Charlotte FC Beats Birmingham Legion 3-2 in Last Preseason Friendly

February 18, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Charlotte FC News Release

It was all Charlotte FC despite what the final 3-2 scoreline showed against the Birmingham Legion in the last preseason match before the 2023 MLS season opener against the New England Revolution exactly a week from today.

There was a significant jump in sharpness from the team as the preseason rust continues to wear off. The developing chemistry within team likely played a role in how the team was able to link up so well between each other particularly in the attack. Karol Świderski and Enzo Copetti showed an increase in understanding between each other as the two of them were heavily involved in most attacking sequences.

But perhaps the most significant benefit of this match was that it served as a team-wide confidence builder. It also saw all three Designated Players find the back of the net which is exactly what you want from them heading into the season. Head coach Christian Lattanzio will be pleased to see how his principles of play were executed both consistently and effectively but will be dissapointed in the few lapses on defense that resulted in conceding goals.

First Half

Lineup: Sisniega, Byrne, Jones, Malanda, Afful, Bronico, Westwood, Świderski, Józwiak, Gaines, Copetti

It didn’t take long for the Crown to threaten Birmingham as their first good chance came just under five minutes. It was followed by more opportunities afterwards with Enzo Copetti just missing out on the opening goal from a McKinze Gaines cross. However, not long after the Polish duo of Karol Świderski and Kamil Jóźwiak combined to take the early lead in the 11th minute.

Świderski received it on far right side, crossed with his left foot as Jóźwiak snuck in front of the right back and side footed it in off the bounce. Birmingham didn’t really threaten until a half chance on goal in the 20th minute that was easy for goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega to snuff out.

Charlotte continued to bombard Legion with threatening scoring opportunities winning corner after corner that saw midfielder Ashley Westwood get a lot of repetitions for his set piece delivery. In the 26th minute, Świderski did well to skip by his defender in box leading him to getting chopped and winning a penalty. Copetti handed the ball to Świderski who made no mistake and buried the penalty sending Birmingham’s keeper the wrong way.

Westwood continued to prove his value on set pieces when in the 34th minute he whipped in an in-swinger…