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Even without Lionel Messi and playing with one less player on the field, Inter Miami defeated Charlotte FC 1-0 last Sunday (10th) at Chase Stadium, in a match for Week 3 of the MLS. The goal was scored by Argentine Tadeo Allende, following a beautiful assist from Luis Suarez.
After the defeat, Charlotte FC's coach, Dean Smith, held a press conference and discussed his team's underwhelming performance. Among several questions, he was asked if the team lacked composure in the final moments of their plays, as Charlotte had more possession and took more shots than the Rosados but failed to hit the target on any occasion.
Despite the red card for Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 38th minute of the first half, Charlotte’s aim remained ineffective. The team resorted to crosses and long balls, having more than 8 corners in the game, and focused on plays down the left side, always looking for Wilfried Zaha, the team's key technical reference.
"I don't think we lacked composure (today). Sometimes you have to give credit to the opponent for what they did. Are we sitting here happy? No, we're not, because it's a missed opportunity (to win), especially when they had 10 men on the field. In a game with 11 vs. 11, I thought we would win. I thought we were creating the chances, the best chances of the game. So sometimes it's about taking advantage of them. If we play like this in more games, I believe we will win more games."
Next challenge for Dean Smith's "Crown"
With the negative result, Charlotte FC remains in 6th place in the MLS Eastern Conference after three rounds. The North Carolina team has 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss so far. In the next round, the "Crown" will host FC Cincinnati (4th place in the Eastern Conference) at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday (15th) at 8:30 PM (Brasilia Time).
Charlotte FC’s History
Charlotte FC is one of the most recent and exciting additions to Major League Soccer (MLS), bringing with it a history of perseverance, passion, and, of course, a love for soccer. Founded in 2019, the club is owned by billionaire David Tepper, who also owns the NFL's Carolina Panthers. The team debuted in MLS in 2022, becoming the 28th franchise in the league.
Before Charlotte FC, the city had already breathed soccer. In the 1980s, the Carolina Lightnin' won the American Soccer League championship, marking the city’s first professional sports title. After a hiatus, the Charlotte Eagles emerged in 1991, participating in the USISL and keeping the flame of soccer alive in the region.
The journey to MLS was filled with attempts and challenges. Charlotte expressed interest in hosting a league team as early as 1994, but it was only in 2019, after Tepper acquired the Panthers, that the city secured its spot in MLS. The official announcement came in December of that year, with a projected debut in 2021, later delayed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charlotte FC’s visual identity is a tribute to the city's monetary history. The shield features a four-point crown representing the four Uptown Charlotte districts, nodding to the nickname “Queen City.” The blue and black colors are inspired by the Carolina Panthers, reinforcing the connection between the two teams.
Charlotte FC's first official match took place in February 2022 against DC United. Although it ended in defeat, it was a historic milestone for the city. The team’s home debut at Bank of America Stadium saw over 74,000 spectators, setting a MLS attendance record. The inaugural season was challenging, with the team finishing 9th in the Eastern Conference, but the foundation for the future had been laid.
Off the field, the support culture for Charlotte FC is vibrant and diverse. Groups like the Mint City Collective and Queen’s Firm showcase the passion of the fans, creating an electric atmosphere on game days. The presence of mascots like Sir Minty adds a playful touch, reinforcing the community spirit that permeates the club.
In summary, Charlotte FC's story reflects the determination and love for soccer that defines the city. With a dedicated fanbase and a clear vision for the future, the club continues to grow and make its mark on the U.S. sports landscape.
