North Charlotte Today

Charlotte FC winger Iuri Tavares has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday following his performance in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC. The match, held on Saturday, saw Tavares play a crucial role in both goals for Charlotte FC.

Tavares replaced Liel Abada in the starting lineup, as Abada is currently with the Israeli national team at the Olympic Games. During the match, Tavares was instrumental in Charlotte FC's attack. He earned a penalty that led to Karol Swiderski’s equalizer in the 33rd minute and later scored himself from an Ashley Westwood cross in the 56th minute, putting Charlotte FC ahead temporarily.

This marks Tavares’ third goal of the season. He has featured in 20 matches for Charlotte FC this year after signing a First Team contract during preseason. The Cape Verde international initially joined Crown Legacy FC in 2023 and excelled in MLS NEXT Pro with 12 goals and four assists across 26 appearances.

Before joining Charlotte, Tavares developed through Benfica Academy and made his professional debut with Vitoria Guimaraes on November 21, 2021. His last club before moving to Crown Legacy FC was Estoril Praia SAD.

Charlotte FC is currently positioned sixth in the Eastern Conference with 37 points as Major League Soccer pauses for Leagues Cup 2024. In this competition, they are grouped with Philadelphia Union and Liga MX leaders Cruz Azul. Upcoming fixtures include an away game against Philadelphia next Saturday and a home match versus Cruz Azul on July 31.

The full Team of the Matchday for Week 28 includes:

Forwards: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Joseph Paintsil (LA), Lewis Morgan (RBNY)

Midfielders: Richie Laryea (TOR), Dániel Gazdag (PHI), Cole Bassett (COL), Iuri Tavares (CLT)

Defenders: Jordi Alba (MIA), Stian Gregersen (ATL), Griffin Dorsey (HOU)

Goalkeeper: Roman Bürki (STL)

Coach: Steve Cherundolo (LAFC)

Bench players include Hugo Lloris (LAFC), Peyton Miller (NE), Joseph Rosales (MIN), Yannick Bright (MIA), Riqui Puig (LA), Andrés Gómez (RSL), Saba Lobjanidze (ATL), Fafà Picault (VAN) and Willy Agada (SKC).