Duecues Wild: Charlotte Picks Up Two Wins In Two Games
Don’t look now but Charlotte FC is in the top 10 in the MLS Eastern Conference. Charlotte finds themself in ninth place with 32 points after picking up six points this past week with wins over NYCFC and D.C. United. If Dean Smith and the boys want to push for a playoff spot, there is no better time than now.
The first game we’ll go over today is the 2-0 win Charlotte pulled off on the 12th. Looking at the lineup, there were no major surprises for me. At the time, Pat Agyemang was in the process of completing his move to Derby County so it was clear he wouldn’t be avalible. The only player I thought might have gotten a start after the Gold Cup was Tim Ream. However, I can understand the coaching staff may not have wanted to rush him back. In my opinion, Privett and Malanda make a fine center back pairing while Tuiloma and Marshall-Rutty are more than capable of holding it down on the flanks.
Getting into the match, Charlotte came out strong. Idan Toklomati got the scoring started in the 14th minute after an assist from Pep Biel that was set up by Wilfried Zaha. This 1-0 score would hold well into the second half when Kerwin Vargas doubled the lead for The Crown and when the final whistle blew, three points were staying in the Fortress. A good win to build some momentum heading into the midweek clash with D.C. United.
Getting into the match against D.C. that took place on the 16th, the lineup had a couple changes from the one we saw against NYCFC. First, Brandt Bronico started on the bench while Djibril Diani got the nod in the midfield. Tim Ream also found his way back into the starting lineup while giving Andrew Privett a rest. Once again no complaints from me, it’s nice to have quality depth at nearly every position so guys can get a rest and the chemistry isn’t messed up. The big loss is clearly Pat Agyemang but when Europe comes calling, it can be hard for both team and player to say no. Idan has been playing well this season and now it’s his time to prove the number nine spot is his.
Getting into the match, Pep Biel kept on doing what he does best. The game took a bit to get going as Biel opened the scoring in the 44th minute to give The Crown a 1-0 lead as the halftime whistle blew. Shortly after the break, Biel added his second in the 48th minute on an assist from Marshall-Rutty after a nice set up from Zaha. For the moment it was 2-0 in favor of the home side, however, D.C. would pull within one as they found the back of the net in the 60th minute. It was too little, too late as the score held at 2-1 the rest of the way. Three more points at the Fortress and more momentum to keep building on as the boys prepare for their next match.
For their next match, the boys hit the road as they make the short trip down I-85 to do battle with Atlanta United tomorrow night. This season hasn’t been kind to Atlanta as they come into the match sitting in 13th place in the east on 20 points. Will Charlotte continue this fine form or will Atlanta find their footing? We will find out tomorrow night as both teams battle inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.