Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 11/4
Bookmaker: BetUS
Meeting for the fourth time in under a year, Charlotte FC welcome Orlando City to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday afternoon in North Carolina.
The Crown sit three points adrift of the Eastern Conference playoff spots after falling 3-2 to the Chicago Fire in their last MLS outing, while the Lions remain in fifth place despite a 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati.
Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC’s recent road swing was far from fruitful, with four losses in five away matches leaving them on the outside looking in at the Eastern Conference playoff race. However, Dean Smith can take some comfort in the upcoming schedule, as three of the club’s next four league games will be played at Bank of America Stadium—where Charlotte have been a much stronger side.
The Crown have claimed six wins from eight home matches this season, showcasing their defensive solidity by conceding one goal or fewer in six of those games and posting three clean sheets. That said, another defeat this weekend would mark their third home loss of the 2025 campaign, equalling their total from all of 2024.
When ahead at the break, Charlotte have been clinical at home in this competition, holding a perfect 3-0 record when leading at half-time and outscoring opponents 10-3 in those matches.
They’ve also had Orlando City’s number at Bank of America Stadium in recent meetings, going unbeaten in their last four home clashes with the Lions in all competitions. That run includes their first and only playoff victory, earned via a penalty shootout win last season.
Team News
In terms of personnel, Charlotte were without Nathan Byrne (sore neck) and Nimfasha Berchimas (foot injury) in their loss to Chicago, and neither’s availability for Saturday is guaranteed. Tim Ream and Patrick Agyemang remain away on international duty with the United States following their progression to the Gold Cup final, while Wilfried Zaha will miss out through suspension after picking up a fifth yellow card.
Pep Biel and Idan Gorno Toklomati both scored second-half goals last weekend, but their efforts weren’t enough to salvage a result as Charlotte fell 3-2.
Orlando City
While Charlotte FC will be glad to return to home turf, Orlando City may feel equally encouraged by hitting the road, given their recent struggles at Inter & Co Stadium, where they’ve lost three of their last four competitive outings.
Oscar Pareja’s men have been one of the more resilient road teams in MLS this season, earning at least a point in eight of their last nine league matches away from home—including the last two. Their defensive record on the road has been solid as well, conceding one goal or fewer on six occasions and registering five clean sheets.
That said, game management remains a concern. Orlando have dropped 10 points this season from winning positions in matches where they opened the scoring—an issue they’ll need to address in tight contests like Saturday’s.
Despite those lapses, the Lions remain a major offensive force. Through 20 matchdays, they boast the Eastern Conference’s highest goal tally (37) and the third-best expected goals total (34.0), underlining the threat they pose going forward.
Orlando are also unbeaten in their last six competitive meetings with Charlotte FC in regulation time, although their only win at Bank of America Stadium came back in 2022 (2-1).
Team News
The news remains mixed for Pareja. Duncan McGuire (shoulder) and Joran Gerbet (thigh) missed the recent loss to Cincinnati and are doubtful for Saturday. Defender Alexander Freeman is also unavailable, as he remains on international duty after helping the U.S. reach the Gold Cup final.
Marco Pasalic scored a late goal against Cincy to spark a late push, and he now shares the team’s scoring lead with Martín Ojeda—both players sitting on nine goals for the season. They will be key figures once again as Orlando look to continue their strong away form in Charlotte.
Conclusion
With both teams short on confidence but boasting contrasting strengths—Charlotte’s formidable home record and Orlando City’s solid away form—a closely fought contest appears likely. Given the circumstances, an entertaining draw seems the most plausible outcome.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 11/4
Bookmaker: BetUS
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