Charlotte FC aim to end their four-match MLS winless streak when they host New York City FC on Wednesday.
The two clubs each have 15 points and 4-5-3 records, with NYCFC ahead in the standings on the goal-differential tiebreaker. Charlotte FC holds a head-to-head advantage after a 2-1 victory in New York on April 18.
Since that last encounter with NYCFC, Charlotte FC are 0-3-1 in four regular-season matches. After three road losses, the Crown salvaged a point in their return to their home field with Saturday’s 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati.
New York City FC ended a seven-match (0-5-2) winless drought with Sunday’s 3-0 home win over the Columbus Crew. Hannes Wolf scored all three goals for what the midfielder said was his first professional hat trick.
Rather than his attacking success, Wolf was more impressed by NYCFC’s shutout. He told the New York Soccer Journal that the club focused on defending crosses in the lead-up to the Columbus match, returning to “the mentality to defend as a team” that New York City showed last season.
“This team didn’t get worse overnight,” Wolf said. “It was just a bad moment and we want to be ourselves now in the future.”
NYCFC are 1-2-1 in away matches this season, and are on the road for all three matches before MLS goes on hiatus for the World Cup.
Wednesday’s match is the second of four straight home dates before the break for Charlotte FC, who have a 3-1-2 home record.
Ashley Westwood won’t be part of Charlotte’s lineup, as the team captain is serving a one-match suspension for caution accumulation.
“What you lose is his leadership and experience. Other people have to come and stand up and lead without Ashley,” Dean Smith said, though the Charlotte FC coach noted that “we’ve got lads who are waiting in the wings who are ready to play” in Westwood’s absence.
Aidan O’Neill (ankle) and Andres Peres (leg) are both questionable for Wednesday after missing NYCFC’s last match.
Nicolas Fernandez leads New York City FC in goals (eight), and earned his first three assists setting up Wolf’s goals on Sunday.
Pep Biel leads Charlotte FC in goals (six) and goal contributions (10).
–Field Level Media
