The 2024 season was the third season for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top flight of professional club soccer in the United States. The team is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was established in 2019. They made their MLS debut in the 2022 season. The 2024 season was their first for Charlotte FC under English head coach Dean Smith, who was hired in December 2023 and was the team's third manager.[1]
| 2024 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting director | Zoran Krneta | ||
| Head coach | Dean Smith | ||
| Stadium | Bank of America Stadium | ||
| Major League Soccer | Conference: 5th Overall: 10th | ||
| MLS Cup Playoffs | Round one | ||
| Leagues Cup | Group stage | ||
|
| |||
Summary
editDuring the offseason, Charlotte FC were unable to retain Karol Swiderski, their leading goalscorer, along with striker Kamil Jozwiak and defender Guzmán Corujo. The team signed two midfielders and promoted two attacking players from their reserve team, Crown Legacy FC.[2] Charlotte FC began their preseason in January at the Florida International University campus in Miami, where they trained for twelve days. The team then traveled to Indio, California, to play in the Coachella Valley Invitational, a friendly competition with other MLS teams.[3] During five official preseason matches, Charlotte FC had two wins and three draws.[4]
The team hosted New York City FC at Bank of America Stadium to open the regular season on February 24 in front of 62,291 spectators. Charlotte FC won 1–0 with a goal in the eighth minute from defender Adilson Malanda's header on a corner kick; it marked the first time that Charlotte FC had won their opening match of the season.[5] Sixteen-year-old forward Nimfasha Berchimas, a homegrown player for Charlotte FC, entered the match as a substitute and became the ninth-youngest player to play in a regular season MLS match.[6]
Preseason results
edit- Key
Win Draw Loss Void Upcoming fixture
| January 26 | Charlotte FC | 3–3 | Sporting Kansas City | University Park, Florida |
| 11:00 am EST | Report | Stadium: FIU Soccer Stadium |
| February 3 | Los Angeles FC | 2–2 | Charlotte FC | Los Angeles, California |
| 2:00 pm EST |
|
Report | Stadium: LAFC Performance Center Attendance: 0 (closed doors) | |
| Note: Scrimmage divided into four periods of 30 minutes each. | ||||
| February 7 | LA Galaxy | 0–3 | Charlotte FC | Indio, California |
| 2:00 pm EST | Report | Stadium: Empire Polo Club |
| February 10 | Charlotte FC | 1–0 | San Jose Earthquakes | Indio, California |
| 2:00 pm EST |
|
Report | Stadium: Empire Polo Club |
| February 17 | Minnesota United FC | 0–0 | Charlotte FC | Indio, California |
| 1:00 pm EST | Report | Stadium: Empire Polo Club |
Competitions
editCharlotte FC will not participate in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup as part of a compromise agreement reached between MLS and U.S. Soccer to allow MLS Next Pro affiliate teams to instead play in the competition. Crown Legacy FC will enter in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup, while eight other MLS teams will enter in the round of 32.[7]
Major League Soccer
editLeague tables
edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | FC Cincinnati | 34 | 18 | 11 | 5 | 58 | 48 | +10 | 59 | Qualification for round one |
| 4 | Orlando City SC | 34 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 59 | 50 | +9 | 52 | |
| 5 | Charlotte FC | 34 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 46 | 37 | +9 | 51 | |
| 6 | New York City FC | 34 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 54 | 49 | +5 | 50 | |
| 7 | New York Red Bulls | 34 | 11 | 9 | 14 | 55 | 50 | +5 | 47 |
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Orlando City SC (Q) | 34 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 59 | 50 | +9 | 52 | Qualification for the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32[a] |
| 10 | Minnesota United FC (Q) | 34 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 58 | 49 | +9 | 52 | |
| 11 | Charlotte FC (Q) | 34 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 46 | 37 | +9 | 51 | |
| 12 | Colorado Rapids (Q) | 34 | 15 | 14 | 5 | 61 | 60 | +1 | 50 | Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One[b] |
| 13 | New York City FC (Q) | 34 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 54 | 49 | +5 | 50 | Qualification for the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32[a] |
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Notes:
- ^ a b As one of the top eight US teams in the overall table to not qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup
- ^ As third place of Leagues Cup
Regular season
editThe 2024 regular season schedule was released on December 20, 2023. Charlotte FC will play 34 matches—17 at home and 17 on the road—primarily against opponents from the Eastern Conference. The team will play each intra-conference opponent twice and six matches against teams from the Western Conference.[8] The 2024 season marks the first time that Charlotte FC will play against Minnesota United FC and the Portland Timbers.[9] A break in regular season play for the 2024 Leagues Cup begins in mid-July and ends in late August.[8]
| February 24 1 | Charlotte FC | 1–0 | New York City FC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EST | Report |
|
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 62,291 Referee: Mario Maric |
| March 2 2 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 1–1 | Charlotte FC | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| 7:30 pm EST | Report | Stadium: BC Place Attendance: 29,624 Referee: Scott Bowman |
| March 9 3 | Toronto FC | 1–0 | Charlotte FC | Toronto, Ontario |
| 2:00 pm EST | Report | Stadium: BMO Field Attendance: 26,345 Referee: Chris Grabas |
| March 16 4 | Nashville SC | 2–1 | Charlotte FC | Nashville, Tennessee |
| 8:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Geodis Park Attendance: 28,008 Referee: Esteban Rosano |
| March 23 5 | Charlotte FC | 2–0 | Columbus Crew | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 30,104 Referee: Christopher Calderon |
| March 30 6 | Charlotte FC | 1–1 | FC Cincinnati | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 30,043 Referee: Rubiel Vazquez |
| April 6 7 | New England Revolution | 1–0 | Charlotte FC | Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Gillette Stadium Attendance: 22,196 Referee: Sergii Boiko |
| April 13 8 | Charlotte FC | 3–2 | Toronto FC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 31,414 Referee: Allen Chapman |
| April 21 9 | Charlotte FC | 0–3 | Minnesota United FC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 6:00 pm EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 27,021 Referee: Pierre-Luc Lauziere | |
| Note: Originally scheduled for April 20 and moved to April 21.[10] | ||||
| April 27 10 | New York City FC | 2–1 | Charlotte FC | New York City, New York |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Yankee Stadium Attendance: 20,119 Referee: Ismir Pekmic |
| May 4 11 | Charlotte FC | 2–0 | Portland Timbers | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 27,495 Referee: Malik Badawi |
| May 11 12 | Charlotte FC | 1–0 | Nashville SC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 36,319 Referee: Tori Penso |
| May 15 13 | Chicago Fire FC | 0–1 | Charlotte FC | Chicago, Illinois |
| 8:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Soldier Field Attendance: 12,806 Referee: Victor Rivas |
| May 18 14 | Charlotte FC | 0–0 | LA Galaxy | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 29,099 Referee: Joe Dickerson |
| May 25 15 | Charlotte FC | 0–0 | Philadelphia Union | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 32,232 Referee: Guido Gonzales, Jr. |
| May 29 16 | New York Red Bulls | 3–1 | Charlotte FC | Harrison, New Jersey |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 16,516 Referee: Chris Penso |
| June 2 17 | Atlanta United FC | 2–3 | Charlotte FC | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 4:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Attendance: 61,209 Referee: Ismir Pekmic |
| June 15 18 | Charlotte FC | 1–0 | D.C. United | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 30,468 Referee: Sergii Boiko |
| June 19 19 | Charlotte FC | 2–2 | Orlando City SC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Vargas  12'Arfield  38'Bronico 77'Byrne  90+1' |
Report | McGuire 27', 63' Torres 50', 81' |
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 28,301 Referee: Allen Chapman |
| June 22 20 | Philadelphia Union | 0–2 | Charlotte FC | Chester, Pennsylvania |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Agyemang 56', 63' Bender 68'Diani 87'Westwood 90+9' |
Stadium: Subaru Park Attendance: 18,762 Referee: Alexis Da Silva |
| June 29 21 | Houston Dynamo FC | 1–0 | Charlotte FC | Houston, Texas |
| 8:30 pm EDT | Aliyu 5' Escobar 69' |
Report | Diani 27' |
Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium Attendance: 15,321 Referee: Pierre-Luc Lauziere |
| July 3 22 | Charlotte FC | 1–2 | Inter Miami CF | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Agyemang 41', 45+2' 90+6' |
Report | Kryvtsov 21' Taylor 30'Gómez 53'Avilés 67'Cremaschi 86'Alba 90+3' |
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 47,218 Referee: Rubiel Vazquez |
| July 13 23 | FC Cincinnati | 1–3 | Charlotte FC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Acosta 45+1', 87' Robinson 59' 72' |
Report | Diani 3' Tavares 20'Abada 22'Westwood 45+4'Malanda 47'Byrne 54'Vargas 66'Smalls 90+8' |
Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Guido Gonzales, Jr. |
| July 17 24 | Columbus Crew | 1–1 | Charlotte FC | Columbus, Ohio |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Hernández 31' Zawadzki 57' |
Report | Agyemang 84' Petković 89'Byrne 90+4' |
Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 20,793 Referee: Victor Rivas |
| July 20 25 | Austin FC | 2–2 | Charlotte FC | Austin, Texas |
| 8:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Q2 Stadium Attendance: 20,738 Referee: Jon Freemon |
| August 24 26 | Charlotte FC | 1–1 | New York Red Bulls | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 31,320 Referee: Drew Fischer |
| August 31 27 | Charlotte FC | 0–1 | Atlanta United FC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Referee: Alexis Da Silva |
| September 14 28 | CF Montréal | 2–1 | Charlotte FC | Montreal, Quebec |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Saputo Stadium Attendance: 19,619 Referee: Rubiel Vazquez |
| September 18 29 | Orlando City SC | 2–0 | Charlotte FC | Orlando, Florida |
| 8:00 pm EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Inter&Co Stadium Attendance: 22,902 Referee: Marcos DeOliveira II |
| September 21 30 | Charlotte FC | 4–0 | New England Revolution | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Referee: Mark Allatin |
| September 28 31 | Inter Miami CF | 1–1 | Charlotte FC | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Chase Stadium Attendance: 21,374 Referee: Ramy Touchan |
| October 2 32 | Charlotte FC | 4–3 | Chicago Fire FC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 26,899 Referee: Sergii Boiko |
| October 5 33 | Charlotte FC | 2–0 | CF Montréal | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 38,259 Referee: Victor Rivas |
| October 19 34 | D.C. United | 0–3 | Charlotte FC | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:30 pm EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Audi Field Referee: Jair Marrufo |
MLS Cup playoffs
editRound One
edit| October 28 First leg | Orlando City SC | 2–0 | Charlotte FC | Orlando, Florida |
| 7:30 pm EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Inter&Co Stadium Attendance: 17,787 Referee: Drew Fischer |
| November 1 Second leg | Charlotte FC | 0–0 (3–1 p) | Orlando City SC | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 pm EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 40,238 Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr. | |
| Penalties | ||||
| November 9 Third leg | Orlando City SC | 1–1 (4–1 p) | Charlotte FC | Orlando, Florida |
| 6:00 pm EST | Report | Stadium: Inter&Co Stadium Attendance: 20,021 Referee: Ismir Pekmic | ||
| Penalties | ||||
| Note: Orlando City SC won the series 2–1. | ||||
Leagues Cup
editThe 2024 Leagues Cup was the second edition to feature all MLS and Liga MX teams during the month-long pause in the regular season from July to August. Charlotte FC was drawn into the East 4 group alongside the Philadelphia Union and Cruz Azul of Liga MX.[11]
Group stage
edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Philadelphia Union
|
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 |  Cruz Azul
|
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | |
| 3 | Charlotte FC
|
2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 2 |
| July 27 Group Stage | Philadelphia Union | 1–0 | Charlotte FC | Chester, Pennsylvania |
| 8:00 pm EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Subaru Park Attendance: 18,514 Referee: Marco Ortiz |
Players
editFor the 2024 season, Charlotte FC were permitted a maximum of 30 signed players on the first team, of which 10 roster positions were designated for supplemental and reserve players.[12] A base salary cap of $5.47 million applied to the non-supplemental players with exceptions for certain categories, including up to three Designated Players who counted for a set amount in the cap.[12]
Roster
edit- As of October 2024[13]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Out on loan
editNote: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Coaching staff
edit- As of February 2024[14]
| Technical staff | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Dean Smith |
| Assistant coach | Pa-Modou Kah |
| Assistant coach | Christian Fuchs |
| Sporting director | Zoran Krnet |
| Head of goalkeeping | Aron Hyde |
| Head video coach | Rohan Sachdev |
Transfers
editIn
editOut
edit| Player[15] | Nat.[13] | No.[13] | Pos.[15] | New team | Notes | Date[15] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Afful |  Ghana |
25 | DF | Crown Legacy FC | Option declined | October 30, 2023 |
| Chris Hegardt | United States |
19 | MF | Stabæk | Option declined | October 30, 2023 |
| Pablo Sisniega | Mexico |
23 | GK | San Antonio FC | Option declined | October 30, 2023 |
| Jan Sobociński |  Poland |
2 | DF | PAS Giannina F.C. | Option declined | October 30, 2023 |
| Adrian Zendejas | United States |
30 | GK | Skövde AIK | Option declined | October 30, 2023 |
| Derrick Jones | United States |
20 | MF | Columbus Crew | Out of contract | October 30, 2023 |
| Justin Meram |  Iraq |
22 | FW | Michigan Stars FC | Out of contract | October 30, 2023 |
| McKinze Gaines | United States |
17 | FW | Nashville SC | Traded for 2024 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick[19] | December 14, 2023 |
| Karol Świderski | Poland |
11 | FW | Hellas Verona FC | Loaned until June 30 with option to purchase[20] | February 1, 2024 |
| Kamil Jóźwiak | Poland |
7 | FW | Granada CF | February 1, 2024 | |
| Vinicius Mello |  Brazil |
21 | FW | FK Čukarički | February 6, 2024 | |
| Guzmán Corujo |  Uruguay |
4 | DF | FK Čukarički | February 13, 2024 | |
| Enzo Copetti |  Argentina |
14 | FW | Rosario Central | May 16, 2024 | |
| Scott Arfield |  Canada |
37 | MF | Bolton Wanderers | July 12, 2024 | |
| Hamady Diop |  Senegal |
32 | DF | FK Čukarički | On loan until January 15, 2025[21] | July 13, 2024 |
| Brecht Dejaegere |  Belgium |
10 | MF | K.V. Kortrijk | August 16, 2024 |
References
edit- ^ Connuck, Shane (December 18, 2023). "Dean Smith hopes to lead 'successful and consistent' culture as Charlotte FC head coach". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ Lyttle, Steve (February 23, 2024). "Charlotte FC's third season is on deck: New coach, new players and a new style". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "Charlotte FC Announces Preseason Schedule for 2024 MLS Season" (Press release). Charlotte FC. January 12, 2024. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "2024 MLS Preseason Schedule and Results". MLSsoccer.com. January 5, 2024. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ Zietlow, Alex (February 25, 2024). "Dean Smith era for Charlotte FC begins unlike any season before — with a win". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "Only 16! Charlotte FC's Nimfasha Berchimas makes MLS history". MLSsoccer.com. February 24, 2024. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ Carlisle, Jeff (March 1, 2024). "U.S. Open Cup revamp to feature just 8 MLS first teams". ESPN. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ a b "MLS Unveils Complete 2024 Regular Season Schedule" (Press release). Major League Soccer. December 20, 2023. Archived from the original on March 6, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "Charlotte FC Announces 2024 Regular Season Schedule" (Press release). Charlotte FC. December 20, 2023. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "Minnesota United Game Against Charlotte FC Moved to April 21" (Press release). Minnesota United FC. January 5, 2024. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "Leagues Cup 2024: Groups for MLS and LIGA MX teams". MLSsoccer.com. January 31, 2024. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ a b "2024 MLS Roster Rules and Regulations". Major League Soccer. February 20, 2024. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Roster". Charlotte FC. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ "Technical Staff". Charlotte FC. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "2024 MLS Transfers". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Charlotte FC Signs MLS SuperDraft Picks Tyger Smalls and Jahlane Forbes" (Press release). Charlotte FC. February 14, 2024. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ Liljenwall, Ari (June 27, 2024). "Karol Swiderski returning as Charlotte FC eye attacking reinforcements". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ Sigal, Jonathan (August 15, 2024). "Charlotte FC acquire DP midfielder Pep Biel". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ "Charlotte FC Acquires Second Round SuperDraft Pick from Nashville SC in Exchange for McKinze Gaines" (Press release). Charlotte FC. December 14, 2023. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ Sigal, Jonathan (February 1, 2024). "Charlotte FC loan Karol Swiderski to Hellas Verona". MLSsoccer.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ "Charlotte FC loan defender Hamady Diop to Serbian team". MLSsoccer.com. July 13, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2024.