Week 6 Game Preview: Charlotte at Colorado
The boys look to keep their win streak alive this Saturday as they head out west for the first time this season. Coming into the game, Charlotte sits in second place in the East on ten points. The Crown has made some club history during the first five matches of the season, as the ten points is the best start Charlotte has had through this point in the season. While the team is undefeated at the Fortress, they are looking to pick up their first road win on Saturday.
When you have a dominant 4-1 win, you are sure to get some recognition. Midfielder Pep Biel contributed to three goals last Saturday, scoring once and assisting twice. This performance earned him the MLS Player of the Matchday. In the absence of Patrick Agyemang and Tim Ream, Souleyman Doumbia and Idan Toklomati both got their first MLS starts. I was impressed with how the guys performed and like the flexibility they provide in the lineup. Defender Andrew Privett picked up a red card in the second half last week and could miss this date with Colorado. With Pat and Tim back in the fold along with Andrew’s red card, Dean and the rest of the staff may have to tinker with the lineup.
A two game win streak is great, you know what else is great? Being tied for the best goal difference in the entire league. Charlotte currently has a plus six goal difference, putting them in a tie with the Philadelphia Union for top spot in the category. Colorado comes into the match seventh in the west with eight points and a goal difference of minus one. Charlotte has scored four more goals than Colorado so far this season (ten to Charlotte and six for the Rapids). Charlotte also has allowed three less goals than Colorado, with the Rapids letting seven slip into the net while four have slipped past the Crown.
Pep Biel is tied for the league lead with four assists so far this season. Goalkeep Kristijan Kahlina looks to add another clean sheet to his record this Saturday. If he is able to do so, that will give him three through the first six games. On the offensive side, Pep Biel is leading the way with two goals this season and seven players are close behind, tied at one. Will Pep continue to be the man at the top or will someone else take his crown?
Both teams have firsts on the line this week, Charlotte is looking for their first road win while the Rapids are looking for their first win in front of the home supporters. I think this match goes in favor of the Crown 2-0. Liel Abada and Patrick Agyemang join Pep at the top with one goal each and Kahlina makes some key saves and the boys head back home with three points.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 pm at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.