2025 Schedule
Armchair Analyst's Breakdown
- Strength: They will defend deep, they will defend hard and they will annihilate anyone who’s unprepared for that in transition. Adding Wilfried Zaha to a front line that already has Patrick Agyemang and Liel Abada… man, give them any space at all and you’re picking the ball out of your own net.
 - Weakness: Can they be dangerous in any other phase of play? Moving Pep Biel inside to play as a true No. 10 in a 4-2-3-1 could unlock things, but Dean Smith was reluctant to take one of his piano carriers out of midfield last year.
 
Key Departures
- Karol Swiderski: The Poland international was transferred to Greek side Panathinaikos FC for a reported $2 million fee. Swiderski is Charlotte’s all-time leading scorer with 32 goals.
 - Jere Uronen: The Finnish international left back was transferred to Swedish top-flight side AIK Fotboll, falling out of favor after Tim Ream’s arrival last summer.
 - Junior Urso: The veteran Brazilian midfielder had his contract option declined and has since signed with Houston.
 
Key Signings
- Pep Biel: Charlotte re-acquired the Spanish midfielder on loan from Greek powerhouse Olympiacos. He initially joined the Crown on a half-season loan last August.
 - Eryk Williamson: The US international midfielder was acquired via a trade with Portland. He brings vast MLS experience to Charlotte’s midfield, earning over 100 appearances since 2018.
 - Wilfried Zaha: The Ivory Coast international and Crystal Palace legend was acquired on loan from Turkish Süper Lig powerhouse Galatasaray. He occupies a DP spot alongside Abada.
 - Full roster
 
Projected Starting XI

Predictions
- Osvaldo Alonso: 6th in Eastern Conference
 - Matt Doyle: 4th in Eastern Conference
 - Miguel Gallardo: 4th in Eastern Conference
 - Michele Giannone: 6th in Eastern Conference
 - Antonella Gonzalez: 8th in Eastern Conference
 - Sacha Kljestan: 2nd in Eastern Conference
 - Kaylyn Kyle: 6th in Eastern Conference
 - Dax McCarty: 6th in Eastern Conference
 - Bradley Wright-Phillips: 7th in Eastern Conference
 
Odds & Ends
- Head coach: Dean Smith
 - Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
 - Last year: 14W-11L-9T, 51 points, 5th in Eastern Conference
 - Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs: Eastern Conference Round One Best-of-3 Series
 

              


