how the team has been top of the Eastern Conference in Expected Goals Allowed (xGA) but only middling in Expected Goals (xG). In other words, the team had done an excellent job of stifling chances but hadn’t created as many chances offensively as the elite teams (while also underperforming that number).
The team went a long way towards balancing the defense and attack in that game against Columbus, though, finishing two excellent chances through Ashley Westwood and Patrick Agyemang. Simultaneously, they shut out Columbus without requiring any Kristijan Kahlina saves (albeit with the Crew down to 10 men).
What else could help those offensive numbers? A brand-new Designated Player, in the form of 22-year-old winger Liel Abada, could be part of the solution. The Israeli international was lightning in a bottle for Scottish giants Celtic over the past few years.
After a lengthy process, Abada has finally arrived in Charlotte as of late this week.
Speaking at his 2:00 p.m. Eastern time press conference on Thursday, Dean Smith said he was due to arrive “within the hour” and he was “expecting him to train [on Friday]… so that he can be on the team sheet for us as well on Saturday.”
“He played 25 minutes for Israel [last Thursday],” Smith continued. “So, I would expect his fitness levels to be up there. I spoke to the people I know at Celtic, as well, and they have no qualms about his fitness levels, either.”
Expect Abada to be able to get up to speed fairly quickly, as well. Smith said that he’s been speaking to the winger and that he’s been watching the team’s matches, too.
“Our game plan gets sent out to him so he can follow that as well [while he watches]. He’s pretty much linked in with what we’re doing.”
So, by all…
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