In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Daniel Bramlette of the Charlotte Soccer Show to learn more about Charlotte FC, New York City FC‘s 2024 opening day opponent on Saturday: Here is your NYCFC vs Charlotte preview.
1. Same expectations as last year
Hudson River Blue: Charlotte FC snuck its way into the 2023 MLS playoffs on Decision Day but lost 5-2 to the New Jersey Red Bulls. With a new head coach in Dean Smith at the helm, what are the club’s expectations and goals this season?
Daniel Bramlette: Dean Smith mentioned the phrase “Win MLS Cup…as soon as this year” in his introductory press conference two months ago but with two Designated Players departed and not replaced since then, expectations should be reset towards just making the playoffs again, but winning a game or two this time.
The ceiling if it all goes right would be 55-ish points, a Top 4 finish, and hosting a first-round playoff game.
2. Home-field advantage is key
HRB: Charlotte’s stadium, the Bank of America Stadium, is often sold out with fans on game day, creating a loud and raucous environment. How will that help the team in their season opener and for the rest of the season?
DB: The home environment here is everything, and often was taken for granted by the previous coaching regime: Christian Lattanzio famously said that fans sometimes “put too much pressure’ on the players.” The new manager [Dean Smith] knows how to leverage fan passion much better, and use it as a strength to help the squad late in games to reverse last year’s horrific record of dropped points in the final 15 minutes or so.
3. Utilizing youth and veteran talent
HRB: Charlotte did not add much to its squad in the off-season, but did lose Karol Swiderski and Kamil Jozwiak, both of whom were stalwart players in the attack. How will the Crown find success without some of their key pieces from last season?
DB: If the club succeeds in approaching its ceiling it’s because Smith strikes gold right away by unlocking remaining DP Enzo Copetti into the elite goal-scorer he was signed to be, and maximizing the veteran talent brought in midseason last year (Scott Arfield, Brecht Dejaegere), while also bringing youth along injecting young players from Crown Legacy to impact results, namely new U22 initiative signee Nikola Petkovic.
4. The X-Factor: Brecht Dejaegere
HRB: What’s the X-factor that could decide this game?
DB: X-Factor on Saturday is likely Dejaegere our new CAM/No 10 guy and the most direct Swiderski replacement (for now). He only showed flashes in limited action last year but has a chance to be a main man now. Also, look for Patrick Agyemang as an impact sub.
Brecht Dejaegere: His first MLS goal
5. Predicted Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
DB: Final Score 3-2 Charlotte
