Club hosted and won first MLS Cup Playoff match in short history in 2024.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Charlotte FC took to the training pitch for the first time this MLS preseason, ahead of their 2025 season.Β
The club is coming off its best season in its young history, finishing the regular season in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and playing in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Their run came up short in the decisive game three against Orlando City, a moment that now motivates Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith.
“I felt last season we made some big strides, so much so that I told the players today that we should be a club that looks at the playoffs and if we don’t make the playoffs that’s a failure big time for this club,” Smith said.Β
There is a lot of continuity from last season’s roster, with names like Kristijan Kahlina, Karol Swiderski and Patrick Agyemang returning to Charlotte FC. The club has also reacquired Pep Biel on loan, as they look to build on the success they established in 2024.Β
“I stood in this room at the start of last season telling the players that I thought we could go and compete for the Supporter’s Shield and the MLS Cup,” Smith said. “I’m not sure how many of the players who were sat where you are believed me. If I say the same thing to them now, I think they’ll start believing.”
While there is not a lot of roster turnover, Dean Smith still is looking for a key piece to add to his attack in order to compete with some of the best in MLS.
“You look at the [designated players] in this league from last season in Columbus who scored a number of goals, you’ve obviously got Messi, you’ve got Bernardeschi, these sort of players are top players who can win games for you,” Smith said. “We need a player, I believe, when we’re not playing so well and it’s a 0-0, 1-1 game, they can produce their magic to go win the game for us.Β
Charlotte FC travels to Miami on January 19 to continue training camp and play in a series of friendlies.Β
