Orlando City Aim to Consolidate Upper Table Ambitions Against Inconsistent Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC - 07/06/2025

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Charlotte FC find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as they prepare to host Orlando City SC at the Bank of America Stadium. Both sides enter this Eastern Conference clash with different momentum, as Orlando look to extend their run of strong form while Charlotte seek consistency and a much-needed boost.

The last encounter between these two teams took place less than a month ago, and it offered some clear insights into their current trajectories. Orlando City SC were clinical in their 3-1 victory at home, with goals from Luis Muriel, Martín Ojeda, and Wilfried Zaha establishing a healthy lead before Ramiro Enrique sealed the win. While Charlotte FC kept ball possession equal at 50 percent and engineered nearly as many dangerous attacks (52 to Orlando's 51), their attack was stymied, registering just one shot on target out of nine total. Orlando, meanwhile, maximized their opportunities, recording six shots on target from twelve total shots, showing a sharper edge in front of goal.

Charlotte's problems have been laid bare in their recent MLS run. In the last six matches, they have claimed two wins and four defeats, averaging 1.83 goals scored but conceding 2.17 per game. At home, their numbers aren't much more comforting, with one win and two losses in their last three matches. The home side have averaged an impressive 15.33 shots per match over that short span, but their conversion and defensive lapses leave them exposed. A wider look at their league campaign sees Charlotte sitting 10th after 20 games, with a record of eight wins, one draw, and eleven losses. Their negative goal difference of minus two emphasizes just how fine the margins have been in their matches.

Orlando, currently occupying 5th position, enjoy a more robust set of results. In their last six league outings, they have won three and lost three, but more significantly, they have scored at a nearly identical 1.67 goals per match but have exhibited much greater defensive stability, conceding just 1.67 per game. Their run of results away from home also shines: Orlando are undefeated in 10 of their last 12 away matches in all competitions, a trend that strengthens their credentials as a tough opponent on the road. Over the course of 20 games, Orlando's goal difference stands at plus 11, with 37 goals scored and just 26 allowed.

Charlotte's home form presents a curious contradiction. While they have been winless in 9 of their last 11 MLS matches, they remain undefeated in 85 percent of their last 40 home league matches, a testament to resilience but also to a tendency for draws and narrow escapes. Orlando, by contrast, have found ways to win, with six victories in their past 12 league outings and 14 undefeated in their last 17 league appearances. Their consistency and ability to claim results are likely to play a substantial role in this matchup.

Selection issues could further impact Charlotte's hopes. Four players remain sidelined for the hosts: Brandon Cambridge, Tim Ream, Jahlane Forbes, and Nimfasha Berchimas all miss out, with Nathan Byrne also unavailable due to a neck injury. This limits rotation and will likely see manager Dean Smith stick closely to a 4-2-3-1 formation, as reflected in recent match lineups. The probable Charlotte starting eleven: Kristijan Kahlina (G); Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (D), Adilson Malanda (D), Andrew Privett (D), Souleyman Doumbia (D); Ashley Westwood (M), Brandt Bronico (M); Liel Abada (M), Pep Biel (M), Wilfried Zaha (M); Idan Toklomati Jorno (A).

Orlando City also have their share of absentees. Kyle Smith (suspended), Wilder Cartagena, Alexander Freeman, Yutaro Tsukada, and Duncan McGuire are all out. Even so, their roster boasts enough depth and continuity in selection to push on with their favored 4-4-2 shape. The probable Orlando starting eleven: Pedro Gallese (G); Dagur Dan Thorhallsson (D), Rodrigo Schlegel (D), Robin Jansson (D), David Brekalo (D); Marco Pasalic (M), Eduard Atuesta (M), Cesar Araujo (M), Ivan Angulo (M); Martin Ojeda (A), Luis Muriel (A).

Recent head-to-head results lean toward Orlando, who have defeated Charlotte in three of their last six MLS meetings. Statistical trends see both teams averaging over five shots on target per contest, though Orlando have posted higher possession figures and more total shots in their recent matches. Given these data points, and factoring in superior squad stability and form, Orlando City SC enter as slight favorites to claim the three points. Current algorithmic forecasts support this, with Orlando given a 40 percent probability of victory and a 1-2 final outcome the likeliest scenario.

The Eastern Conference playoff race remains heated, and results from fixtures such as this can have substantial ramifications. Orlando City’s drive to push higher in the table faces a stern test in a Charlotte FC side desperate to convert home solidity into tangible points.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

Us1

Charlotte FC Orlando City SC 06/07/2025 01:00

372340

2

1 - 2

2.93

84°F

+120

+200 +270 +120 down up down

FT

2 - 2(1 - 0)

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