Charlotte FC v New York Red Bulls: Belief beginning to grow in Smith´s side

Charlotte FC are gaining confidence at the right time, believes head coach Dean Smith, as they aim to continue their push for the playoffs against the New York Red Bulls.

The Crown have been in imperious form, winning their last six league matches in a row to propel them up to seventh and within eight points of the Eastern Conference summit.

Charlotte’s last three triumphs have also seen them keep three clean sheets, having failed to record a shutout since a 2-0 win over New York City FC in early July.

And ahead of welcoming the Red Bulls to the Bank of America Stadium, Smith revealed that a new-found belief within his squad has contributed to their upturn in results.

“I think we have gained a little bit of confidence and belief,” Smith said. “There is more togetherness in the group after we lost our way during the run of 10 away games in 12.

“We made some individual mistakes that cost us goals. Looking back at it now, it was probably mental fatigue, but we had lost both our full-backs.

“I think the confidence in the players has almost certainly contributed to that for sure.”

Prime time.