Charlotte FC are going international as they head to Canada for the first time this season for their rematch against C.F. Montreal.
Here are the three ingredients of the match for Montreal.
Familiar Shape
In Charlotte’s outing last week against the Columbus Crew, they unexpectedly played against a three in the back formation. A similar shape to how Montreal like to set up.
While the Crew differ in their playing style – preferring to keep possession of the ball rather than play for transitions like Montreal – facing a familiar shape the week prior will help the team’s preparation for the match. They can pick apart what they were good and bad at against the Crew, and use that to improve their performance against Montreal.
Because of the congestion in the middle of pitch, CLTFC struggled to get their fullbacks involved against the Crew. Which was key in their win against the Red Bulls. Finding a way to get their fullbacks into the match is just one example of how CLTFC can use the Crew game as preparation for Montreal.
Defensive Frailty
Montreal have been a force to be reckoned with on offense this season scoring the 3rd most amount of goals this season in all of MLS. But it’s a different story on defense.
If they are lions on offense, they are kittens on defense. They’ve conceded the 5th most amount of goals in the league and have the 4th worst home defense in MLS. It’s become a habit for Montreal to win matches by outscoring opponents rather than being defensively sound.
CLTFC’s goal scoring record away has been lacking, but if there’s a team that will give up scoring opportunities, it’s Montreal.
Impose Our Game
CLTFC made strides with their comeback draw against the Columbus Crew. Not only was it the first time the Club had come away with points after conceding first away from home but also earning back-to-back points when playing home and away matches consecutively. The next step in the team's progression is to replicate how they play at home when they are the visitors.
Since becoming the interim head coach, Christian Lattanzio, has harped about imposing the team's game on their opponents, doesn't matter whether they are playing home or away.
"My expectations for the team is to be competitive from the first to the last minute and to try to impose our game," is what Lattanzio had to say in his first interview in charge about where he wants to see this team at.
Montreal will be a great opportunity to take steps towards this as they are fresh off a midweek match and missing their key playmaker, Djorde Mihailovic. Montreal have had mixed results at home, and the Crown should be salivating at the opportunity to exact revenge and earn that first away win.
In partnership with Harris Teeter, CLTFC is bringing you the Ingredients of the Match ahead of every time our team takes the pitch during this inaugural season. While the ingredients may differ from week to week, one thing we can all agree on is when it comes to matchday, it’s all about the food and the preparation and Harris Teeter has what you need. Score big with deals from great brands like Takis Rolled Tortilla and Takis Waves Chips from Barcel USA, Red Bull Energy Drinks and Ready to Drink Cold Brew and Draft Lattes from La Colombe for your matchday personal prep! Harris Teeter, an Official Grocery Store of Charlotte FC!
