DC United has a chance to move out of the basement of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer with a victory over Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday with kickoff at 11 pm.
Charlotte’s poor second-half performances have pushed them outside of the playoff picture, as they conceded four times in the opening 45 minutes versus Toronto, losing 4-0, after allowing three goals in the final 30 minutes against Inter Miami in a 3-2 defeat.
The team still finds itself in contention for a playoff spot, trailing FC Cincinnati by three points and now with a game in hand. Their next two matches will be played at home, where Charlotte has earned 21 of their 26 points this season.
Bank of America Stadium has acted like a 12th man for this side, who have used that large venue to their advantage, conceding a goal or fewer on nine occasions while posting four clean sheets.
The Black and Red benefited from a late surge to register a 10th win when trailing heading into injury time. DC ended a five-match winless run in all competitions with the victory, which came after 20 goals allowed in six matches played in all competitions. Wayne Rooney must fix his team’s defensive woes, as they have allowed 44 goals this year, second-most in the league.
Charlotte FC vs. DC United Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with visitors taking the win while hosts winless. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Toronto 4-0 Charlotte
- Charlotte 1-1 Chelsea
- Inter Miami 3-2 Charlotte
- Charlotte 4-1 Nashville
Away
- DC United 2-1 Orlando City
- DC United 1-2 Montreal
- Bayern Munich 6-2 DC United
- Minnesota 2-0 DC United
Charlotte Team News
In their last home game, Charlotte got contributions from four players: Christian Fuchs, Karol Swiderski, Sergio Ruiz, and Andre Shinyashiki all scored in a 4-1 triumph over Nashville SC. Additionally, Ben Bender continues to be one of their main creators in the midfield, leading them with five assists. Jordy Alcivar has 20 key passes, while Jaylin Lindsey has 15.
DC United Team News
Ravel Morrison made his debut for DC United, playing the entire 90 minutes, while Homegrown Player Jackson Hopkins started, and Kimarni Smith and Ola Kamara each picked up an assist. Brad Smith is out with a knee issue, Bill Hamid will be sidelined long-term due to a problem in his hand, and Adrien Perez continues to nurse a foot injury.
Prediction and Odds
Although Charlotte indeed plays their best at home, D.C. United should have momentum after their previous match and will likely defeat a struggling Charlotte side in the final third.
- Away Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- First Half: 1-1
