North Charlotte Today

Charlotte FC is set to face a familiar Liga MX opponent, Cruz Azul, in their final group stage match of the Leagues Cup 2024. The encounter will take place at Bank of America Stadium, marking Charlotte's return home after four consecutive away matches. This game serves as a rematch of last year’s Leagues Cup Round of 32, where Charlotte secured a dramatic victory through a penalty shootout.

Playing at Bank of America Stadium for the first time in this year's Leagues Cup presents an opportunity for Charlotte FC to leverage their home advantage and passionate fanbase. Facing one of North America's prominent clubs, Cruz Azul, Charlotte aims to replicate their previous success and advance to the knockout stages.

A critical tactical aspect for Charlotte FC will be exploiting the ultra-high positioning of Cruz Azul's wingbacks. These wingbacks provide width and offensive thrust but can leave the team vulnerable to counter-attacks if not adequately covered. Charlotte's wingers and full-backs need to capitalize on these opportunities by targeting spaces left behind by advancing wingbacks. Quick transitions and precise passing into those areas will be crucial to stretch Cruz Azul’s defense and create goal-scoring chances.

Winning the midfield battle will also be essential for Charlotte FC in this high-stakes match. By gaining a numerical advantage in central areas, they can control the game's tempo and dictate play. This involves smart positioning, quick ball circulation, and dynamic movement from midfielders to outnumber and outmaneuver their Cruz Azul counterparts. Effective pressing and quick recoveries will be key to regaining control of the ball and preventing Cruz Azul from establishing their rhythm.