Week 5 Game Preview: Charlotte v San Jose
Game week five of the MLS season is almost here. On Saturday, Charlotte looks to move up in the Eastern Conference as they welcome the San Jose Earthquakes to the Fortress for a 7:30 pm kickoff. Charlotte enters Saturday 4th place in the east on seven points while San Jose has earned six points and sits in 6th place in the west.
A birthday happened in the Queen City on Wednesday as head coach Dean Smith celebrated his 54th birthday. A happy birthday to Dean and what could be a better present than a contract extension. Coach Smith and the club agreed to terms that will see Dean at the helm through 2027. As I mentioned last week, two players received call-ups to the USMNT for the Nations League. I believe both Patrick Agyemang and Tim Ream will not feature for the Crown on Saturday as they represented the Stars and Stripes when they took on Panama. Big Pat had a good week last week when he found the back of the net during Charlotte's 2-0 win against Cincinnati. Tim Ream, a regular in the Charlotte backline adds to his number of international caps and his leadership and presence on the backline will be missed.
Coming into the match, San Jose has earned six points, going 2-2 through four games. In these four games, the Quakes have a goal difference of plus three with seven goals scored and four goals allowed. While they may be 1-2 at home, they are 1-0 on the road. A team that can get in done away from home is always dangerous. On the flip side, Charlotte has seven points with a 2-1-1 record and a goal difference of three, allowing three and conceding three.
 If Khalina continues to perform like the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and the defense can hold their shape, I see Charlotte ending the night with three points. I think a key for the game is for the attack to get going early. Putting pressure on the defense and creating chances in attack early in the match can make the defense change plans, something Charlotte can capitalize on.
Now it’s time for my prediction. I think Charlotte wins 1-0. The goal will come from Adilson Malanda as he scores a header from a corner. I also think the defense holds their shape and prevents a San Jose attack in the second half while Khalina makes key saves to earn another clean sheet.Â
The boys hit the road next week as they travel to Colorado for a date with the Colorado Rapids at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 pm EST on the 29th.