The new Major League Soccer season continues this week and we assess the probability of a win for the defending MLS Cup holders.
The match between Charlotte FC and Columbus Crew will be played on the 23rd of March at the Bank of America Stadium.
The hosts come into the weekend sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference on 4 points while the visitors are in 2nd place on 10 points.
Some #TekkersTuesday content for your feed, courtesy of Brecht and Júnior 🤌 pic.twitter.com/rIM90h8QYX— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) March 19, 2024
Some #TekkersTuesday content for your feed, courtesy of Brecht and Júnior 🤌 pic.twitter.com/rIM90h8QYX
Charlotte FC come into the game having lost 2-1 at Nashville FC last weekend in the MLS.
All the goals were scored in the first half and Nashville opened the scoring in the 32nd minute and added a second goal 8 minutes later.
Charlotte FC pulled one back on the stroke of half time but could not get the equaliser in the second half.
The defeat at Nashville means Charlotte FC have failed to win any of their last 3 MLS fixtures.
There was a 1-0 loss at Toronto FC and a 1-1 draw at Vancouver Whitecaps. However, Charlotte FC did begin the season in style thanks to a 1-0 home win over New York City.
Trends show Charlotte FC have a good home record and they have not been beaten in 15 of their 16 most recent home matches in the MLS.
They are undefeated in each of their last 10 home MLS games and have seen under 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 6 MLS matches on home soil.
Columbus Crew travel to the Bank of America Stadium on the back of a 3-0 home win over New York Red Bulls in the MLS last weekend.
It took Columbus Crew just 13 minutes to open the scoring and they led 1-0 at the interval. Into the second half and Columbus Crew doubled their lead in the 56th minute and scored their third goal 10 minutes later.
The victory over New York Red Bulls means Columbus Crew are undefeated in their 10 most recent fixtures in all competitions.
There have been wins over Atlanta United, Los Angeles FC, and Chicago Fire at home plus Orlando City and FC Cincinnati away in the MLS. Columbus Crew also beat Houston Dynamo 1-0 away in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Statistics show have not lost in 26 of their last 30 matches in the MLS. They have drawn their last 3 away regular season league games, with all 3 fixtures ending 1-1.
Team news: Charlotte FC have an extensive injury list including Kerwin Vargas, Enzo Copetti, Liel Abada, Tyger Smalls, Brandon Cambridge, Brandt Bronico, and Ben Bender.
Columbus Crew make the trip without injured midfielder Alexandru Matan but he is the only confirmed absentee for the visitors.
Columbus Crew have made a strong start in the defence of their title but could find Charlotte FC a difficult nut to crack on their own turf. Charlotte FC do not loss many games or concede many goals on home soil and this game could end level, with under 2.5 goals scored.