Sports stats



MLS Charlotte FC

Numbers Don't Lie: Ingredients of the Match

July 1, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release


Charlotte FC take a break from their away stretch for a midweek match against number one seed in the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami.

Here are the three ingredients of the match:

Numbers Don't Lie

Inter Miami's season appears stellar on the surface. They lead the Eastern Conference even without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. They look unstoppable, comfortably perched at the top.

Yet, a deeper dive reveals vulnerabilities. Miami is overperforming their expected goals by 15, but their real Achilles' heel is defense. They rank 3rd worst in the East for Expected Goals Against (xGA), which evaluates the quality of scoring chances allowed. Their potent offense masks these defensive shortcomings, but The Crown can exploit this weakness.

Get the Press Right

Charlotte's last two games showed defensive pressing mishaps early on, noted by Head Coach Dean Smith. They escaped unscathed against the Philadelphia Union but paid the price versus the Dynamo.

Against Miami's attack, nailing the press from the start is crucial to control the match's tempo. Miami remains a threat even without their stars, so Charlotte needs to remain disciplined and aggressive in order to make sure they keep Miami's attack in check.

Captain Ashley Westwood has praised his team's work ethic, stating they can "outwork anyone." Miami are capable of playing through a press, but they can't match Charlotte's intensity for the full 90 minutes.

Unblemished at Home

Charlotte FC enters this game with the joint second-best home record in MLS, boosting their confidence. Despite a tough road loss to the Houston Dynamo, they've consistently bounced back at home.

Specifically, against Inter Miami, The Crown remains unblemished at The Fortress with two 1-0 victories, including the 2023 season finale where Kerwin Vargas' goal clinched their first playoff berth.

During a stretch where five of six games are away, securing all three points against a conference rival at home is crucial. An already lively home crowd, amplified by opening the upper bowl at Bank of America Stadium, will drive the team to push harder and fight that much more.

Hey Charlotte FC Fans,

When it comes to Match Day...it's all about the food and Harris Teeter has everything you need. Score big with deals from great brands like these: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Late July Classic Organic Tortilla Chips and the New Late July Hawaiian Habanero and Scorchin' Sauce Tortilla Chips.

Stop in your Harris Teeter for great savings on Match Day foods. Harris Teeter, Official Grocery Store of Charlotte FC!

Party of the Summer | CLT vs MIA | Wed., July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Start the 4th of July party early and celebrate at The Fortress as Charlotte FC hosts Inter Miami CF!

Party of the Summer Inclusions:

-Post-match fireworks

-Wine Wednesday (Select wine starting at $6.99)

-$10 concession credit with special ticket package

-Upper Bowl Open

-Light Up Rally Towel giveaway presented by Blue Cross NC (while supplies last)

Check out the Charlotte FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from July 1, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central