Charlotte FC head to Miami looking to continue their momentum and make it three straight wins.
Here are the three ingredients of the match for Inter Miami:
Miami Wing It
On defense, Miami have a clear identity as a team that looks to be organized and compact and who are content to sit back and concede possession. But they tend to wing it when it comes to the offensive side of the game. They don’t have a clear strategy for creating scoring opportunities but instead rely more on individuals to generate chances that have had mixed results this season.
The only semi-consistent theme in their chance creation is wing play – especially through their right side. U.S. international and right back Deandre Yedlin plays on that side and is given the freedom to bomb forward into the attack.
But because of this, the right side is particularly vulnerable to counter attacks with the space behind Yedlin being exploitable. Space that Charlotte’s left winger, striker, and midfielders can run or dribble into to cause havoc.
More of the Same
“Yeah, I think just the way we've been playing the belief in keeping the ball and shifting side to side...,” said CLTFC midfielder Ben Bender on why the team has been clicking recently. “And, just Christian Lattanzio instilling the belief in us to be able to play that way. I think it's clicking for us now so we're going to continue to try and do that.”
And they should continue to do that. The team has seen a lot of success on both sides of the game in their last two matches. On defense, the high press has helped the team win the ball higher up the pitch allowing for threatening offensive transitions for the Crown.
And the team’s willingness to be more direct and move the ball quicker led to the Dynamo and Nashville matches to being some of their best offensive performances to date. An organized high press and fluidity and aggression in the attack have been the pillars of the team’s recent success. So, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?
Build on Belief
The team has harped on the importance of building belief through results. Earning their first away win against the Houston Dynamo was a massive leap for the team’s belief. They followed it up with a 4 – 1 thrashing of Nashville SC, a team considered by many as one of the most difficult to beat in the league.
Interim head coach, Christian Lattanzio, said that results like these give the players belief in themselves, in the system, and in their team. And belief is at an all-time high. A consecutive away win against Miami would do wonders to keep the momentum going into the important stretch of matches ahead.
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 Tostitos, Doritos & Rold Gold snacks from Frito Lay and Oreo, Chips Ahoy and Triscuits from Nabisco. for your matchday personal prep! Harris Teeter, an Official Grocery Store of Charlotte FC!
