Orlando City Could Crush Charlotte FC's Playoff Hopes for Good

It’s crunch time for Charlotte FC. Midweek, they’re up against Orlando City in one of those games where everything feels like it’s on the line. And hey, if you think that’s an overstatement, just check the Eastern Conference standings. Only two points separate these two teams, and this head-to-head matchup – or should I say, this six-pointer – could be the difference between a playoff spot or yet another year of heartbreak for Charlotte fans.

Let’s be real, things haven’t been going well for Dean Smith’s squad. They’re coming off back-to-back losses, their defense, once solid, now looks like Swiss cheese, and their attack… well, it’s just gone cold. They haven’t scored from open play since July! It’s been months of this drought, and you’ve got to wonder what’s going on with this team.

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While Charlotte FC is struggling to avoid stupid mistakes and get their attack firing again, Orlando City is flying high. The Florida team is on a roll, winning six of their last eight games. They’ve climbed the table, snatched fifth place from Charlotte, and now they’re ready to dig that hole even deeper for Dean Smith’s boys. And that makes this game so much more than just another midweek match. We’re talking about a showdown that could decide who’s dreaming of the playoffs and who’s planning their off-season vacations.

Honestly, if you’re a Charlotte fan, it’s hard not to be worried. What we’ve seen over the past few weeks is a team that, despite showing defensive strength for most of the season, seems to have forgotten how to play together. This was painfully clear in their loss to CF Montreal. Those two goals weren’t just on the defenders – the whole team failed to make those quick transitions they’ve been known for.

Dean Smith didn’t hide his frustration, saying his team just wasn’t playing their brand of soccer. "We can’t give away stupid goals like that..." And he’s right. But let’s face it, blaming the defense alone isn’t gonna fix Charlotte’s problems. It’s not just the backline that’s struggling.

One of Charlotte’s biggest issues lately has been the lack of fight in the midfield. Earlier in the season, their midfield trio was shutting down attacks, forcing opponents to play out wide. But now, it seems like they’re getting torn apart in every direction. The midfield isn’t pressing with the same intensity, they’re not winning duels, and they’re leaving the defense exposed.

And that’s one of the main reasons the defense has been leaking goals. When you lose control of the midfield, everything falls apart. Orlando City’s attack is quick and deadly, so if Charlotte doesn’t tighten up in the middle, it’s gonna be a long and painful night for the home team.

But, hey, here’s the silver lining: we know Charlotte is capable of bouncing back. This isn’t the first time they’ve lost two in a row this season, and every other time, they’ve come roaring back in the next game.

Still, it’s been over two months since they scored from open play. You can’t win games if you don’t put the ball in the net, and Charlotte is making life tough on themselves by failing to break down opposing defenses with creative plays.

A lot of that comes down to the lack of purposeful passing. What we’ve been seeing is a slow, unimaginative team in the final third. They’re passing the ball around, but nothing happens. They need to pass with more intent, be quicker, sharper. Against Orlando, who’s in red-hot form, this is more important than ever. If they keep up this sluggish play, they’re gonna get shut down by Orlando’s defense, no question.

Looking at the bigger picture, there’s no denying that all the pressure is on Charlotte. Dean Smith’s team has a lot to lose, while Orlando City is sitting comfortably and brimming with confidence. But, as the coach loves to remind us, MLS is that crazy league where anyone can beat anyone on any given day. And if there’s one thing that could work in Charlotte’s favor, it’s that pressure sometimes brings out the best in teams.

Dean Smith talked about how important it is for the players to see this moment as a fresh start, a “new beginning.” With just six games left, every single one is a final, and the team knows their fate is on the line. This kind of mentality could be the fuel they need to turn things around. If they can pull off a win against Orlando, not only will they jump back into a playoff spot, but they’ll also regain the confidence they need to close out the season strong.

Sure, the situation isn’t great, but this could also be a golden opportunity for Charlotte FC to prove what they’re made of. A win would keep them alive in the playoff race and send a clear message that they’ve still got something to say this season. This game against Orlando is about so much more than just three points.