Match Preview: Charlotte FC at FC Cincinnati

July 12, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release

Charlotte FC is looking for a bounce back performance this weekend at league-leading FC Cincinnati. After two tight, one-goal losses in the last two matches, a result on the road against a dangerous Cincinnati side would be pivotal in keeping the team secure in the top six of the Eastern Conference Standings.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s match.

Match: Charlotte FC at FC Cincinnati

When: Saturday, July 13

Where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

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)

Previous Matches:

Charlotte FC 1 – 2 Inter Miami CF (Major League Soccer | July 3)

FC Cincinnati 6 – 1 Inter Miami CF (Major League Soccer | July 6)

Eastern Conference Table: For the full live table, click here.

1. FC Cincinnati – 48 points, 22 GP

2. Inter Miami CF – 47 points, 23 GP

3. Columbus Crew – 39 points, 20 GP

4. New York Red Bulls – 36 points, 22 GP

5. New York City FC – 35 points, 22 GP

6. Charlotte FC – 32 points, 22 GP

7. Orlando City SC – 27 points, 22 GP

8. Nashville SC – 26 points, 22 GP

9. Toronto FC – 24 points, 23 GP

———- Playoff Line ———-

The Question at Striker

In the dying moments of last week’s home match, Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang was sent off with a straight red card. His retaliation was caught by the referee, and now he’ll pay the price with a one-match suspension.

Therefore, Head Coach Dean Smith now has a decision on his hands. Agyemang has held down the starting role up top ever since Enzo Copetti’s departure, scoring six goals with three assists in 21 matches, but a replacement is now needed.

In Thursday’s pre-match press conference, the usual three suspects were name-dropped by Smith as those in line to start: Iuri Tavares, Tyger Smalls, and Kerwin Vargas. However, he added the caveat that Vargas is playing well on the wing and likely to not be moved.

So, that leaves two. Tavares is the more experienced option, and he has often been the late substitute to replace Agyemang in recent matches. Don’t discount Smalls, though, who has impressed Smith in training recently and continues to earn late minutes on the wing.

Regardless of the selection, CLTFC will need to adjust their approach slightly without Agyemang as the focal point. His unique mix of strength and speed is nasty to deal with for opposing center backs, and both Tavares and Smalls present a different…