{"id":47666,"date":"2023-09-16T00:56:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T04:56:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/?p=47666"},"modified":"2023-09-16T00:56:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T04:56:36","slug":"charlotte-d-c-united-match-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2023\/09\/16\/charlotte-d-c-united-match-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Charlotte FC vs. D.C. United Prediction for Sept. 16: Charlotte Hosts D.C. United in Critical Eastern Conference Fixture"},"content":{"rendered":"

11th-placed Charlotte FC will play host to D.C. United, who currently lie two spots ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings. The club from the nation’s capital occupies the final play-off spot for this year’s MLS Final Series<\/a>. The North Carolina outfit, meanwhile, is three points behind them, but has played two fewer games. Both teams need a win in the critical Eastern Conference fixture, while a draw likely hurts everyone.<\/p>\n

Charlotte FC Host Eastern Conference Play-Off Rival D.C. United<\/h2>\n

Current Form<\/h3>\n

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Both clubs come into the game in mixed form. D.C. United’s last three matches have consisted of a goalless draw against San Jose, a four-goal thrashing of Chicago at Audi Field, and a 3-1 loss to Philadelphia. They have not played an away fixture in nearly a month. Their hosts, Charlotte, are undefeated since August 11th. Nashville and Orlando City provided 1-1 draws before which LAFC was topped 2-1.<\/p>\n

Read More from the Author: <\/strong>\u2018Tough Decision\u2019: Arsenal Lose Club Veteran<\/a><\/p>\n

D.C. United possess a strong back line that is capable of shutting down opposing strikers. Charlotte, meanwhile, plays most of their games with tight, low scorelines that favor a swift counter-attacking style of offense. This gives the defense little time to react to the rapidly developing play. Coupled together it should produce a tight affair that will be decided by a moment of sheer brilliance.<\/p>\n

Players Who Will Decide the Match<\/h3>\n

Charlotte attacker Scott Arfield and Striker Christian Benteke<\/a> of D.C. United could be the key player for their clubs in this match. Each has scored twice in the past three games. Benteke’s scored both in the route of Chicago, while Arfield’s were critical late-game goals that gave his team a win and a draw. They will have limited chances against skilled defenders, but the one that plays better will give their team an edge.<\/p>\n

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Final stretch, the time is now. #ForTheCrown<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Np2pRiTJPq<\/a><\/p>\n

— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) September 15, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n