Queen City Football Chronicle

07/17/2024

Two benchmark soccer matches for Charlotte, separated by 470 miles and a 30-minutes difference in start time.

One, the Copa America third-place match live at Bank of America Stadium. The other, a major mid-season test for just how good Charlotte FC really is, airing on Apple TV.

Watching the Copa bronze medal match live and the Crown’s game at league leaders FC Cincinnati should have come with a medical warning: Side effects may include sensory overload. Neither match cooperated by being a bore. Starting a 7:30 p.m., Charlotte scored twice in the 20th and 22nd minutes before the Copa match kicked off at 8 p.m. and it continued to get better from there.

A wonderful result for Queen City football home and away

07/17/2024

While much was made of the on and off-field confrontations after the Colombia-Uruguay semifinal held at Bank of America Stadium last Wednesday, it was nothing close to crowd control scenes that played out in Miami on Sunday night.

It has been reported that some 7,000 fans without tickets broke past barriers into the event.

Given the size and fervor of the Colombian fan contingent in Charlotte, and adding to that the amount of Argentina fans and the overall non-denominational Messi-anic mania that prevails, Conmebol, the South American futbol federation, and local organizers should have been far more prepared for the crowds that descended upon Hard Rock Stadium.

Conmebol dropped the ball on Copa América security

07/17/2024

Charlotte FC’s Liel Abada is heading to the Paris Olympics with Israel’s national team.

By making the semifinals of the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 championship, where they lost to eventual champion England, Israel, which has a population of less than 10 million people, qualified for the Olympic tournament for the first time since Montreal 1976.

“It’s really big I think for me. It's a dream, you know,” said Abada, who scored the second goal Saturday in the Crown’s 3-1 win at Cincinnati. “When you start playing football, you dream to play in the national team.”

Israel to compete in soccer tournament for first time since 1976

06/29/2024

When it came to national attention, it wasn’t so much that media covering the league were thinking badly of Charlotte FC but more that they weren’t thinking of them at all. The stellar attendance was a thing but on-field, the Crown was more a cloak of invisibility to the outside world.
That's changed as Charlotte is fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference.

The Crown is finally getting some love from the outside world

06/26/2024

People like Andre Brooks are becoming more common at soccer matches.

Brooks attended his first MLS match on June 19, a 2-2 draw between Charlotte FC and Orlando City in which the home team celebrated Black excellence as part of its Juneteenth holiday promotion. Brooks was at Bank of America Stadium with coworkers as a bonding experience.

“It was a special outing for our employment, and it was a way for us to bring our team here so we can all spend the day together,” he said.

As with most Charlotte FC matches, the stadium was a showcase of various levels of fandom from casual to ultra. And as the soccer, the world’s most popular sport, continues to grow in the U.S., it’s also expanding its reach in Black communities.

Fastest-growing cohort of US supporters also tend to be younger

06/22/2024

Draws aren’t created – or seen – equally.

Charlotte FC’s 2-2 result against Orlando City stands apart for what the Crown accomplished. After going down a player when Scott Arfield was sent off after a straight red card in the 35th minute, Charlotte never fell behind despite conceding a couple of Orlando goals after Arfield’s ejection. In this instance, salvaging a point under adversity was close to securing a win.

“Disappointment because we took the lead twice; disappointment because you have the 11, I think we win the game,” coach Dean Smith said. “Disappointment because the two goals we conceded weren’t great goals to concede as well. But a lot of pride in the performance from the players, how they played for 55-60 minutes with a man less. Part of me is disappointed but part of me is happy that we certainly didn’t lose the game.”

Crown earned 2-2 tie vs. Orlando despite red card

06/15/2024

It feels like forever since Charlotte FC invaded the heart of Atlanta and came away victorious, with plenty of cheer, three vital points, and bragging rights until at least the end of August, if not longer. In fact, it’s been twelve full days between competitive matches for the Crown.

They face D.C. United at Bank of America Stadium Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

No rest for the weary from this point on

06/15/2024

The team and coaching staff circled near midfield, arms wrapped around shoulders in solidarity and support, as they always do. The match had not gone as they wanted, certainly not on this night, a 3-0 loss to the league leading Philadelphia Union II.

This huddle was much bigger as it included players from last year’s squad who are now with Charlotte FC’s first team who wanted to be there.

The match was the last for coach José Tavares and top assistant Pedro Mane, the founding coaches for Charlotte FC’s MLS Next Pro team, Crown Legacy. Coming to Charlotte from Portugal in 2022, Tavares left one family behind so he could help build another.

Now, wanting to be home in Porto with his wife and three sons, who returned after the 2023 season, Tavares, 41, made the decision to join them. Mane, whose wife and daughters are in Portugal, did the same.

Helped build foundation for future success in MLS Next Pro

06/12/2024

Major League Soccer brings the world together – at least on the pitch.

MLS released its league wide census last week, which reports players from 79 nations as determined by birthplace and six continents on 2024 team rosters, making it more geographically diverse than any North America league. The national count represented is a 44% spike compared to 55 countries represented in 2014 and far ahead of the NBA, the next closest major league with 45 nations represented.

The NFL (29 countries), MLB (23), and NHL (22) combined represent fewer nations than MLS.

06/12/2024

Midway through the season, Charlotte FC is a better team than a year ago.

The Crown is in the top five in the MLS Eastern Conference at 7-6-4 and 25 points based primarily on one of the league’s best defenses. Offensively, Charlotte has a way to go as one of the most impotent attacks in MLS, but they’re getting just enough goals to make them a threat.

At the halfway point, here are a few observations.

Crown is fifth in MLS Eastern Conference, with room to improve

05/16/2024

Charlotte FC may have been winless on the road this season, but they hadn’t played at Chicago’s Soldier Field yet.

In three seasons, Charlotte is 3-0 in the Second City after Wednesday’s 1-0 result against the Chicago Fire. By the numbers, the Fire were superior to Charlotte in every category but the most important one. Possession, shots, shots on target, expected goals. All Chicago. Goals, the only stat that really matters at the end of the day, favored Charlotte.

Ashley Westwood returned to the scene of last year’s game-winning volleyed golazo last year in a 2-0 finish with another game-winner in the 60th minute that prompted coach Dean Smith to dub the Windy City Westy City. The result and three points that come with it were far better than the match itself.

“I didn't see a game of football that I pretty much liked and it certainly won't make the highlight reel,” Smith said. “It wasn't a thriller of any sort. It was an untidy game for both teams.”

The Crown remains unbeaten with 1-0 win against Fire

05/14/2024

Vicky Bruce of Cornelius, the first player to sign with Carolina Ascent, joins the podcast to talk about coming home as a professional, her time overseas and making history with the USL Super League side.

05/12/2024

Patrick Agyemang is always out to prove himself.

The Charlotte FC attacker’s stock has surged along his productivity on the pitch. Agyemang, who scored the game-winning goal in Saturday’s 1-0 result against Nashville SC, is determined to prove his worth as an athlete. Last year, he split time between the first team and Crown Legacy FC, the MLS Next Pro affiliate.

“I think of it the same way as I did when I grew up in how I got here,” said Agyemang, who has three goals. “I started in Division III out of high school, went to Division I and every time in my mind I said, ‘I’m going to improve myself and I’m going to show I can get to a different level.’ Ultimately when I got here, I said the same thing – ‘I’m going to improve myself and prove I’m good enough to play here.’ Every year I want to take a step and right now I think I’m taking a step in the right direction and keeping it going.”

Second-year attacker carves out a space with Charlotte FC

05/11/2024

Highlights and reaction from Charlotte FC's 2-0 win against Portland Timbers May 4, 2024 at Bank of America Stadium.

The Crown snapped a two-match losing streak on the strength of goals by Nikola Petkovic (54th minute) and Enzo Copetti (92nd). From May 4, 2024.

05/11/2024

“Enzo won’t be available this weekend as well,” said Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith at the start of his regular Thursday media session. He was referring to Enzo Copetti, the last of the original DPs, the designated players who are expected to be the best and the brightest of an MLS team’s roster.

The other two, the Polish pair of striker Karol Swiderski and midfielder Kamil Jozwiak, left during the off-season, Swiderski technically on load to Hellas Verona in Italy’s Serie A, and Jozwiak on a permanent transfer to Granada in Spain’s La Liga.

Charlotte FC taking care of business ahead of Nashville match

05/07/2024

Charlotte Independence look to pull off a huge upset in the US Open Cup tonight against MLS side Atlanta United in Kenesaw, Ga. We have a preview.

Upstart Jacks face MLS Atlanta United in Round of 32

05/05/2024

Clay Obara is now a professional soccer player.

Obara, a midfielder who signed Thursday with the Charlotte Independence, is on the USL League One roster for the remainder of the season. He played collegiately over five seasons at James Madison.

“I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and become part of the culture they bring to American Legion Memorial Stadium,” Obara said in an article posted to the team’s website.

Obara has USL League Two experience, where he played for Virginia Beach United from 2019-21 and Asheville City SC in 2022-23, where he played in eight matches in Asheville City’s march to the conference semifinals last season. He impressed Independence coaches during a tryout, which led to his signing.

Midfielder moves up to USL League One side with first pro contract

05/05/2024

Carolina Ascent’s first player has Mecklenburg County ties.

Defender Vicky Bruce, who grew up in Cornelius, signed with the Charlotte club Wednesday ahead of USL Super League’s inaugural season in August. Bruce, who played professionally in Australia and Europe for seven years, spent the 2023-24 season with the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s A-League, starting all 22 matches and tallying three goals.

“I’ve played professionally overseas for over seven years, but it’s always been my dream to play at the highest level in the U.S.,” Bruce said in a statement. “Now, not only do I get to realize that dream in the U.S., I get to do it right here in my hometown. I’m honored and grateful to sign with the Carolina Ascent FC and play for one of my favorite childhood coaches again.”

Cannon School grad played college soccer at UNC and Davidson

05/05/2024

Video highlights from Charlotte FC's 2-0 win against Portland Timbers to break a two-match losing streak. From May 4, 2024.

The Crown snapped a two-match losing streak on the strength of goals by Nikola Petkovic (54th minute) and Enzo Copetti (92nd). From May 4, 2024.

03/31/2024

Former Charlotte 49ers soccer forward Jonathan Nyandjo didn’t have to go far to start his professional career.

Nyandjo, a North Mecklenburg High alumnus who signed an MLS Next Pro contract with Crown Legacy Football Club, played a pivotal role in the 49ers’ success on the pitch which included a trip to the NCAA tournament in 2023. He scored four goals and four assists in his final collegiate season including 2-for-2 on penalty kicks.

Former North Meck and Charlotte 49ers star signs with MLS Next side

03/31/2024

Dean Smith saw the positive in a draw when his team didn’t.

The Charlotte FC coach met with his players after Saturday’s 1-1 deadlock against Eastern Conference leader FC Cincinnati and reminded them that a tie wasn’t shattering despite giving up a goal to Aaron Boupendza in the 92nd minute. Still, Charlotte is unbeaten at Bank of America Stadium in 2024, which extends that streak to 12 matches.

1-1 tie vs. Cincinnati shows the Crown's potential for improvement

03/30/2024

Dean Smith’s team stepped up and capped his birthday week with a win against the 2023 MLS champions. Can they do it again against last season’s Supporter’s Shield holders?

For the second week in a row, Charlotte FC will face one of the league’s best teams in FC Cincinnati. It will be another true test of how Smith’s squad is coming together in his first season shepherding the Crown.

FCC is alone atop the Eastern Conference with 11 points with three wins – two on the road – and two draws. Charlotte is seventh with 7 points, level with Montreal, with a 2-1-2 record.

Episode five of the Queen City derby

03/30/2024

It was a good night for Luis Alvarez.

The 21-year-old Honduran scored six minutes into added time to give Charlotte Independence a 2-1 win against Spokane Velocity at Memorial Stadium Thursday. Defender Patrice Ngah won the ball at midfield with it rebounding to Alvarez, who took it all the way to the top of the box, just left of center before taking a quick shot that found home inside the right post.

Austin Pack sealed the win with a testing save in the 100th minute.

Charlotte Independence earn their first win of the season

03/30/2024

Major League Soccer’s regular referees are going back to work.

The Professional Referee Organization and Professional Soccer Referees Association announced Tuesday ratification of a collective bargaining agreement through Jan. 31, 2031.

A tentative agreement was reached last week, and PSRA members who officiate regularly in MLS voted on Monday to accept the deal, which is the longest for referees in MLS history. PRO’s senior match officials will return starting with games on March 30.

PRO and PSRA OK raises with seven-year labor contract

03/30/2024

Charlotte FC has a good thing going at Bank of America Stadium.

The Crown ran its 2024 home record to 2-0 after Saturday’s 2-0 win against Columbus Crew broke a two-game losing streak on the road. A five-minute span in the second half turned the tide in Charlotte’s favor with goals by Ashley Westwood (83rd) and Patrick Agyemang (88th) putting the Crown in front.

It was part of meeting coach Dean Smith’s challenge to seize opportunity, especially after the Crew, last year’s MLS Cup winner, went down a player when Derrick Jones – a former Charlotte player – was booked with a red card and ejected.

Five-minute outburst keeps Crown unbeaten in home matches

02/25/2024

Charlotte FC defender Jaylin Lindsey went on the Sports Charlotte podcast to talk about his soccer journey, playing for his hometown team and imparting veteran advice to younger teammates.

02/10/2024

Carolina Core coach Roy Lassiter, one of the greatest scorers in MLS history, talks about imparting his playing experience to athletes, the challenge of leading the independent MLS NEXT Pro side in its inaugural season and the looming in-state rivalry with Crown Legacy.

02/10/2024

As the January transfer window for the major European soccer leagues drew to a close, two of Charlotte FC’s first designated players, the category created for spending big bucks on big players with big names or big talent, or, in a best-case scenario, both, came to an end.

Both Karol Swiderski and Kamil Jozwiak are leaving for new teams. After days of speculation and rumor, the club announced that Swiderski is being sent on loan to Italian Serie A side Hellas Verona with his fellow Poland national teamer Jozwiak headed to Granada CF in Spain.

Pair of Designated Players depart for European sides