CHARLESTON – Charlotte FC’s previous two matches in the Carolina Challenge Cup were intense, fast-paced, physical outings but against Inter Miami, it didn’t start out that way in the 1-2 loss.
The first half was slow, calculated, but at times seemed to be too pedestrian. Both teams seemed happy to sit back and defend but it was CLTFC who held the majority of possession throughout the first half.
The match picked up in intensity in the second half with the introduction of substitutes and both teams beginning to press. It was a half full of end-to-end action but Miami were the more clinical of the two teams in the end, scoring both goals off of just two total shots.
Formation Switch
The first thing you’d notice right out of the gate for Charlotte FC was the change in formation. CLTFC head coach Miguel Ramírez has opted for a 4-3-3 for most of the preseason but against Miami he switched the side to a 3-5-2.
It’s an adjustment that makes sense with the Club’s current lack of wingers but excess of quality center backs. The backline featured the trio of Guzman Corujo, Christian Makoun and Anton Walkes. Apart from the two sequences that led to the goals, Charlotte was well-structured in defense and limited Miami to minimal scoring opportunities.
The attacking trio resembled a triangle with Titi Ortíz playing behind the pairing of Yordy Reyna and McKinze Gaines.
Within this new formation, Charlotte FC looked more comfortable in possession than previous matches. Passing options were readily available leading to CLTFC dominating possession for large portions of the match.
With that said, it was the team’s first time utilizing the formation, so it wasn’t all perfect. There were times where the spacing between players was too wide but that’s to be expected when a team is familiarizing themselves with new formation.
The question now, does Ramírez continue to build on this formation or revert back to the 4-3-3 for the start of the MLS regular season?
Youngsters Shine
Struggling to create scoring opportunities has been a common trend for Charlotte this preseason tournament and it continued against Miami.
While the team managed to get into the final third on several occasions, they lacked the cohesion and creativity to make something of it.
Not having striker Karol Świderski certainly didn’t help things but there were some positive signs of improvement in the second half. A lot of those came from youngsters Ben Bender and Chris Thaggard.
First round pick Ben Bender finally had a chance to showcase his ability to fans and he made the most of it. He was lively and immediately impacted the match in the attacking third.
16-year-old Charlotte FC Academy product Chris Thaggard made history last game by being the first ever CLTFC Academy player to make a senior team appearance. He was given another opportunity to play against Miami and once again showed his quality beyond his years.
Exciting prospects for Charlotte FC fans to keep an eye on for the future.
Other Things to Note
- Charlotte FC striker Karol Świderski was unavailable for selection
- 25th minute opening goal came from Leonardo Campana, who’s on loan to Inter Miami from Wolverhampton Wanderers of the English Premier League
- Gonzalo Higuain scored the second goal for the Herons in the 50th minute.
- A penalty was called in favor of Charlotte FC in the 91st minute which defender Christian Makoun buried against his former team.
