Seattle Sounders vs Charlotte FC: 1 v 1 battles to watch
By Brian Maurer
Ashley Westwood (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90)
The 2025 MLS season is almost here! Charlotte FC hits the road to face the Seattle Sounders on the West Coast. The Sounders are a good opening game test as they allowed the least amount of goals against in 2024. Charlotte will find out pretty quickly how far their preseason focus on ball progression and improving the attack has come right out of the gate.
Here are three key 1-v-1 matchups that could dictate the results of Charlotte’s opening weekend game:
Pedro de la Vega vs Ashley Westwood
Pedro de la Vega was Seattle’s club-record signing going into 2024 but dealt with injury issues most of the season as he played less than 1000 MLS minutes. He looked healthy yesterday as the Sounders cruised to a 3-1 victory versus Guatemalan side Antigua. De la Vega was popping up on the left, the right, and centrally. If he has a free-flowing attacking role again versus Charlotte, Ashley Westwood will likely be tasked with monitoring him defensively as he is the Crown’s most willing runner.
If Westwood can limit de la Vega’s attacking impact and access to the ball then Charlotte will likely gain some confidence and more control of the game giving them a better chance of finding a result in Seattle.
Obed Vargas/Joao Pedro vs Pep Biel
Improved ball progression and ball control leading to more chances and finishes in the final third as been one of the key messages from Dean Smith and co. during Charlotte’s preseason. Pep Biel in an attacking midfield role will be key for that new focus to be successful. Obed Vargas’ has become a key feature in Seattle’s midfield and will likely be tasked with preventing Biel from building offensive momentum.
If there is any rotation because of Concacaf Champions Cup then midfield veteran Joao Pedro could also be tasked with defending Biel. Either way the Spanish attacker will need to find the ball to give Charlotte the chances and goals required to get a result.
Alex Roldan vs Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha is Charlotte’s new talisman attacking signing. If the Crown is going to reach the next level their new left winger needs to be a regular goal contributor. Alex Roldan will be tasked with defending Charlotte’s left side.
If Zaha can win his 1-v-1s versus Roldan the rest of Charlotte’s attack could open up giving others like Patrick Agyemang and Liel Abada more space to operate in and around the box.
Summary
This game will likely be decided by the midfield. Both teams were strong defensively in 2024 but struggled in the attack. The midfield battles will decide who can impose more control over the game and then win some chances in the attacking third where the key playmakers can create opportunities to score.
