Established in 2022, Charlotte FC are headed to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
Head coach Dean Smith's team punched their return ticket with Wednesday's 4-3 win vs. Chicago Fire FC.
Charlotte are seventh in the Eastern Conference (45 points; 12W-11L-9D), potentially sneaking into a top-four spot during their final matches.
Star players
Charlotte boast the East's second-best best defense, allowing just 37 goals during Smith's first season. USMNT defender Tim Ream joined the Crown's backline this summer, adding experience alongside Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett.
Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina is one of MLS' best shot-stoppers, posting 10 clean sheets, all while club captain Ashley Westwood (2g/6a) patrols the midfield.
The Crown's attack remains a work in progress, with DP No. 10 Pep Biel and Polish international Karol Swiderski seeking chemistry. Striker Patrick Agyemang (8g/5a) is their leading scorer, followed by wingers Liel Abada (6g/2a) and Kerwin Vargas (6g/1a).
Charlotte are looking to advance past the Wild Card round for the first time in their history. Will this be the year?
Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs
MLS Cup presented by Audi is set for Dec. 7, while the playoffs begin Oct. 22-23 with Wild Card matches. All games can be watched on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
- Seeds 1-7 in each conference qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series.
- Seeds 8-9 in each conference qualify for the Wild Card matches.
