Still looking for their first points of the season, Charlotte FC are seeking a more consistent effort on Saturday afternoon when they host Atlanta United.
Charlotte FC (0-2-0, 0 points) have scored one goal on 21 total shots. Enzo Copetti recorded the goal in last Saturday’s road game against St. Louis City SC, yet Charlotte then allowed three unanswered tallies in the 3-1 loss.
The match turned in the final five minutes of the first half. An own goal from Charlotte defender Bill Tuiloma allowed St. Louis to forge a tie, and then a Karol Swiderski handball in the box resulted in a penalty-kick goal.
Charlotte defender Nathan Byrne felt the “sloppy goals” conceded by his team early in the season have spoiled some winnable games.
“I think all of it in general, we’re frustrated with because we were we’re happy with how we’re going in terms of performances,” Byrne said. “We just need to turn those into wins.”
Although Atlanta United (1-0-1, 4 points) are unbeaten through two games, the Five Stripes also feel improvement is needed. Atlanta leads all MLS teams with 36 shots this season, yet it has a modest three goals scored.
The lack of finish loomed large in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Toronto FC. Although Atlanta outshot Toronto by a 16-4 margin and had 66.7 percent of the possession, it had to settle for a single point at home.
“We have such quality guys in the final third (of the field),” Atlanta defender Brooks Lennon said. “We just need to give them tap-ins instead of relying upon shots from outside the box.”
Matheus Rossetto scored Atlanta’s only goal against Toronto, but the midfielder is questionable for Saturday’s lineup due to a hamstring injury sustained in training.
Thiago Almada has two goals and an assist this season, factoring into all three of Atlanta’s goals.
–Field Level Media
