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Charlotte FC vs Toronto FC: Both Look To Get Back on Track

Toronto FC Midfielder Alonso Coello Facing Off Against Charlotte FC

PREVIEW – Charlotte FC vs Toronto FC will be the second meeting this year between the two teams. In the first meeting between these two clubs, the Crown lost on the road 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Lorenzo Insigne.

Charlotte FC vs Toronto FC Predictions: Both Teams Are Not in Good Form

Charlotte FC (0-1-4)

Charlotte FC has only earned one point in their last five games. That game was at home, where they earned a draw against FC Cincinnati. This is what the Crown’s head coach, Dean Smith, said about the need to be more clinical (source: topbin90 Instagram Account):

“We have to be more clinical, we know that.”

Saying that, in all of Charlotte’s losses this year, they have only lost by one-goal. So, TFC should expect a tough game from them come March 13, 2024. The problem Charlotte does have though is scoring goals, as they have only scored more than one goal once this season, and that was a 2-0 win against the Columbus Crew SC.

Toronto FC (2-0-3)

In the last two games, TFC were outscored 7-1. This included a 4-0 loss to Canadian rivals, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, at BC Place on April 13, 2024. In the 4-0 loss  to the Whitecaps, Jonathan Osorio had this to say about the team, after the loss, saying that the effort was there, but that there is a lot to improve on (source: James Grossi of Toronto FC):

“Yeah, it was a tough one,” said Jonathan Osorio. “The effort was there – it wasn’t like guys weren’t giving their all – it’s just we were a step behind in every play today.” “Key moments, key duels, we lost them. They were more hungry than us today and that’s where the game was lost,” he continued. “But as far as effort, the guys are giving everything. This team, we don’t lack effort. There’s lots to improve, definitely, and we will look at those things this coming week; look to move forward, improve, and get better from this.”

TFC started off the season positively and their defence was rock-solid. It is now time to find that positive play they had earlier in the season in a road game against Charlotte FC.

Players to Watch For Both Teams

For TFC, the goalkeepers will be the ones to watch. Sean Johnson started last game, but gave up four goals in that game. Luka Gavran, their backup goalkeeper has impressed everyone in the still young 2024 MLS season.

As for Charlotte FC, sticking with the topic of goalkeepers, Kristijan Kahlina is a player to watch. He played a critical role in the team’s success last year and helped them make the MLS Cup Playoffs. This is what former MLS player, and now a broadcaster, said about Kahlina’s save above (source: Will Martin of Charlotte FC):

“This may be the MLS Save of the Year…” responded Taylor Twellman, his broadcast partner on the night. “Kahlina on Wednesday night [2-2 draw away at Miami] came up with five huge saves, but in all of 2023, none bigger than this fingertip save!”

Injuries for Both Teams

There are serious concerns for TFC in terms of injuries including notable players like Richie Laryea and Insigne being out with injuries. It is also a shame that Tyrese Spicer is injured after scoring his first-ever MLS goal against Atlanta United FC back on March 23, 2024.

As for Charlotte FC, there are three players to note. The only one who might return is Nathan Byrne who is doubtful with a thigh injury. The other players injured includes Ben Bender with a knee injury and Brandon Cambridge with an ankle injury, who are both planned to return later this month.

Head-To-Head

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TFC has a decent record against Charlotte, going 3-1-1 in the last five head-to-head games. Charlotte FC’s lone win came on October 4, 2024, which coincidentally was also John Herdman’s first-ever game as head coach of Toronto FC in Charlotte. Charlotte won the season series last year as they won and drew against TFC.

READ MORE: Three Takeaways: Luka Gavran Earns First-Ever MLS Clean Sheet

Toronto, however, won in their first meeting this year at BMO Field. This was thanks to a fantastic goal by Insigne, who, unfortunately will not be able to play this weekend because of an injury.

How To Watch The Game and Predictions

Prediction: Charlotte FC 1 – Toronto FC 1

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TFC is definitely capable of earning a road point against Charlotte. Charlotte FC is not in good form right now, but are still a tough team to face, as they have not lost by more than one-goal so far this season. The game between the two sides begin on April 13, 2024 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. It will be shown live on Apple TV.

 

Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports, of a Alonso Coello Headshot and a Júnior Urso Headshot on March 9, 2024.

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