The Full Time Clip: Charlotte FC Secure Playoff Berth After Wild Match

Recap:

Charlotte FC versus Chicago Fire never seems to disappoint. So why would the night Charlotte are looking to clinch a spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs be any different? Seven goals, some stellar play and a little controversey to go along with it. But in the end, The Crown are headed to the postseason, guarenteed at least 8th place in the Eastern Conference as things stand tonight.

The front three of the CLTFC attack came to play. Three goals and three assists from Karol Swiderski, Pep Biel and Liel Abada. Charlotte FC fans have been waiting to see what their designated players can unlock on the pitch together and you saw it tonight. Early on in the match, you could see Pep Biel was going to have a night. He moved about the pitch with total swagger, connecting passes, creating chances and no fear to take hits on goal. It wasn't long until it started resulting in tallies on the scoresheet. In the 8th minute, Charlotte FC scored what you could argue as the best team goal in their young history. Strong midfield play resulted in the ball at Biel's feet with space to create. He linked up with Karol Swiderski in a beautiful bout of give & go work just outside the box, ultimately resulting in Karol finishing off the move and giving Charlotte the lead.

Moments later, Junior Urso found the back of the net with a clean header off an inch perfect ball from Pep and the boys were flying. Junior will be happy to see that one go in, his first with the Black & Blue. The last two matches he has had near misses with his head, third times a charm.

Chicago Fire would find a way back into the match, briefly, off a freak deflection. Nathan Byrne blocked a cross into the box but an unfortunate bounce and unique spin on the ball found its way to Fabian Herbers who managed to sneak the ball past Kristian Kahlina. Unlucky. Byrne would get some revenge right before the half, putting a beautiful ball into the box for Swiderski to head it home.

The current tactics are seeing Byrne push higher up the pitch and he was due for an assist, it finally happened tonight. For Karol, that's his first brace of the season and almost a year to the day since his last for The Crown. He had a brace against Toronto FC on 10/4/23.

The second half was, interesting. After a quiet first ten minutes, Liel Abada made it 4-1 for The Crown after pure hustle play in the attacking half.

It felt like Charlotte were going to coast to a 4-1 win and lock up a playoff spot. Not so fast. Kellyn Acosta hit an absolute worldie from outside the box in 67' and Tom Barlow added another in the 93' making things very nervvy for The Crown in the final minutes. The question on both goals, was there offside calls to be made that effected the play? No VAR on either goal after much complaining from Charlotte FC players, coaches and fans. So much so that Karol Swiderski and the Charlotte FC bench received yellow cards for dissent.

Nevertheless, the boys saw out the victory and that's all they needed tonight. The three points locks up a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs with two matches to go in the regular season. Setting up a massive match at home on Saturday as Charlotte FC face CF Montreal, the team sitting right behind them in the table. A draw could see them secure a spot in Round 1 and avoid any chance at a Wild Card match this postseason.