Football Season Guide

A solid 2024 season saw Charlotte clinch a playoff spot for the second time in three campaigns. The Crown boasted the second-best defence in the league with 37 goals conceded in 34 games. Yet, their attack (46 goals scored) was the fifth-worst in the East and it showed in the playoffs, where they netted just once across three first-round games, being eliminated from Orlando City. Charlotte made one of the most significant signings in the offseason, bringing in former Premier League star Wilfried Zaha. A talented Eryk Williamson also joined to beef up the midfield, meaning that the departures of starters Karol Swiderski and Júnior Urso are not expected to be noticed. The team has managed to keep intact an experienced backbone consisted of Kristjian Kahlina, Adilson Malanda, Tim Ream and Ashley Westwood. Drop a talented Andrew Privett, along with the continuing emergence of Patrick Agyemang as a goal-scoring threat, into the mix and Charlotte may boast one of the most exciting starting XIs in the MLS. Their main strength undoubtedly lies on their defensive solidity, with Kahlina being the icing on the cake. The Charlotte goalkeeper was named the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, recognizing his stellar season with team. Charlotte lacked quality in chance creation last season, with wingers Pep Biel and Liel Abada struggling to find consistency on the flanks. Zaha may be the man who will provide the solution, but Charlotte’s plan B in terms of productivity looks weak.