Charlotte FC is one result away from punching its playoff ticket. A win or a draw against the Portland Timbers tonight would clinch a postseason spot for the Crown, as reported by Deadspin. Kickoff at Providence Park is 10:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV, per the club’s schedule.
Where Things Stand
Charlotte sits at 13-9-8 with 47 points. A result in Portland is the cleanest way in, though Deadspin notes the club has other paths to clinch as well. Form has been a little shaky, with Charlotte going 1-2-1 over its last four, including last week’s 2-2 road draw with the Philadelphia Union.
Portland is in a tough spot. The Timbers are 9-14-7 with 34 points and haven’t won in seven straight matches (0-4-3). They sit five points back of the final Western Conference playoff spot.
The Toklomati Factor
The big reason Charlotte is here: Idan Toklomati. The 22-year-old Israeli forward has a franchise-record 13 goals this season, after scoring 11 in his first year with the club. He has eight goals in his last 10 matches and four in his last three.
“His all-round performances are getting better and better,” head coach Dean Smith said.
The IAHHM Take
Charlotte has built one of the loudest soccer cultures in the country, and the Queen City deserves meaningful games in late fall. This team has a real scorer now, and that changes everything in a playoff race.
The danger is that Portland is desperate and playing at home. A team on a seven-game winless run can be dangerous when its season is on the line. Charlotte doesn’t need to be pretty tonight. It just needs at least a point.
Carolina, are you staying up for the late kick? Drop your score prediction.
Source: Deadspin
