Charlotte FC is Finally Back
The new season kicks off this week with high hopes for Charlotte FC, but does anyone outside Charlotte believe?
Editor’s Note: It’s hard to believe, but the First Annual Footy Awards Reception is tomorrow February 20th at 6:30 PM at the Independent Picture House in Charlotte! The 2024 Footy Awards will honor the best of the best in the Carolinas’ football ecosystem. We’re looking forward to being joined by the people and players who make soccer a reality in Charlotte.
There will be special guests, acceptances from players and award winners, and a screening of a great soccer film after the event. The event is open to all ages, and the Independent Picture House concession stand will be open with a cash bar and food.
MLS is Back, but Soccer Pundits Aren’t Bullish on the Crown
There’s a lot going right for Charlotte FC at the moment. Head Coach Dean Smith has breathed new life into the club, and seems to have addressed many of the communications issues that plagued the first team’s previous coaches. Young talent is on display and looks ready to make an impact in the team’s third year. While the team has traded or “loaned” away two designated players, Argentinian DP Enzo Copetti has never looked like a better leader for the squad.
Perhaps most impressive of all is that Charlotte not only survived but thrived in the preseason Coachella Valley Invitational Tournament, winning two matches and drawing one with a +4 goal differential and without conceding a single goal.
So imagine our surprise when we read MLSSoccer.com’s predictions for Charlotte’s third season:
For the third year in a row, MLS pundits are predicting a bad season for Charlotte FC. The last two years, Charlotte exceeded their predictions, barely missing the playoffs in 2022 and finishing in 9th place in 2023. While there are still big question marks - Charlotte has two open designated player slots to fill - interviews and press conferences with the team have a certain je ne sais quoi that hasn’t been there in previous years.
Our Prediction: The MLS pundits are wrong. With over 50 points for the first time, Charlotte FC will land solidly in the playoffs this year, avoiding the play-in match that ended their 2023 season.
Charlotte FC hosts NYC FC at Bank of America Stadium for their opening match this Saturday, February 24, at 7:30 PM. Tickets on sale here.
A Special Message from Big Pat
Speaking of young talent on display, thanks to Footy Awards Winner Patrick Agyemang for the shoutout!
The 2024 Footy Awards
Tuesday, February 20th
6:30 PM
at the
Independent Picture House
4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213