Preview & Prediction: Charlotte FC vs DC United

Charlotte FC enters this contest in fine form with an average of 1.2 points from their last 5 games, scoring in 4 out of these encounters. Particularly at home, they’ve been formidable, with an unbeaten streak of 5 games. The team has been finding the back of the net consistently, scoring in their last 3 home fixtures. Recently, they’ve proved hard to beat, going three games without a loss. Spectators could expect some goals, given Charlotte’s last 6 games concluded with a minimum of 2 goals. They have a positive recent record, losing just one game and securing a victory and three draws from their last five games.

Meanwhile, DC United will need to improve upon their recent performance. They’ve managed only 0.8 points per game on average from the last 5 matches and have had difficulty scoring, failing to do so in three of their last five encounters. They are, however, on a mini unbeaten streak of 2 games. Their matches have been generally low-scoring affairs with both teams finding the net in only 1 out of the last 5 games.

When these two last met on June 16, 2024, Charlotte was the convincing victor, with a 3-0 triumph over DC United. Over their last four meetings, Charlotte has claimed one victory, while DC United has emerged victorious twice, with one match ending in a draw. Importantly, Charlotte has displayed strong form in home matches, while DC United’s away performances leave a lot to be desired.

Historically, their encounters have averaged 2.25 goals per game, although both teams have not scored in any of these matches. For this season, Charlotte has managed 2 points per game at home, while DC United has earned just 0.88 points per game in away matches. This fixture could, therefore, tilt in Charlotte’s favor.

Insights

• Charlotte FC is in good form with 6 points from their last 5 games and an unbeaten home record in the last 5 games.
• Charlotte’s goal-scoring capability is quite strong, scoring 6 times in the last 5 fixtures, and consistently scoring in the last 3 home games.
• Goal scoring trend suggests that the upcoming match might witness a few goals; Charlotte’s last 6 games all ended with 2 or more goals.
• DC United, on the other hand, has managed only 4 points from their last 5 games, showing a weaker form compared to Charlotte.
• DC United’s goal scoring has been inconsistent with the team failing to score in 3 of the last 5 games.
• Only 1 of the last 5 games for DC United resulted in both teams scoring, indicating potential difficulties in breaking down the opposition’s defense.
• The previous meeting between both teams resulted in a comfortable 3-0 win for Charlotte, adding to their psychological advantage.
• In their 4 previous encounters, DC United has a slight edge with 2 victories over Charlotte’s 1, but this includes matches from different seasons with potentially different squad compositions.
• This season, Charlotte boasts of better performance on their home ground with an average of 2 points per game, as opposed to DC United’s away game performance with an average of barely 0.88 points per game.
• The previous matches between both teams didn’t witness BTTS, indicative of the teams’ conservative or defensively solid playing styles.
• The average goals in the previous encounters between Charlotte and DC United is 2.25, suggesting potential goal scoring opportunities in the match.

Match Forecast

• Expect Charlotte FC to heavily use their strength to attack down the wings, especially on the right side, to exploit DC United’s weakness in defending against wing play.
• Regular crosses into the box should be anticipated from Charlotte FC due to their style of play and advantage in aerial duels.
• An aggressive game from both sides can be expected, as noted in their play styles.
• Since DC United are strong in aerial duels, they will likely try to resist Charlotte FC’s crosses efficiently.
• Due to Charlotte FC’s vulnerability in protecting the lead, it is probable that DC United will find opportunities to claw back even if they fall behind initially.
• DC United’s major chances could come through long shots, as they are proficient in creating such opportunities.
• Both teams have weaknesses in defending against through-ball attacks, thus, individual skills and timely passes may lead to goals.
• DC United’s game control strategy in opposition’s half might press Charlotte FC to keep much of their play in their own half, according to their play style.
• There could be instances of offside positions during the match, mainly from DC United players, since avoiding offside is identified as their weakness.
• DC United may suffer from individual errors, giving Charlotte FC chances to capitalize on these moments.

Match Facts

In last season’s encounters, scores were 3-0 with Charlotte FC playing at their home ground and 3-0 with DC United playing at their stadium.
Charlotte FC manages to net 26% of their goals within the 16-30 minute interval, holding the highest ratio in the league.
DC United, on the other hand, ropes in 38% of their goals within the 76-90 minute time slot.
For the past 8 home matches, Charlotte FC has maintained a no-loss record.
Out of 13 home games in the current MLS season, Charlotte FC has failed to score in 3.
In contrast, DC United hasn’t managed to score in 6 out of their 14 away games in the ongoing MLS season.
Charlotte FC’s seasonal home record stands at 4 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses.
Charlotte FC’s leading scorer is Karol Swiderski with a total of 7 goals, while Christian Benteke has scored 10 goals for DC United.
In terms of assists, Swiderski tops the chart for Charlotte FC with 5, and Mateusz Klich has given the most assists for DC United with 6.
Charlotte FC has conceded a goal in each of their most recent 5 matches.
In terms of winning the first half, Charlotte FC has a success rate of 31% and DC United has 14%.
DC United had the upper hand in their last encounter.
DC United managed to score a 3-goal lead in their last clash with Charlotte FC.
When Charlotte FC goes 1-0 up at home, their winning likelihood is 70%. When DC United takes a 0-1 lead away, their winning chances increase to 83%.
The odds of Charlotte FC turning the game around when they trail 0-1 at home are 37%. Whereas DC United has zero wins when they are trailing 1-0 on the road.
As per MLS records, Charlotte FC has shown better performance compared to DC United.
Recent performance measure of last 5 games places Charlotte FC ahead of DC United.
In the last 4 face-offs, both Charlotte FC and DC United bagged 2 wins each, with no draws.
DC United has only conceded one defeat in their last 3 MLS games against Charlotte FC, also Charlotte FC only triumphed once in their last 3 MLS matches against DC United.
On average, Charlotte FC tallies 1.5 goals per match against DC United, and DC United registers 2 goals per game against Charlotte FC.
Average goal count per meet between Charlotte FC and DC United is 3.5, with 2 being the average for the first half.
Scoring averages in home and away scenarios are 1.74 for Charlotte FC and 0.74 for DC United respectively.
Lastly, neither team managed to secure a win in their previous MLS match.