What Do Charlotte FC Need to Do to Advance versus Orlando City SC in the MLS Playoffs? 2024 MLS Playoffs: First Round Matchup Preview

Charlotte FC ended their season on a high note by beating DC United 3-0 to secure a fifth-place finish in the eastern conference. Charlotte FC will now move their focus to the MLS playoffs, where they will play Orlando City SC in the first round. Orlando has proven to be a tough opponent for the Crown this season, holding the team to a 1-1 draw during this first game and a 2-0 loss during the second game. Throughout the Crown's time in the MLS, they have only been able to defeat Orlando once while losing three games and drawing one.  

If Charlotte wants to progress past the first round, they will have to find a way to shut down Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire, who have both wreaked havoc on MLS defenses this season. Facundo Torres currently has 20 goal involvements with 14 goals and 6 assists; he has scored a goal in both games this season between the Crown and Orlando. McGuire has 13 goal involvements with 10 goals and 3 assists during this season, and he has also scored twice against the Crown this season.  

Facundo Torres & Duncan McGuire

One of the biggest aspects of this playoff series will be the Crown's ability to score goals while also keeping the team's defensive record. Charlotte FC have been hitting their attacking stride in recent weeks, scoring 14 goals in the team’s last 5 games. Additionally, the team finished with the best defensive record in all of the MLS.  

Pep Biel

During the two meetings between the teams this season the Crown has only been able to score 2 goals while Orlando has scored 4 goals. If Charlotte wants to advance past the first round, they will have to shut down Orlando's attack and continue their current scoring momentum. The matchup will present a difficult challenge, but hopefully the recent form that the team has found will help propel the Crown into the second round. Pep Biel, Karol Swiderski, and Patrick Agyemang will be key players for the Crown as we will need to see them step up and lead this attack. Orlando will be a tough opponent for the Crown, but I have faith that they will get the job done and advance to the second round of the playoffs. 

Images: Charlotte FC & MLS