Charlotte FC 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions
By Chris Smith
After exceeding expectations in their debut season, Charlotte FC head into 2023 looking to achieve something special.
The Crown shocked everyone by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, missing out on the MLS Cup Playoffs by just six points.
CLTFC had their ups and downs, from setting the MLS attendance record in their first home match against the LA Galaxy to firing first-ever head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez midway through the season. But overall, the signs are very promising.
So, here's everything you need to know about Charlotte FC ahead of the new MLS season, including tactics, key players, and predictions.
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How did Charlotte FC perform in 2022?
- Regular season: 9th in Eastern Conference
- MLS Cup Playoffs: Didn't qualify
- US Open Cup: Round-of-16
Charlotte FC transfer activity
Transfers in
Player | Former Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Enzo Copetti | Racing Club | $6m |
Ashley Westwood | Burnley | Free transfer |
Brandon Cambridge | Portland Pilots | Free transfer |
Patrick Agyemang | RI Rams | SuperDraft |
Hamady Diop | Clemson Tigers | SuperDraft |
Transfers out
Player | Club Joined | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Koa Santos | Loudoun United | Free transfer |
Jordy Alcivar | Independiente | Undisclosed |
Daniel Rios | Chivas | Undisclosed |
Adrian Zendejas | Miami FC | Loan |
Quinn McNeill | - | Released |
Christian Fuchs | - | Retired |
Christian Lattanzio: Tactics and style of play
The more time he had with his players, the more Christian Lattanzio's plan became clear once he took over from Ramirez last season.
Lattanzio most often opted to set up in a 4-3-3 system, inverting the full-backs when Charlotte had the ball to allow the more advanced central midfielders to act as dual No.10s. The basic principles were about keeping the ball, using wingers to occupy opposing full-backs, and causing overloads through the middle with those advanced midfielders.
On occasion, Lattanzio did switch to a 4-4-2, partnering Daniel Rios alongside DP striker Karol Swiderski. This season, with the addition of Argentine marksman Enzo Copetti, expect to see something closer to a 4-2-3-1, with Swiderski playing as a second striker behind the new arrival.
Charlotte FC predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Corujo, Mora; Westwood, Bronico; Santos, Swiderski, Jozwiak; Copetti.
Who is Charlotte FC's key player?
Karol Swiderski
The signing of Copetti should work wonders for Charlotte FC's attack, but so much still depends on the form of Karol Swiderski.
CLTFC's first-ever DP, Swiderski - who represented Poland at the World Cup in Qatar - hit 10 goals and four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022. It's a healthy total to start with, but one that he'll be keen to improve this time around.
More important will be the way he links Copetti to the midfield. Swiderski is an excellent false 9 but this season, his role will be closer to that of a conventional 10, creating for Copetti, servicing wingers, and providing a forward option for Charlotte's deeper players.
Charlotte FC 2023 season prediction
This time last year, you'd struggle to find anyone outside the club predicting Charlotte FC finishing anywhere but bottom not just of the East, but overall. Given how things have gone for expansion teams in the last few years,
However, once the players gelled, things started taking off, especially when Lattanzio got used to his unexpected role as head coach.
In the end, the Crown actually felt quite disappointed not to make the MLS Cup Playoffs and with some extra firepower and the added experience of Ashley Westwood in midfield, they could go one better in 2023.
Will Charlotte FC qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs? Yes