Charlotte FC entered the 2025 Leagues Cup on a strong run, having won four consecutive regular season matches and remaining unbeaten in five. All three of their group stage matches took place at Bank of America Stadium, where they had achieved a 9-2-1 record during the MLS regular season.
The team’s positive momentum did not carry into the tournament. Charlotte FC suffered a 4-1 loss to FC Juarez in their opening match. With only four out of eighteen MLS clubs advancing from the first phase after three matches, this defeat and its impact on goal difference made progression unlikely.
Despite this setback, Charlotte FC took an early lead against Chivas Guadalajara in their second group game when Liel Abada scored. Chivas responded by equalizing and then taking the lead. An injury to midfielder Pep Biel affected both players and fans, but Kerwin Vargas managed to score from a difficult free kick position to level the match at 2-2. The match went to penalties, with Chivas emerging victorious, effectively ending Charlotte’s hopes for advancement.
By the time Charlotte faced C.F. Monterrey on August 7, elimination was confirmed. Head Coach Dean Smith used this opportunity to rotate his squad and rest key players. Bill Tuiloma and Tyger Smalls scored as Charlotte secured a 2-0 win over Rayados.
Following these mixed results in Leagues Cup play, Charlotte FC will return focus to Major League Soccer with nine matches left in the regular season. The club currently holds seventh place in the standings, sitting five points above the playoff line as they prepare for an away match against FC Cincinnati.
