Match Preview: D.C. United @ Charlotte FC June 15, 2024

Story of the Match

D.C. United and Charlotte FC will meet at Bank of America Stadium this weekend for their first meeting of the 2024 MLS season. D.C. United are currently on 19 points and are looking at Charlotte FC, who sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points.

Under first-year Charlotte manager, Dean Smith, the Crown will be eager to extend their winning ways at Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte are coming off a shock 3-2 victory over Atlanta United and will look to build momentum in front of their home crowd. With an offense that has yet to fire on all cylinders, Charlotte have relied on one of the conference’s stingiest defenses to rise up the standings so far in the 2024 season.

The Black-and-Red enter the match winless in five but saw a spark of life in their last match against Toronto FC. After going down two goals early, an offensive flurry in the second half rescued an important draw. Head coach Troy Lesesne will want a statement performance from his team, particularly their defense which hasn’t kept a clean sheet since April 20.

This is the first meeting between the two teams this season. Last season, they split their encounters with each team winning at home.

D.C. United have yet to come away with a win when visiting the Charlotte side since they joined as an expansion side in 2022. Points will be in high demand for both sides with the Black-and-Red aiming to climb back into the playoff picture this weekend.

By the Numbers

• Midfielder Jared Stroud leads the team with eight assists this season; Stroud also leads D.C. United with 13 big chances created this season.
• The Black-and-Red are ranked 4th in MLS with 5.8 accurate crosses per match; Charlotte FC ranked 26th with 3.2
• D.C. United have scored 25 goals this season; 16 from open play, 6 from set pieces and 3 from the penalty spot.
• Forward Christian Benteke continues to lead the league in Aerial Duels with 231 and Headed shots with 25.
• D.C. United are ranked 3rd in MLS averaging 11.5 successful tackles per match; Charlotte FC Ranked 29th with 8.1.