It might be easy to determine what end of the field is going to be the most intriguing when Charlotte FC visit the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night at Harrison, N.J.
The Red Bulls are last in the MLS in scoring with 11 goals; Charlotte has surrendered a league-high 33 goals.
“These are the mistakes we make,” Charlotte coach Christian Lattanzio said. “It’s frustrating. I’m proud that we have 22 points until now, but I think we have two or three points, at least, missing.”
The Red Bulls (4-6-7, 19 points) have been off since June 3, when they dropped a 3-0 decision to Orlando City. New York has stayed competitive because it has yielded only 16 goals — or less than half that Charlotte has given up.
Charlotte FC (6-8-4, 22 points) will have particular challenges in trying to snap a three-game winless streak other than playing on the road and coming off an 11-day layoff. Leading scorer Karol Swiderski, who has five goals, will be absent as he plays for Poland’s national team. Plus, defender Bill Tuiloma is off playing with New Zealand.
“I think we’re at a stage where we need to continue to have patience, but not be complacent,” Charlotte midfielder Justin Merman said.
The Red Bulls will be without Cory Burke (Jamaica) and defender John Tolkin (U.S.). Cristian Casseres Jr. (Venezuela) is back from a national team assignment, but it’s unclear if he’ll play.
“(Tolkin is) getting this opportunity, and we’re thrilled,” Red Bulls coach Troy Lesesne said. “We’ll certainly miss him and I think he is a leader in our group.”
Cameron Harper and Kyle Duncan can play on both left and right sides, Lesesne said in stressing versatility on the New York roster.
“We have options,” Lesesne said.
During New York’s break in the schedule, Zach Prince joined the club as an assistant coach.
Charlotte and New York played to a 1-1 draw in March at Charlotte. All time, the Red Bulls have won two of four meetings (2-1-1), with both wins coming at home.
–Field Level Media
