Thoughts After the Match: Charlotte 0- Miami 1
This past Sunday, Charlotte FC faced off against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in a meeting between teams near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference table. The last time these two teams met, on September 28, 2024, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This game had a different outcome, with Miami winning 1-0.
The starting XI was the same as last week. I like this move as it gives the boys more game time to build chemistry and find out how their roles complement each other. I liked Zaha making runs towards the goal but I've said it once and I’ll say it again: Created chances need to be converted into goals. To put it simply, you can’t win if you aren’t finding the back of the net. That isn’t just on Zaha, Patrick Agyemang has been disappointing so far this season. A player that I had high hopes for has failed to find the back of the net yet this season. To be starting every week, you need to produce.
A turning point in this game should have been in the 38th minute when Oscar Ustari received a straight red card after taking Zaha down. Miami was down to 10 men the rest of the match. Myself (and many Charlotte fans) would have liked to see the Crown capitalize on this. Instead, both teams went into the break tied 0-0. Miami answered coming out of the break as Luis Suarez assisted Tadeo Allende to put Miami up by one. This goal proved crucial as Miami was able to park the bus and deny Charlotte any chance at equalizing.
The boys head home as a date with FC Cincinnati is scheduled for 7:30 pm on March 15th. Another home game is on the schedule as San Jose comes to the Queen City on March 22nd for another 7:30 pm kickoff.