April 19, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
Charlotte FC is riding a 13-match MLS unbeaten streak at Bank of America Stadium stretching back to last season. With five of the next seven matches at home, it’s a critical stretch of the season for the team to solidify their position in the playoff places early on.
Next up, CLTFC takes on Minnesota United in a cross-conference matchup.
Match: Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United
When: Sunday, April 21
Where: Bank of America Stadium
Kickoff: 6:00 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)
For all other radio station affiliates in the Carolinas, click here.
Know Before You Go: For information on tickets, stadium entry, and more, click here.
Previous Matches:
Charlotte FC 3 – 2 Toronto FC (Major League Soccer | April 13)
Minnesota United 1 – 2 Houston Dynamo FC (Major League Soccer | April 13)
Eastern Conference Table: For the full live table, click here.
5. FC Cincinnati – 12 points, 8 GP
6. Atlanta United – 11 points, 7 GP
7. Charlotte FC – 11 points, 8 GP
8. CF Montreal – 10 points, 7 GP
9. Toronto FC – 10 points, 8 GP
———- Playoff Line ———-
Finding Comfort in the Lead
Charlotte FC’s fragility in the final minutes of matches in 2023 was no secret. The team surrendered leads and lost points both home and away on a consistent basis.
However, the 2024 version of Charlotte FC, under Head Coach Dean Smith’s leadership, has flipped the script and found comfort when leading late in matches.
Defender Jere Uronen, speaking to Jorge Gonzales of TopBin90 in Wednesday’s weekly player media availability, emphasized how different the team’s mindset is this year.
“We feel comfortable defending the lead late in the games,” he said. “Obviously, you’re going to lose some leads, and you’re going to keep some of them. But I feel like we are more comfortable.
“Last year, I don’t think panic is the right word, but we kind of stopped playing our game and everyone was waiting for the equalizer to come. This year we’re defending as a whole team.
“Even though we did concede the goal against Cincinnati, it still feels different. We all have more faith in us to keep the lead.”
Dean Smith echoed the Finnish defender in Thursday’s press conference, adding a bit more insight into the “why” behind that comfort defending leads.
“In terms of the character of the group, I think they’re becoming a calmer team,” he said. “And with that comes consistency.
“We’re…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Major League Soccer MLS News…