Match Summary
Charlotte defeated FC Cincinnati 1:0. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by W. Zaha 85′. 5 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. FC Cincinnati had 50% possession while Charlotte held 50%. FC Cincinnati had 17 shots (7 on target) compared to 8 (3 on target) for Charlotte. Expected goals: FC Cincinnati 1.70 — Charlotte 0.56. FC Cincinnati made 5 substitutions, Charlotte made 3. VAR was involved: Card upgrade (Tah Anunga 69′).
Match Events
Key match events between FC Cincinnati and Charlotte — 1 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: I. Toklomati
Match Statistics
FC Cincinnati had 50% possession against Charlotte's 50%. FC Cincinnati registered 17 shots (7 on target) while Charlotte managed 8 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 5–2. Fouls committed: 11–15.
Lineups
FC Cincinnati lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Patrick John Noonan, while Charlotte deployed a 4-4-2 under Dean Smith.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for FC Cincinnati is 6.88, compared to 6.86 for Charlotte. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. FC Cincinnati's highest-rated starter is P. Bucha (7.11), while Charlotte's best-rated player is K. A. Calderon Vargas (7.01).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of FC Cincinnati have contributed 5 goals and 2 assists this season, led by G. Valenzuela (4G). Charlotte's starters account for 14 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by K. A. Calderon Vargas (6G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
FC Cincinnati deploy 3 defenders rated — on average, against Charlotte's 4-man backline averaging 6.87. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
FC Cincinnati field 4 midfielders averaging 6.95, versus Charlotte's 4 rated 6.86. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
FC Cincinnati start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.73, compared to 2 for Charlotte averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 42% for FC Cincinnati and 48% for Charlotte. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
FC Cincinnati's starters have collected 2 yellow cards this season, compared to 23 for Charlotte. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of FC Cincinnati's starting XI is 25.7 (youngest: G. Valenzuela (21), oldest: T. Anunga (29)), while Charlotte average 29.3 (youngest: K. A. Calderon Vargas (23), oldest: T. Ream (38)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
FC Cincinnati's starters average 14 league appearances each, versus 27 for Charlotte. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, FC Cincinnati have recorded 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats. Charlotte show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
FC Cincinnati
Charlotte
Head to Head
FC Cincinnati and Charlotte have met 1 times — FC Cincinnati won 0, Charlotte won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Charlotte leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.00 per match (0 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–0 in 2025.
0
FC Cincinnati
0
Drawn
1
Charlotte
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026