Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith has a key message for his team ahead of their match against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
“No complacency,” he said.
There’s good reason for this reminder. Charlotte (2-1-2, 8 points) is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference after a franchise-record 6-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on March 21. In contrast, Philadelphia is struggling at 0-5-0 following a 2-1 defeat at home to the Chicago Fire.
Charlotte’s only loss this season came from the Los Angeles Galaxy on February 28. The team had a strong March with a record of 2-0-1, the draw occurring on March 14 against Inter Miami. Aside from the three goals allowed in the match against the Galaxy, Charlotte has only conceded three goals in their other four games.
Smith is stressing the importance of not underestimating their opponent.
“Games aren’t played on paper,” he noted. “They’re played on the pitch. They’ve lost a center back and a left back, and they’ve had some bad luck.”
This season has seen a significant downturn for the Union, who previously won the Supporters’ Shield for best regular-season performance. The recent international break may have provided a needed pause.
Coach Bradley Carnell stated that the team has been using the break to figure out how to secure their first win.
“We’ve had many meetings and discussions,” he said. “There’s been hard work on the training ground, and the team is focused on Charlotte.”
Carnell emphasized the need for discipline, as the Union have played with ten men twice this season due to red cards.
“We need to closely examine our approach,” said Philadelphia captain Alejandro Bedoya.
Bedoya has contributed two assists, while the Union ranks last in MLS with just three goals. In contrast, Pep Biel leads Charlotte with four goals.