Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City: Prediction, Stats, H2H, Preview, Team News, Lineups – MLS, Nov 1, 2024.
Discover the Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City playoff clash! Get expert predictions, key stats, team news, H2H insights, and projected lineups for this MLS showdown.Â
Major League Soccer
Nov 1, 2024 at 11.30pm UK
Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte FC is set to host Orlando City in what promises to be a thrilling home playoff debut at Bank of America Stadium. After falling short with a 2-0 loss in Game 1 of this best-of-three series, Charlotte faces elimination, while Orlando aims to secure their spot in the next playoff round.
With both teams eager for victory, fans can expect an intense showdown as Charlotte fights to stay alive and Orlando pushes to close out the series.
Match Preview
Charlotte FC’s Playoff Struggles and Home Advantage
Charlotte FC struggled in Game 1, managing only two shots on target without scoring—a rarity for a team that hadn’t been held scoreless since mid-September. Coach Dean Smith and his squad are now in a must-win scenario, with Charlotte’s previous two playoff games ending in heavy defeats, totaling a 7-2 aggregate loss.
Despite this setback, the team has shown impressive offensive form at home, winning their last three regular-season matches at Bank of America Stadium with a combined 10 goals. However, Charlotte has also been one of the lowest-scoring MLS teams in the playoffs, with only 46 goals during the regular season, and experienced occasional struggles in finding the net at home.
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Notably, the team hasn’t faced back-to-back losses in MLS play since August, giving them hope as they prepare to defend their turf. While Charlotte has yet to claim a win against Florida clubs this season, they did manage two draws, showing resilience against Orlando and Inter Miami earlier in the year.
Orlando City’s Dominant First Performance
Orlando City entered the playoffs with questions surrounding their form but quickly dispelled doubts with a commanding 2-0 win in Game 1. Their disciplined defense nullified Charlotte’s transitions, while their attack kept the pressure on, resulting in goals on both sides of halftime.
Historically, Orlando has struggled to produce multi-goal games in the playoffs, but Sunday’s match marked a shift as they scored twice in a postseason game for the first time in club history. Now, with an opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for a second consecutive season, they are highly motivated.
Orlando has shown prowess on the road as well, with consecutive MLS away victories and three straight games as visitors in which they’ve scored at least three goals. They’ve also earned points in three out of four trips to Bank of America Stadium, giving them confidence ahead of this crucial match.
Recent Form
- Charlotte FC’s Recent MLS Form: W-D-W-W-W-L
- Orlando City’s Recent MLS Form: L-W-W-W-L-W
Team News
Charlotte FC
Head coach Dean Smith will likely have to manage without several players for this critical clash. Defender Jahlane Forbes missed the opening playoff game due to a hip injury, while Nikola Petkovic’s knee soreness also kept him sidelined. Goalkeeper David Bingham, recovering from a back injury, was on the bench.
The team will be without Pep Biel, who received a red card in Game 1 and is suspended for this match.
Orlando City
For Orlando, Mason Stajduhar is doubtful as he continues to deal with a lower leg injury. Wilder Cartagena, a regular in the starting lineup, did not start in the final regular-season game against Atlanta United but returned to the lineup for Game 1.
Facundo Torres, who scored the opening goal against Charlotte, has been a key figure for Orlando, reaching 19 goals this season and surpassing the club record set by Cyle Larin. Martin Ojeda also found the net in the second half of Game 1, showcasing Orlando’s attacking depth.
Predicted Lineups
Charlotte FC Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Kahlina
- Defenders: Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Ream
- Midfielders: Urso, Westwood
- Forwards: Vargas, Bender, Abada, Swiderski
Orlando City Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Gallese
- Defenders: Thorhallsson, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos
- Midfielders: Araujo, Martins
- Forwards: Torres, Ojeda, Angulo, McGuire
Key Stats
- Charlotte FC’s Home Defense: Charlotte kept nine clean sheets at home in the regular season, showcasing a strong defensive performance when on home turf.
- Orlando’s Road Form: Orlando has scored three or more goals in their last three away matches, indicating a potent offense on the road.
- Orlando’s Bank of America Record: In four matches at Charlotte’s stadium, Orlando has earned points three times, including a win in 2022.
Soccerbaba Prediction: Charlotte FC 1-0 Orlando City
Charlotte FC’s defensive strength at home, combined with their urgency to stay in the playoffs, makes them likely to respond with resilience. Expect a tightly contested match, with Charlotte’s backline stepping up to force a decisive Game 3.
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FAQs
1. When is the Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City playoff game?
The game is scheduled for Friday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2. What were the results of previous encounters this season?
Orlando City won Game 1 of this playoff series 2-0, while Charlotte failed to secure a win in three matches against Florida clubs this season.
3. Who are the key players for Charlotte FC?
Key players include Karol Swiderski, a reliable forward, and goalkeeper Kahlina, known for keeping clean sheets at home.
4. How has Orlando City performed in recent away games?
Orlando City has been strong on the road, scoring three or more goals in their last three MLS away games.
5. What is Charlotte FC’s playoff record?
Charlotte FC has played only two playoff games in club history, both of which they lost, with a combined score of 7-2.
6. Who scored for Orlando in Game 1?
Facundo Torres scored in the first half, and Martin Ojeda added a second goal in the latter part of Game 1.
7. Can Charlotte FC still advance in the playoffs?
Yes, if they win Game 2, they will force a decisive Game 3 in this best-of-three series.
8. What injuries affect Charlotte’s lineup?
Jahlane Forbes (hip) and Nikola Petkovic (knee) missed Game 1, and Pep Biel is suspended due to a red card.
9. What is Orlando City’s record at Bank of America Stadium?
Orlando has earned points in three out of four visits to Bank of America Stadium, including a 2-1 win in 2022.
10. Where can I watch the Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City match?
In the U.S., the game will be available on NBC Sports. For other locations, check local sports networks or streaming services.
This comprehensive preview highlights each team’s recent form, player updates, and lineup predictions. Fans of Charlotte FC and Orlando City will find insights into how each team is poised to perform in this high-stakes MLS playoff matchup.