Charlotte FC Stock Up, Stock Down: Bronico elevates his game, Biel and Agyemang finish their chances

By Sam Vanolinda

Brandt Bronico celebrating in DC (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC showed the world a masterclass in counter-attacking in Saturday’s decision-day win versus D.C United, with a 3-0 victory making the Crown one of the hottest teams in MLS heading into their first-round matchup against Orlando City.

After hitting a rough patch in form, the team has found its identity again, and the summer transfers have settled in well. The team retains its incredible defense that it has shown all season, but now they are clicking up top and scoring goals.

What matters most heading into the playoffs is momentum. You can be amazing all year but if you tail off at the end of the season you can quickly be upset. Charlotte picked the perfect time to bounce back at the end of this season and is poised for a deep run.

Young up-and-coming star Patrick Agyemang and new DP Pep Biel both found the scoresheet, alongside Liel Abada; the offense has gone from inconsistency to a lethal threat for any defense.

Here is the final stock up/stock down of the 2024 regular season:

Stock Up

Brandt Bronico

Bronico delivered his best game of the season against DC. He has shown incredible effort and hustle all year, but recently, he has excelled in the midfield as a creator in transition.

He is the perfect center mid to have when you want to sit back and counterattack a team that is desperate for a win like D.C. Saturday night. 

He was able to pick up two assists and was solid defensively with two tackles and four clearances. Bronico has been a true servant to the club since he joined the team, always doing what is asked of him no matter what.

When the team counter-attacked and had uneven numbers he always seemed to make the correct decision, which led to two goals.

Pep Biel

The entire attack was Real Madrid-like in their counter-attack decision-making, and Biel is no exception. After a rough start at Charlotte FC, it seems most fans now want to keep him at the club.

He has recently shown his European quality and experience, with now two goals and three assists in eight MLS starts. 

Dean Smith has the team confident in their game plan, and when you defend amazingly well against an aggressive team searching for a goal, you are going to have great counter opportunities, Biel’s vision, switch passing, and positioning set him up for a 58th-minute finish.

The Spaniard will be key in this Playoff run.

Patrick Agyemang

Agyemang was fresh and Karol Świderski had played two games over the international break, so it makes sense why he got the start, but if Agyemang keeps playing like this it would be hard to take him out of the team in the Playoffs.

It seems like a misstep to bench the team's leading goalscorer. 10 goals at the age of 23 in a competitive league like MLS is impressive, to say the least.

He continues to improve as the season goes on and finished well from a Bronico pass in one of their amazing counterattacks throughout the night. 

Agyemang and the entire attack ended the season with the momentum they needed to make it past Orlando.

Summary

It has been a pleasure to write these stock up/down articles as the season has gone on. Although I may have been too harsh at times, it has been fun to look at the performances of these Charlotte FC players.

The team ends the season at the peak of form. While the fixtures have been pretty light towards the end, this momentum could cause some excitement in the Queen City as the Playoffs begin.

It has always been said that defense wins championships, and with the brick wall that is Kahlina and the trio of Privett Malanda and Ream, it won't be easy for Orlando to break them down, especially in the home game. 

All I know is the City will be rocking when the team plays a home playoff game, and I am super excited for that moment.