With potential lineup changes, Charlotte FC will look to alter the course of their inaugural season.
That quest kicks into gear when taking on Inter Miami CF on Saturday in Charlotte, N.C.
Charlotte (3-6-1, 10 points) recently added attackers Kerwin Vargas and Andre Shinyashiki. The newfound depth could allow for different combinations, something coach Miguel Ramirez said should come in handy.
“Now in terms of depth, we are more compensated,” Ramirez said. “We are also able to change the formation in one moment, having more wingers.”
Shinyashiki played against Charlotte late last month when he was with the Colorado Rapids.
“I was really impressed by the first trainings I’ve already had,” Shinyashiki said. “It’s really intense.”
Inter Miami (3-5-1, 10 points) is in transition with its roster as well. Attacker Indiana Vassilev is back on a loan from Aston Villa.
Vassilev, 21, played in 21 matches with seven starts for Miami last year. He produced three goals.
“There are a lot of new faces (here), but hopefully it’s for the better,” Vassilev said. “I obviously feel more comfortable with my surroundings now.”
Coach Phil Neville said Vassilev gives the lineup a jolt of speed and a knack for producing quality offense.
“He gives us really good depth now,” Neville said. “Indy probably plays three or four different positions.”
Inter Miami was a shutout victim last week at New England. The team has managed a total of three goals across four road games.
“There’s a big chunk of the season remaining,” Vassilev said.
Charlotte defender Christian Makoun played the past two seasons for Inter Miami.
After playing four of five April games on the road, Charlotte begins a three-game homestand and will try to halt a three-game winless streak.
This could be a good tonic because all three victories for the team have come on home turf.
“The confidence and the support that we have here at home, of course, we don’t have away,” Ramirez said. “The support and love from our people is amazing for us.”
–Field Level Media