Charlotte FC faces must-win game vs. Chicago Fire to secure MLS playoff spot

Charlotte FC is reaching the most critical juncture of the season. In Bank of America Stadium, against Chicago Fire, a victory will determine if the team is to be in a position to reach the Major League Soccer playoffs. Success in such a case can define the future of the club. The final stretch has been a seesaw of ups and downs, and that brought in question marks on the team's ability to be outstanding once they reach the postseason.

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Charlotte FC's Inconsistent 2023 Season

So far, the 2023 season hasn't turned out quite like Charlotte FC fans had hoped it would. Under the coaching of Dean Smith, the team's performance has been spotty. When Charlotte won only one of its last five away games, alarm bells started ringing. Still, their draw against Inter Miami-bolstered by the star power of Lionel Messi-offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that maybe this team will get a grip on how to rise to the occasion in big games.

On the flip side, the wins have been few and far between. Drawing away from home was a decent result on the larger scale, yet it's equally difficult to get past the notion that Charlotte should be far more incisive offensively. Statistically, the team is averaging just 1.4 goals per game-well below par of a team attempting to attain a direct playoff position.

A Closer Look at the Stats

Statistics from Charlotte FC's last 10 games point to a team that needs changes across the field. In addition to struggling on offense, the team has let in an average of 1.3 goals per game. An attack not firing on all cylinders, combined with a defense that leaves much to be desired.

We can see that Charlotte FC do not carry much offensive punch, with an average of just 4.2 shots on goal per game. That may prove a deciding factor as the season heads toward its climax, as critical games usually come down to matters like a team's ability to capitalize on their scoring chances. The low corner kick count-just 3.4 per game-highlights how the team struggles to sustain pressure on opponents.

The Matchup Against Chicago Fire

At this stage, with Chicago Fire almost out of playoff contention, many would think this should be an easy game for Charlotte. However, teams that have nothing left to play for can often play freely, and that can become a danger. Now 15th in the Eastern Conference, Chicago has very little to gain from the rest of the season, but that doesn't mean they'll make things easy.

The fact remains that Charlotte FC needs to take their match against the Chicago Fire seriously. Playing at home in front of their fans, the team needs to take all three points to avoid any late-season complications. Any slip-up will cost dearly.