David Schnegg is Charlotte FC's Most Under-Utilized Asset | Opinion

The date is January 23, 2026, and Charlotte FC have just completed their first preseason game versus the Charleston Battery. The game took place behind closed doors, but the scoreline and goal contributors were released to the public. One name stands out to me: David Schnegg, two assists. "Schnegg, the new left back, with two assists?!"

David Schnegg signed with Charlotte FC on January 15, after the club signed him off waivers. He was born in Austria, where he spent much of his early career, before transferring to the Italian Serie A, playing with Venezia FC and FC Crotone. He later returned to Austria, signing with powerhouse Sturm Graz, where he won a league championship, multiple domestic cups, and made appearances in UEFA Champions League Qualifiers.

David Schnegg at Sturm Graz

Schnegg made the move to the MLS in 2024 after signing with DC United. In 2025, Schnegg led DC United in appearances (35) and minutes played (2,947). Despite a strong year, Charlotte FC were able to sign Schnegg to a one year deal with a club option for 2027.

David Schnegg in Preseason

So, back to my preseason delight. I walked away from our preseason opener wondering if we had found a gem in David Schnegg. "It looks like we may have found a full back who can provide some attacking output," I thought. Then, the season began, and Schnegg was nowhere to be found. For the first two months of the season, Schnegg seldomly came on as a substitute, playing just 46 MLS minutes from February to April. Schnegg fell behind former Nottingham Forest LB, Harry Toffolo, who has an impressive background in his own right. When both are healthy, it is clear that manager, Dean Smith, favors his fellow-Englishman, Harry Toffolo. We have a handful of quality options at the fullback position, but Smith shouldn't be so quick to demote Schnegg back to the bench after a string of recent performances.

David Schnegg

After Harry Toffolo was sidelined with a hamstring injury in April, David Schnegg was forced to step in as a starter. He started every game for Charlotte FC until the club's return from the international break, where Toffolo returned as a starter. In 2026, across the MLS, US Open Cup, and Leagues Cup, David Schnegg has recorded 2 goals and 6 assists in just 1,080 total minutes. That is a goal contribution every 135 minutes on the pitch, which is a superior rate to nearly all of Charlotte FC's wingers.

Are goal contributions the only thing one should look for from a left back? Certainly not, but they can't be ignored either. Schnegg has been incredibly impressive down the left flank, and he has both impeccable vision and a dangerous ability to whip the ball in. Defensively, he is not the typical stay-at-home fullback, and he has had problems with discipline, picking up multiple yellow and even one red card in his limited minutes for Charlotte FC. Yet, in just 11 MLS matches, he has recorded 11 clearances and 12 aerial duels won.

Schnegg in Strong Form

Long-story-short, David Schnegg has been incredibly dangerous out of the back for Charlotte FC. Yes, his aggressive play-style along the left flank occasionally creates vulnerabilities for our backline, but it's nothing that could not be adjusted tactically. One cannot ignore Schnegg's athleticism, impressive service, and brilliant ball-striking on his limited goals. Yet, he continues to be defaulted to his role as a substitute when the team returns to full-health. Our squad has a wealth of options at the fullback position, but David Schnegg has carved out a role with this team. And that is why, in my opinion, he is our club's most under-utilized asset.