Charlotte vs LA Galaxy

Charlotte FC’s first-ever home match in Major League Soccer pits them against one of the most famous teams in the franchise, LA Galaxy, as the two sides go head-to-head at the Bank of America Stadium.

Charlotte FC will hope to put their maiden MLS outing firmly behind after succumbing to a thrashing 3-0 defeat away to DC United on Matchday 1. Seeking their first-ever MLS goal, Miguel Angel Ramirez’s men will have to defy their disastrous scoring record in 2022, having drawn a blank in three of their four matches, the Carolina Challenge Cup warm-up tournament included. Yet, Charlotte saw Christian Ortiz’s deadlock-breaker at DC United ruled out for offside after a suspicious VAR call last time out, showing they have a case here. But it is worth noting that the new MLS franchise have conceded 2+ goals in three of their four matches against fellow top-flight rivals, including friendlies. Twice across those three no-clean sheet games have they shipped precisely two first-half goals.

On the other hand, long-term MLS tenants LA Galaxy enjoyed a stellar start to the new league season. Javier Hernandez Chicharito’s 90th-minute winner catapulted them to a 1-0 derby win over New York City on the opening weekend. Galaxy’s Matchday 1 shutout is a rarity, especially considering they conceded 2+ goals in three of their final four MLS fixtures last season, where they failed to reach the MLS Cup play-offs for the second time in a row. The visitors’ underwhelming away record back in 2021 played a significant role in Galaxy’s failed attempt to qualify for the play-offs, with Greg Vanney’s side racking up a disappointing win ratio of 29% on the road last season (W5, D4, L8). Only Real Salt Lake (33) conceded more away league goals than LA Galaxy (32) in 2021, so defensive improvement is required.