Charlotte FC ready for 'revenge game' vs. Atlanta United
Charlotte FC ready for 'revenge game' vs. Atlanta United
Plus: Lindsey inks new deal, Jozwiak secures his visa, Fans prepare 'The Poznan' cheer; Miguel Angel Ramirez setting fashion trends and more
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Charlotte FC looking to avenge 2-1 loss in Atlanta
Players from Charlotte and Atlanta getting acquainted during their first meeting last month. (Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.)
It’s hard to fathom a team that’s played only six games ever would already have a “revenge” game in mind, but that’s where Charlotte FC is coming from heading into Sunday’s game against Atlanta United.
That’s because the last time — which was also the first time — these two teams met (on March 13) Charlotte scored its first goal in franchise history to create a 1-1 tie and earn a chance at its first point in the MLS standings. But Adam Armour’s shining moment was all but spoiled on a literal last-minute goal by Atlanta in the 96th minute in extra time. Jake Mulraney scored on a shot that deflected off the back of defender Christian Makoun.
Before the game, fans had questioned whether there could possibly be a rivalry between the two Southern teams already. It sure looked like one that day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Charlotte FC players dropped to their knees, and one flat on his back, after the go-ahead goal scored.
“We’re all kind of gutted from the last result against Atlanta … so this is kind of a revenge game,” defender Jaylin Lindsey told The Charlotte Observer this week. “We’ve got to keep fighting no matter what. I think that’s the plan going into the game is that we’ve got to fight all the way to the final whistle.”
Unlike the last time they faced off, Atlanta United comes into the game without its dynamic striker Josef Martinez. Their leading scorer (two goals, two assists) had to travel to Pittsburgh this week to have his right knee examined by a specialist. That is the same knee and same hospital where Martinez underwent surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament in March of 2020. Martinez was MVP of Major League Soccer in 2018, the year Atlanta United won the MLS Cup.
Up next: Charlotte FC (2-4) vs. Atlanta United (3-1-1)
When/Where: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
How to watch: WSOC (Channel 9), ESPN Deportes, Charlotte. Or live stream at www.charlottefootballclub/live or on the Charlotte FC app. Local restrictions apply.
Notable:
Charlotte FC is coming off a 2-0 loss in Philadelphia where a defensive game plan (using five defenders) against the top team in MLS backfired on an early goal. All eyes will be on Charlotte’s formation Sunday and whether Coach Miguel Angel Ramirez goes back to using two strikers to get leading goal-scorer Karol Swiderski more offensive support.
Not only is Atlanta United down Martinez this week, but two of their starting midfielders are out as well in Ozzie Alonso (torn right ACL) and Matheus Rossetto (out 2-4 weeks with a hamstring injury.)
Hometown kid Lindsey signed to long-term contract
As if Jaylin Lindsey didn’t already have the world by the tail getting traded to his hometown team and playing every minute of every game so far, the 22-year-old defender just got rewarded with a new long-term contract. Charlotte FC signed Lindsey through 2024 with a club option for 2025.
“We’ve continually said that we are not just building our roster for the 2022 season, but we want to also have a sustainable, competitive club for the years ahead and signing young, talented players like Jaylin to long-term contracts is a big part of that plan,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “Jaylin just turned 22 and will be an important part of our core group of players for many seasons to come.”
Lindsey left Charlotte as a 14-year-old to play in Sporting Kansas City’s academy. He returned to Charlotte in a December as a seasoned young MLS player. The only question in his mind was about his future because he was in the option year of his contract. Less than six weeks into the season, the club has answered that.
“It means a lot to me,” Lindsey said. “I can play in front of friends and family, and I know that I'm here for a little bit longer. It's really exciting.”
With visa approved, Jozwiak heads to Charlotte; Fans prepare Polish cheer called ‘The Poznan’
Charlotte FC’s newest star forward Kamil Jozwiak has secured his visa. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte FC.)
Charlotte FC’s newest designated player from Poland — Kamil Jozwiak — has acquired his visa and is expected to arrive in Charlotte before Sunday’s game. Charlotte FC Sporting Director Zoran Krneta told its WFNZ radio broadcast team of Will Palaszczuk and Jessica Charmon during their weekly podcast that Jozwiak would arrive this week, healthy, though unlikely to play on Sunday.
Jozwiak joins countryman Karol Swiderski as CLT FC’s second designated player — or star player who is signed without regard to the salary cap. Charlotte had a deal in place to acquire Jozwiak from Darby County of the English Championship League prior to the start of the season but it fell through when the winger hurt his ankle. It healed quicker than expected and the team was able to reach a deal with him four weeks ago.
Jozwiak was in attendance at Charlotte FC’s record-breaking first home game in front of 74,479 fans at Bank of America Stadium. He’s been in Poland for the past few weeks waiting for his visa and working out.
Get ready for ‘The Poznan’ cheer: Given the news of Jozwiak’s arrival, members of Charlotte’s biggest fan group, Mint City Collective, are spreading the word that they want to start doing the “The Poznan” in honor of Jozwiak, Swiderski and Polish defender Jan Sobocinski. The cheer, which originated with Lech Poznan, a club in Poland, involves fans turning their backs on the field, putting arms around the shoulders of fans beside them and jumping up and down in unison. The craze has caught on with Manchester City of the Premier League too.
News and nuggets
There’s rarely a dull moment around the Charlotte FC these days as the new franchise tries to make a name for itself in the MLS. Here’s a quick rundown of what else has been cooking with the team this past week:
Exhibition vs. Chelsea? The Charlotte FC hasn’t made it official but indications are the team will host an exhibition game against Chelsea FC of the English Premier League later this summer, as first reported by Jorge Gonzalez of @TopBin90.
Sources: The battle of the blues this summer as Charlotte FC will face Chelsea FC here in Charlotte in a friendly More details to follow
That would mean Charlotte fans could get a glimpse of Christian Pulisic, star of the U.S. national team and winger for Chelsea FC. Chelsea last played in Charlotte seven years ago, drawing 61,224 fans for a “friendly” against Paris-Saint Germain. That was one of multiple international matches that helped make the case that Charlotte was ready for its own MLS franchise. A team spokesman confirmed Charlotte FC has been in discussions with Big Four clubs from the English Premier League (Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool) but said nothing was finalized.
Eye on practice facility: The Charlotte FC does not yet have its own practice facility. The team is either practicing at Bank of America Stadium or bussing 20 minutes each way to the Matthew Sportsplex. Nick Kelly, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, tweeted this week that the team was “very close on finalizing an agreement for a permanent training facility in Charlotte. More to come soon, but not quite done yet.”
Front office promotion: The Charlotte FC promoted Bobby Belair from Director of Player Personnel to Technical Director. The position had been open since Marc Nicholls left for the Columbus Crew just before the start of the season. Belair will work with the scouting department on player acquisitions and with Bryan Scales (Executive Director of Academy) and Darrius Barnes (MLS NEXT Pro President) to oversee the development of players toward the Charlotte FC roster.
U.S. Open Cup: Charlotte FC is introducing local fans to the MLS practice of multi-tasking. In the midst of its MLS season, Charlotte FC will participate in the U.S. Open Cup this year, a national tournament that dates back to 1913. It features 80 or more professional, semi-pro and amateur teams. Charlotte will join the field in the third round, learning its opponent in a draw Friday at noon. Charlotte’s first game in the U.S. Open Cup will be played between April 19-21.
Ramirez setting trends in ‘ath-leisure’ wear
Coach Miguel Angel Ramirez setting some fashion trends. (Photos by Charlotte FC.)
Whether it’s an antiwar T-shirt he sported for the team’s home opener or his casual but cool looks in the home games to follow, Charlotte FC coach Miguel Angel Ramirez is one to watch for setting hot new fashion trends in Charlotte.
The local shop Glory Days Apparel created the “No More War” shirt after Ramirez spoke out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and he wore it well in front of 74,479 fans at the record-setting opener at Bank of America Stadium March 5. But he’s followed it up with other interesting looks like the short-sleeved mock turtleneck that got a shoutout from former U.S. soccer star Alexi Lalas.
Considering we aren’t exactly experts on the subject, we turned to fashion guru Marat Kadyrov, personal stylist for Nordstrom SouthPark, for his thoughts:
Miguel’s style is most often known as athleisure wear. It’s the best of both worlds. Being able to look good and feel good is what we all strive for (and) Miguel never disappoints in leading this trend. Athleisure is perfect for anyone that is on the go. Miguel is the fashion authority, as he sports high performance fabrics, paired with a pair of lightweight cargos, polo shirt or T-shirt layered with a blazer or coat. This is definitely a trend to stay. Now you can not only look good but feel comfortable at the same time.
Glory Days Apparel is making the “No More War” shirt available in a pre-sale until Monday at noon, with proceeds going to UNICEF to support the children of Ukraine.
Previous editions of Fútbol Friday
You can find previous issues of The Charlotte Ledger’s Fútbol Friday newsletter online.
Carroll Walton is a longtime baseball writer with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution now cutting her teeth on soccer and the Charlotte FC just as fans in Charlotte do. She would love to hear from you. E-mail her with questions, suggestions, story ideas and comments!
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Contributing photographer/videographer: Kevin Young, The 5 and 2 Project