In a crucial Major League Soccer (MLS) matchup, Charlotte FC squared off against DC United at the Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, September 16 at 7:30 pm ET, setting the stage for a highly-anticipated clash. The Charlotte FC vs DC United prediction was a hot topic, as both teams found themselves deeply entrenched in the battle for those elusive final playoff spots within the Eastern Conference.
With the regular season rapidly winding down, the standings revealed a tight race, leaving little to differentiate between the two sides. Despite currently trailing their upcoming opponents by two positions, particularly the ones securing the coveted final playoff spot, it was Charlotte FC who appeared to be the more likely contender poised for a breakthrough into the top nine.
Match Preview: CHARLOTTE FC VS DC UNITED
- Match: Charlotte FC vs DC United
- When: Saturday, September 16
- Where: Bank of America Stadium
- Kickoff: 7:30pm ET
CHARLOTTE FC
Charlotte FC has strategically positioned themselves in the race for the Eastern Conference’s last remaining playoff spots, maintaining an undefeated streak since their return from the Leagues Cup break. With just three points separating them from the ninth-place position, which secures the final playoff spot, Charlotte FC holds a promising advantage, with 1-2 games in hand compared to the teams above them.
In their upcoming fixture, Charlotte FC, known as “The Crown,” will be aiming to surpass D.C. United, who currently sit just ahead of them in the standings. Despite D.C. United holding a slight three-point lead, Charlotte FC has the potential to make a significant impact this Saturday. A victory would not only level the points between the two teams but also prevent D.C. from gaining three points – a crucial “six-pointer” in the playoff race.
What’s more, Charlotte FC would still possess a substantial advantage with a full two games in hand, potentially translating to an additional six points. Therefore, Saturday’s match takes on heightened importance, as clashes with direct rivals for those coveted final playoff spots carry greater stakes and the promise of substantial rewards as the season progresses.
DC UNITED
D.C. United’s season, guided by Head Coach Wayne Rooney, has been a turbulent ride filled with ups and downs. In their most recent outing, the team played out a goalless draw, but it certainly wasn’t due to a lack of offensive opportunities. Spearheaded by Christian Benteke in the striker role and masterminded by Mateusz Klich in midfield, D.C. United’s attack showcased its potential.
Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, Benteke serves as a formidable focal point for their offensive strategies, often proving to be a physical handful for opposing defenders. However, what truly distinguishes him, drawing from his extensive experience in the Premier League and the Belgian national team, is his exceptional vision and the seamless manner in which he combines with his fellow teammates. This unique blend of physical prowess and footballing intelligence was thoroughly dissected by CLTFC writer Caleb Adams in this week’s “Ingredients of the Match.”
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CHARLOTTE FC VS DC UNITED Head-to-Head Analysis
Over the past six years, the head-to-head clashes between Charlotte FC and DC United have provided valuable insights into their competitive history:
- Last 6 Years Head-to-Head:
- DC United (DCU): 1 Win
- Draws: 0
- Charlotte FC (CHA): 2 Wins
- Total Matches Played: 3
- Recent Matches:
- April 30, 2023 – MLS:
- DC United: 3
- Charlotte FC: 0
- August 4, 2022 – MLS:
- Charlotte FC: 3
- DC United: 0
- February 27, 2022 – MLS:
- DC United: 3
- Charlotte FC: 0
- April 30, 2023 – MLS:
- Notable Trends:
- DC United holds a slight advantage in the overall head-to-head history with 1 win.
- Recent matches have seen a trend of decisive 3-0 scorelines, with each team winning once in their last two encounters.
- There have been no draws in their recent head-to-head meetings, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups.
This analysis provides a concise overview of their recent history, emphasizing the importance of decisive results and the absence of draws in their clashes.
Season Statistics so far for CHARLOTTE FC AND DC UNITED
Charlotte FC
- Overall Record: 26 points (6-9-8)
- Goals scored: 32
- Goals conceded: 34
- Shots per game: 13.8
- Shots on target per game: 4.2
- Aerial duels won per game: 52%
- Tackles won per game: 8.4
- Average age: 27.5 years
- Average height: 180.2 cm
DC United
- Overall Record: 30 points (8-6-10)
- Goals scored: 38
- Goals conceded: 34
- Shots per game: 13.1
- Shots on target per game: 4.4
- Aerial duels won per game: 54%
- Tackles won per game: 8.7
- Average age: 28.7 years
- Average height: 180.1 cm
Key stats
- Goals: DC United has scored more goals than Charlotte FC, but Charlotte FC has a higher goal-per-game average.
- Shots: DC United has taken more shots than Charlotte FC, but Charlotte FC has a higher shot-on-target per game average.
- Aerial duels: DC United has won more aerial duels than Charlotte FC.
- Tackles: DC United has won more tackles than Charlotte FC.
- Average age: DC United has an older squad than Charlotte FC.
- Average height: DC United has a taller squad than Charlotte FC.
DC United is a slightly better team than Charlotte FC based on these season statistics. DC United has scored more goals, taken more shots, won more aerial duels, and won more tackles. However, Charlotte FC has a higher goals-per-game average and a higher shots on-target per-game average.
It is important to note that these statistics are just one way to compare two teams. There are other factors that can also affect the outcome of a match, such as form, individual players, and match tactics.
Possible Lineups
Charlotte FC Possible Lineup (4-3-3):
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Kristijan Kahlina (1) |
| Right Back | Nathan Byrne (14) |
| Center-Back (1) | Adilson Malanda (29) |
| Center-Back (2) | Andrew Privett (34) |
| Left Back | Jere Uronen (3) |
| Midfielder (1) | Derrick Jones (20) |
| Midfielder (2) | Ashley Westwood (8) |
| Midfielder (3) | Brandt Bronico (13) |
| Forward (1) | Benjamin Bender (15) |
| Forward (2) | Karol Swiderski (11) |
| Forward (3) | Kamil Jozwiak (7) |
DC United Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1):
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alex Bono (24) |
| Right Back | Ruan (2) |
| Center-Back (1) | Brendan Hines-Ike (4) |
| Center-Back (2) | Steve Birnbaum (15) |
| Left Back | Pedro Santos (7) |
| Midfielder (1) | Russell Canouse (6) |
| Midfielder (2) | Mateusz Klich (43) |
| Attacking Midfield | Cristian Dajome (12) |
| Attacking Midfield | Gabriel Cordeiro Pirani (10) |
| Attacking Midfield | Ted Ku-Dipietro (21) |
| Forward | Christian Benteke (20) |
Charlotte FC vs DC United prediction
In the forthcoming clash between Charlotte FC and DC United, two mid-table Eastern Conference teams will compete. Both teams have shown inconsistency recently, each securing two wins and enduring two losses in their last three matches.
Charlotte FC, with a slightly worse goal difference at -2 compared to DC United’s +1, has a favorable home record with four wins, two draws, and two losses at the Bank of America Stadium.
Expect a closely fought match with balanced strengths and weaknesses. DC United brings experience with players like Wayne Rooney, while Charlotte FC relies on athleticism, notably Karol Swiderski and Christian Fuchs.
A draw, possibly 1-1 or 2-2, is a likely outcome, but a narrow victory is also possible depending on which team can capitalize on scoring opportunities. Anticipate an exciting and closely contested game.