Charlotte FC’s top 3 performers in Feb/March

By Brian Maurer

*Pep Biel has been one of Charlotte FC's top performers this year (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90)*

Charlotte FC has finished its first month of the season (plus the opener in February). So far, the team has looked a bit lackluster and disjointed in all facets of play, but they are still earning points, which is key. Many teams in MLS are still working out kinks and playing disjointedly. The main question for the Crown in April is how long until the squad starts to put more complete performances together? How long does it take their key players, Wilfried Zaha, Liel Abada, and Pep Biel to all start connecting?

The squad’s defense and compactness were key to the team’s success in 2024. This year, they have been allowing a lot of attacking volume, forcing Kahlina to step up a multitude of times already. With the team adding a new left back, Souleyman Doumbia, there could still be some more time before the backline fully gels. The decision for Dean Smith on the backline will be who to leave off the starting eleven between Andrew Privett, Tim Ream, and Doumbia.

The attack especially has a good opportunity to build some positive momentum as three of their four April games are at home.

Here are our picks for Charlotte FC's top three performers in February and March:

Kristijan Kahlina

Kristijan Kahlina is in the top five again this year in G-xG. According to American Soccer Analysis, the Croatian has already prevented over two goals more than expected through six games. At home, he has been exceptionally strong to start the year as he has made 15 saves through three games and has two clean sheets. He has yet to allow an open play goal at Bank of America Stadium in 2025.

Until the midfield and backline establish a bit more control in games and reduce the amount of attacking volume Kahlina faces, he will need to continue standing on his head. Ideally, over the long haul, Charlotte doesn’t need to depend on their goalkeeper to bail them out as much, but in the interim, the Crown will be ecstatic that they can.

Pep Biel

Pep Biel has been the one bright spot in an inconsistent attack to start the year. He is tied for the league lead in big chances created (5), and is leading the Crown in almost every attacking category.

His ability to turn in space and attack directly with well-timed through balls has been key so far, and looks like one of the primary ways in which Charlotte will find goals this season. Biel’s vision to switch the field of play quickly is another dynamic that helped the Crown down the season last year, and glimpses of his switches have also been seen recently this season. The attacking midfielder has looked like the backline destabilizer that has been lacking in the Carolinas since their inaugural season.

Brandt Bronico

It took one game of being benched to start the year for Brandt Bronico to reestablish his value as a key contributor for Charlotte FC. His willingness as a runner has made him an ideal fit for Smith’s transitional style of play. Bronico continues to demonstrate his willingness to get forward as an added runner, which puts him in behind for a tidy 1 v 1 finish against the San Jose Earthquakes, while also helping Ashley Westwood put out fires on the defensive end.

The one concern right now is the quantity of fires that are needed to put out. Especially on the road. Smith appears determined to increase the amount of possession to help control games but so far this has led to some dangerous counter-attacking moments that have led to shots against. This was especially highlighted by the most recent road performance against the Colorado Rapids.

Summary

Charlotte FC has struggled to put a complete 90-minute performance together. Most teams in MLS are dealing with similar issues. The positive takeaway so far is that the Crown is still earning results even while not playing consistently. The backline needs to find that compactness and continuity that helped provide a safe floor for the team throughout most of last season. The frontline needs to start building momentum with some final third production. With three home games in April, this seems like an optimal time for both of the lines to build themselves up and push Charlotte towards more complete team performances.