Where we left off last year
2025 season: 59 points, 4th in the Eastern Conference, 7th in MLS
As you can see by the numbers above, Charlotte’s 2025 season was far more good than bad. They’ve quietly become one of MLS’s most consistent regular season outfits. Still, the year ended in frustration with a first round playoff exit at the hands of New York City FC. For the second year in a row, they scored just one goal across a three-game opening postseason series and were bounced out of contention along the way. There's a lesson in that.
With big-name Designated Player Wilfried Zaha unable to spearhead the attack after (or before) star No. 10 Pep Biel went down injured in August, Charlotte FC fell flat when it mattered most.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Luca de la Torre, CM: For a Charlotte FC team that’s finished inside the bottom 10 in MLS in touches in the final third and touches in the box in both of Dean Smith’s seasons in charge on the sidelines, adding a progressive midfielder like de la Torre makes plenty of sense. The 27-year-old was a useful piece for a better team than Charlotte last year in San Diego and can add value as a No. 8.
- Henry Kessler, CB: With Adilson Malanda’s departure, Charlotte had need of a center back. Enter: Kessler. Most recently of St. Louis City, the 27-year-old is a strong third central defender behind Tim Ream and Andrew Privett.
