U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 Preview: A Showdown in the Tarheel State
Three games in seven days, that’s what Charlotte FC has on their plate this week. They kicked off this trio of games with a MLS Regular season loss to the Columbus Crew. The Crown has a chance to rebound tomorrow night as they begin play in the U.S. Open Cup in the round of 32.
This matchup is not the first time these two teams have met. The first time the clubs met, NCFC came out on top 1-0 in a preseason friendly. With Charlotte making their cup debut tomorrow night, their opponents are well seasoned in the tournament this season. NCFC took down another club from the QC in the third round to advance after they beat the Charlotte Independence 2-1 in a match that took place on April 25th. Will the club from Cary take down another team from Charlotte or will the MLS side come out on top?
Coming into the match, Charlotte is looking to rebound after a tough loss to the Columbus Crew while NFC is riding high after a win in their USL Championship match. NCFC defeated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-0 this past Saturday in a game that saw them move into fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. Through eight league matches NCFC has secured 11 points and a record of 3-2-3. On the flip side, Charlotte FC also sits in fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference through 11 games. Charlotte has gone 6-4-1 in these games and as a result, they have earned 19 points so far this season.
Depending on who wins tomorrow, one team will have to travel for the round of 16. Both teams are in a group with D.C. United and South Carolina based team Charleston Battery in the group named after MLS and USMNT legend Clint Dempsey. If The Crown comes out on top, they will be on the road for the round of 16, traveling to play the winner of the match between Charleston and D.C. However, if NCFC win, their round of 16 match will be played at home in front of their supporters. This is because NCFC earned hosting priority in the group stage of the tournament.
Will Charlotte rebound or will NCFC carry their momentum over in the cup game tomorrow night? Find out tomorrow night when both teams battle it out at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm in this soccer showdown in the Tarheel State.