Charlotte FC's Strong Start to the Campaign

When Dean Smith left English football behind him to sign as head coach of Charlotte FC, he vowed to take the club to new heights. North Carolina’s largest city has historically had little success, with neither the Panthers nor the Hornets able to win major silverware in their respective leagues. That could all change come the end of the year, Smith’s side are in and around the top of the Eastern Conference and are already a strong contender for a deep play-off run in the postseason.

Life Under Dean Smith

To answer the question of whether the Crown are the real deal or not, it is worth noting that their successful form so far this season is the result of a gradual process. The club have now played three full MLS seasons and have seen improvement every time. In 2022, Charlotte finished 9th in the Eastern Conference on 42 points, missing out on the playoffs. They then reached the postseason for the first time in 2023, earning 43 points and losing seven fewer matches. Last year, Charlotte went a step further and won their first-ever playoff game. They also achieved their highest finish yet, placing fifth with 51 points.

The scene at @CharlotteFC after clinching their first postseason berth. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/COWKefylIO

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 22, 2023

Charlotte’s first season under Smith saw instant improvement, and that is largely down to his tactical approach. The experienced manager has always enjoyed long-term projects that involve him building an environment and culture around a club, as highlighted in his years at Walsall, Brentford and Aston Villa.

Formations and a 6'4 Centre Forward

The Crown will typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation; however, it can be altered to a 4-2-3-1 if Smith decides to incorporate three attack-minded players behind the centre forward. That target man is Patrick Agyemang, a powerful 6’4 striker who was the 12th selection in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Karol Swiderski’s departure has allowed the 24-year-old to solidify himself in Charlotte’s front line.

Despite scoring just two goals in the league so far this campaign, Agyemang’s role goes a lot deeper than simply putting the ball in the back of the net. The forward is integral to hold up play and knows how to use his strength as an advantage. It is no surprise that he found himself amongst Pochettino’s last two USNMT squads, scoring three goals in the four appearances he has made for his nation so far.

FIRST CAP. FIRST GOAL.

PATRICK AGYEMANG ⚡️🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/MzxZDhRXVt

— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) January 18, 2025

Defensive Solidity

During games, Charlotte are defensively relentless, which is the product of a strong relationship between the two centre-halves and the goalkeeper. Four of Charlotte’s six wins in the MLS season have also resulted in clean sheets for Smith’s side. His defence have only conceded a single goal in each of the other two victories, and they came against San Jose and Nashville, the two teams with the highest xG in the league according to FotMob.

Only New England and Inter Miami have conceded fewer goals than Charlotte in the Eastern Conference, but that is no surprise when you factor in that the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is playing in between the sticks for them. Kristijan Kahlina has made a name for himself in the States. The Croatian currently has a save percentage of 82.6, a statistic that no one in the league can better. In front of him are typically Adilson Malanda and Tim Ream, although Andrew Privett also provides good coverage when called upon.

Malanda and Ream’s partnership combines youth with experience, a common stereotype in football, but one that often proves unbeatable. Malanda was picked up from the French second tier in 2022, a few months before his 21st birthday. The Frenchman could easily go on to become a well-known name and enjoy a successful career with his aerial presence and eye for a smart long ball up the field.

2024 Adilson Malanda 🤝 2025 Adilson Malanda

Scoring in season openers pic.twitter.com/jk4QuhsJ9m

— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) February 23, 2025

This season’s success has also stemmed from clever additions to the squad. Souleyman Doumbia joined the squad later than others in March, but the former PSG academy graduate could turn out to be just what Charlotte was looking for at left-back.

Wilf, Liel and Biel

The other, more obvious huge signing was Wilfried Zaha. The winger was the first big-name superstar designated player to club had signed, and with his signature brought attention. Zaha has not lit up the league statistically, but players like Pep Biel and former Scottish Young Player of the Year, Liel Abada, have taken the pressure off the winger, allowing him to settle in without any weight on his shoulders.

Biel is only on loan right now and has been since August, but don’t be surprised if his spell in the MLS is made permanent. The Spaniard who has experience in Denmark, Germany and Greece is top of the league’s assist charts with six across the first ten games. The creative player has also scored three goals, making him Charlotte’s top scorer and has produced 12 big chances, another league high.

9 games

3 goals ⚽️

6 assists 🎯

Simply Pep Biel 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/zgAlooJBCC

— TopBin90 (@Topbin90) April 19, 2025

Mistake Punishers and Goal Distribution

CLTFC are happy to allow their opponents to attack, as off the ball, they can pounce on defensive errors that can often lead to goals. Prying on mistakes led to key goals in wins against Atlanta United and FC Cincinnati, giving them their first two wins of the season.

Unlike teams in the MLS such as DC United and New England Revolution, who often rely on one man to provide the goals. Charlotte have spread the numbers out across the squad, with ten goal scorers already this season, the second largest goal distribution figure in the league.

There are even more names that could be listed as contributors to Charlotte’s great start to the season. Ashley Westwood, Brandt Bronico, and Djibril Diani are engines in the midfield, and Nathan Byrne has played every minute he has been fit for in Smith’s defence.

What to Expect Next?

The Crown are fourth in the Eastern Conference after 10 matchdays, three points off the top and four points away from topping the entire league. They have 19 points, meaning that they are currently projected to finish the season with over 60 points, smashing their previous record.

This North Carolinian project is the product of years of planning that has left Charlotte looking like one of the most well-drilled teams in the league. The tens of thousands who attend the Bank of America Stadium each fixture are being rewarded for their strong numbers (averaging 33,019 a game, the second highest attendance figure in the league). The sky is the limit for Smith’s side this season, and if the first ten fixtures are anything to go off, this is just the beginning…