Jump to content

Charlotte FC

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Charlotte Football Club)

Charlotte FC
Full nameCharlotte Football Club
Nickname(s)The Crown
Short nameCLTFC
FoundedDecember 17, 2019; 4 years ago (2019-12-17)
StadiumBank of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina
Capacity38,000 (expandable to 74,867)
OwnerDavid Tepper
PresidentJoe LaBue
Head coachDean Smith
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2024Eastern Conference: 5th
Overall: 10th
Playoffs: TBD
Websitecharlottefootballclub.com
Current season

Charlotte FC is an American professional men's soccer club based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference. The team is owned by David Tepper, who was awarded the expansion franchise on December 17, 2019. It began play in the 2022 MLS season as the league's 28th franchise. Charlotte FC plays at Bank of America Stadium, which it shares with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, a team also owned by Tepper; the stadium capacity is reduced to 38,000 for most matches.

History

[edit]

Soccer in Charlotte

[edit]

The Charlotte area has been home to several lower-division soccer teams, dating back to the Carolina Lightnin' in the early 1980s. The Lightnin' won the American Soccer League championship in 1981 in front of 20,163 people at American Legion Memorial Stadium. It marked Charlotte's first professional sports championship.[1] After the league folded in 1983, the team played for one season as the Charlotte Gold in United Soccer League before ceasing operations.[2] Professional soccer did not return to Charlotte until the founding of the Charlotte Eagles in 1991, who joined the USISL in 1993.[3][4]

Charlotte was on the list of cities interested in joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1994, prior to the league's inaugural season, but was not awarded a franchise.[5] Charlotte was also named as a potential home for an expansion team in both 1996 and 1998, but was passed over in favor of other cities.[6][7] The Charlotte Convention Center hosted the MLS SuperDraft and National Soccer Coaches Association of America conference in January 2004.[8] Since a renovation to Bank of America Stadium in 2014, the city has hosted several friendly and international matches, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the International Champions Cup, which drew strong attendance figures.[3][9] The area also has a large soccer-playing population, centered around recreational leagues that have led other efforts to attract a professional team to Charlotte.[10]

Unsuccessful MLS bids

[edit]

A separate professional team, the Charlotte Independence, was founded in 2014 and replaced the Eagles in the second division (now named the USL Championship).[11] The team moved into a permanent soccer stadium in Matthews, North Carolina, in 2017.[12] The Independence's ownership group had expressed their goal of winning an MLS expansion team when the club was founded,[4] and proposed a major renovation to American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2015 that would make it into soccer-specific stadium.[13] The team hired a sports investment firm in October 2016 to advertise the MLS bid to potential investors while preparing further stadium plans.[14]

A separate Charlotte bid was formed in late 2016 by Marcus G. Smith of Speedway Motorsports, the owners of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, with support from local business leaders.[15] The bid proposed building a new stadium at the Memorial Stadium site with 20,000 to 30,000 seats that would cost $175 million, including $87.5 million funded by the city and county governments and a $75 million loan to the ownership group.[16] The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners voted 5–3 in favor of the stadium plan, while the Charlotte City Council decided against a vote on the issue before the bid deadline on January 31, 2017.[17][18]

Smith submitted the bid without the city council's support, instead relying on the county government's funding plan.[19] Several league officials toured Charlotte in July 2017, but the city council and county commissioners both canceled their meetings during the tour.[20][21] Charlotte also faced competition from a bid submitted by Raleigh, North Carolina, who were also part of the twelve-city shortlist and had support from the state government.[22] The Mecklenburg County government voted in August against their financial contribution to the stadium project in favor of deferring the issue to the city government, who declined to vote on the issue.[23][24] MLS narrowed its shortlist of candidates in November 2017 to four cities, leaving out Charlotte.[25]

Expansion bid under Tepper

[edit]
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper (pictured in 2006) submitted the expansion bid for Charlotte FC in 2019

David Tepper, who had purchased a 5% stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009, became the owner of the National Football League's Carolina Panthers in July 2018 and suggested his interest in bringing Major League Soccer to Charlotte.[26][27] The Panthers' new team president, Tom Glick, was formerly the chief operating officer of Manchester City F.C. and was also involved in the MLS expansion bid for New York City FC.[28][29] Glick was placed in charge of organizing an MLS expansion bid for Tepper, who had several meetings with league officials before the next bidding window was opened in April 2019.[30][31]

Tepper presented a formal expansion bid for Charlotte to the league in July 2019, shortly before meetings with league officials and additional tours of Bank of America Stadium.[32] He announced plans in September to upgrade the existing Bank of America Stadium to make it suitable for an MLS team, which would include up to $210 million in contributions from the city government.[33] Tepper also discussed constructing a new stadium for the Panthers and a soccer team that would have a retractable roof.[34][35] In November, MLS commissioner Don Garber named Charlotte as the frontrunner to earn the slot for the 30th team, praising Tepper's efforts and the bid's plans.[36]

The Charlotte City Council approved $110 million in stadium and franchise funding in late November, using revenue from a hospitality tax.[37] MLS's board of governors convened in early December to discuss the Charlotte bid and authorized final negotiations with Tepper.[38][39] The expansion team was officially awarded to Charlotte by MLS at an event at the Mint Museum on December 17, 2019, with the team to begin play in 2021.[40] The expansion fee to be paid by Tepper is reported to be near $325 million, a 62.5 percent increase from what was paid by the successful bids for St. Louis and Sacramento earlier in the year.[41][42] The team sold 7,000 season ticket deposits in the first 24 hours after the expansion announcement.[43] On July 17, 2020, MLS announced that the Charlotte expansion team's debut would be delayed by a year to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[44]

Inaugural season

[edit]
Further information: 2022 Charlotte FC season
Polish forward Karol Świderski was signed as Charlotte FC's first Designated Player prior to the 2022 season

The club signed its first player, Spanish midfielder Sergio Ruiz, from Racing Santander on July 8, 2020; he was immediately loaned out to UD Las Palmas for 18 months, with an expected arrival in Charlotte in January 2022.[45] Spanish manager Miguel Ángel Ramírez was hired as the team's first head coach in July 2021.[46] During the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, Charlotte FC selected five players and traded away two for general allocation money; the three picks they kept were used on veteran defenders Anton Walkes and Joseph Mora along with winger McKinze Gaines.[47] The club signed its first Designated Player, Polish forward Karol Świderski, on January 26, 2022.[48] Joe LaBue, a Carolina Panthers sales executive, was appointed club president in February 2022 to replace Glick after his departure.[28][49] According to a FIFA report, Charlotte FC spent the most in transfer fees of any club in the CONCACAF region in 2022.[50]

Charlotte FC played their first MLS regular season match on February 26, 2022, losing 3–0 to D.C. United at Audi Field.[51] The club's home debut at Bank of America Stadium, a 1–0 loss to the LA Galaxy on March 5, was played before a crowd of 74,479–at the time, the largest single-match crowd in MLS history. For a time, it was the second-largest crowd to attend a match anywhere in the world in 2022.[52][53] Adam Armour scored the club's first goal on March 13 in a 2–1 loss to Atlanta United FC; Charlotte's first win, a 3–1 result at home, was a week later against the defending Supporters Shield holders New England Revolution.[54]

Ramírez was fired on May 31 after 14 league matches due to conflicts with the front office according to media reports;[55] at the time, Charlotte was tied for eighth in the Eastern Conference, one place below a playoff berth.[56] The club had also been eliminated from the 2022 U.S. Open Cup in the round of 16 a few days earlier.[57] Assistant coach Christian Lattanzio was named interim head coach and led the club to defeat the New York Red Bulls in his first match.[58] Charlotte FC earned their first away win, a 2–1 victory over Houston Dynamo FC, on July 3 after seven losses and two draws.[59]

Charlotte FC played their first international friendly on July 20, 2022, against England's Chelsea; the match was tied 1–1 after regulation time and decided by a penalty shootout, which Charlotte FC won 5–3.[60] The team's first hat-trick was earned by Daniel Ríos, who scored four goals against the Philadelphia Union on October 1.[61] The club remained in contention for a playoff spot until the penultimate matchday of the season, but were eliminated after a 2–2 draw with the Columbus Crew.[62] Charlotte FC finished their inaugural season at ninth place in the Eastern Conference with 13 wins, 18 losses, and 3 draws;[63] the team drew an average attendance of 35,260 per match, the second-highest figure in MLS behind Atlanta United FC.[64] During the offseason, Lattanzio was signed as permanent head coach through 2024, having amassed an 8–10–2 record;[65] he added retired captain Christian Fuchs to his staff as an assistant coach.[66]

Club identity

[edit]

In December 2019, several media outlets reported that Tepper Sports had submitted a trademark filing that included eight potential names: Charlotte FC, Charlotte Crown FC, Charlotte Fortune FC, Charlotte Monarchs FC, Charlotte Athletic FC, Charlotte Town FC, Carolina Gliders FC, and All Carolina FC.[67] A name announcement was scheduled for June 2020, but was delayed a month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[68] The name and crest were revealed during a livestream event on July 22, 2020, with Charlotte Football Club (shortened to Charlotte FC) chosen as the winner.[69][70]

The club's crest was designed by Doubleday & Cartwright and consists of a black roundel with a Process Blue center, the same shade of blue used by the Carolina Panthers.[69][71] The shape, resembling a coin, and use of "Minted 2022" in the crest are references to the city's banking industry and the historic Charlotte Mint, the first U.S. Mint branch.[72] At the center is a four-pointed crown, referencing the four wards of Uptown Charlotte and the city's nickname of the "Queen City", itself referencing namesake Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.[72][73] The team is sometimes referred to as "The Crown" due to its crest; this nickname was incorporated into the name of the club's affiliated reserve team, Crown Legacy FC.[74]

The bid organizers signed a multi-year kit sponsorship agreement with Ally Financial in July 2019 for the then-unannounced MLS team.[75] A sleeve sponsorship from Centene Corporation, a health insurance company, was announced in October 2021 with undisclosed financial terms. The deal includes a donation to pay for 1,900 personal seat licenses at Bank of America Stadium to reduce the cost of season tickets for some fans; the donation also funds community programs in the Charlotte area and the construction of mini-pitches in the Carolinas.[76][77]

Charlotte FC's first primary jersey, named the "Carolina Kit", was unveiled in December 2021. It is primarily blue with white sleeves and a darker blue stripe around the neck and sleeve cuffs; the jersey also features the outlines of North Carolina and South Carolina in the lower-left corner.[78] The club's secondary "Newly Minted" community kit—a black jersey with mint-colored highlights—was released in February 2022 and used for one season.[79] Its design includes a patterned coin edge that references the Charlotte Mint.[80] A new secondary jersey, named the "Crown Jewel", was unveiled ahead of the 2023 season; it is primarily purple with blue highlights and pink stripes in an homage to Queen Charlotte according to team president Joe LaBue.[79]

Stadium

[edit]
Bank of America Stadium, the club's home

Charlotte FC plays at Bank of America Stadium, a 74,867-seat stadium that is also home to the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League; the Panthers are also owned by Tepper.[81][82] For most matches, the club only uses the lower bowl and club sections of the stadium, capping capacity at 38,000 seats.[83][84] For major matches, such as the 2022 home opener, the club expands the stadium to full capacity by opening the upper bowl.[81]

A renovation to accommodate the club began in March 2021 and was completed in early 2022, adding dedicated locker rooms and training rooms for soccer, a player tunnel at midfield, and a larger concourse area. It cost $50 million to construct, with funding from Tepper Sports and the city government.[85] A dedicated section for supporters' groups is located behind the goal on the east side of the stadium.[85] The stadium's grass surface was replaced with FieldTurf in 2021 due to the additional wear expected from hosting MLS matches.[86]

In February 2021, Charlotte FC announced that it would be the first MLS team to use personal seat licenses to reserve season tickets in most sections; the cost of seat licenses for the inaugural season was set at $550 per seat and would not be transferable to a potential new stadium.[87][88] The announcement, along with high season ticket prices for the inaugural season, was met with backlash from fans.[88][89][90]

Headquarters and training facility

[edit]
The Atrium Health Performance Park, which houses the headquarters and training facilities for Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC

The team's headquarters and practice facilities were initially planned to be located on the former site of the Eastland Mall, a city-owned property.[37][91] In October 2020, the planned Eastland Mall facility was cancelled due to a reduction in financial incentives offered by the city government, including a tax reimbursement.[92] The Eastland site was instead proposed as the home of the Charlotte FC Elite Academy, which would occupy 22 acres (8.9 ha) for youth soccer and other public sportsfields.[93] Charlotte FC's headquarters were replaced with a building in the Uptown neighborhood, while the team would train at Sportsplex at Matthews until a permanent facility is built.[94]

A new plan to renovate a southeastern Charlotte office building into the club's headquarters and training facility was announced in 2022.[95] The campus, named the Atrium Health Performance Park, opened in August 2023 and is used by Charlotte FC, reserve team Crown Legacy FC, and academy teams. It includes 52,000 square feet (4,800 m2) of space, a 45-seat auditorium, and eight fields split between grass and turf.[96]

Broadcasting

[edit]

Since 2023, Apple TV has had worldwide broadcast rights for all MLS matches in both English and Spanish. Their MLS Season Pass platform includes all league and playoff matches for Charlotte FC.[97]

Charlotte FC had a local television partnership with the Cox Media Group that was announced in April 2021. Most English broadcasts in the Charlotte market aired on WAXN-TV, with the remainder on WSOC-TV; stations in eleven other markets in the Carolinas also carried broadcasts. The Spanish broadcast was exclusive to Telemundo Charlotte. Raycom Sports handled local production and syndication for the Charlotte FC television network.[98][99] The English television broadcasting team comprised play-by-play announcer Eric Krakauer, formerly of BeIN Sports; and color commentator Lloyd Sam, a former MLS player. The Spanish team consisted of play-by-play announcer Jamie Moreno and color analyst Antonio Ramos.[100][101] Matches broadcast locally were also streamed on the club's website for viewers in most of the Carolinas.[98]

In January 2022, Charlotte FC announced a radio partnership with Radio One, who would carry matches on various local stations. Most English-language radio broadcasts air on WFNZ-FM, with the remainder on sister station WBT.[102] WFNZ-FM and WBT front a network of seven stations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.[98][102] The English radio commentators on these stations are play-by-play announcer Will Palaszczuk and color analyst Jessica Charman.[100] Radio broadcasts in Spanish are carried on WOLS and syndicated by Norsan Media to eleven stations in the Carolinas.[98][103]

Ownership and management

[edit]

Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper, a billionaire hedge fund manager and businessman who bought the National Football League's Carolina Panthers in 2018.[104] Tepper, was at the time; the wealthiest owner in the NFL, with an estimated net worth of $12 billion.[34] Zoran Krneta, a professional scout, was hired as the club's sporting director in December 2019.[105] Former Carolina Dynamo head coach Marc Nicholls was named the club's technical director in January 2020 and was head of the youth academy system until his departure two years later, prior to the inaugural season.[106][107]

Miguel Ángel Ramírez, formerly manager of Brazil's Sport Club Internacional, was hired as the team's first head coach in July 2021.[46] On May 31, 2022, the club announced that Ramírez had been fired. Assistant coach Christian Lattanzio was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[58] He was hired as permanent head coach at the end of the season and signed a two-year contract.[108] On November 8, 2023, the club announced that head coach Christian Lattanzio and assistant coach Andy Quy would leave Charlotte FC.[109]

Dean Smith, former manager of Aston Villa F.C., was announced as the team's third head coach on December 12, 2023.[110]

Reserves and academy

[edit]
See also: Crown Legacy FC

From 2021 to 2022, Charlotte FC had an affiliation agreement with USL Championship (and later USL League One) side Charlotte Independence, who would serve as a reserve squad and take at least three loaned players to develop and train.[111] The affiliation was terminated at the end of the 2022 season and the Independence were replaced by Crown Legacy FC, a new reserve team in MLS Next Pro that would be operated directly by Charlotte FC. The team, based at the Sportsplex at Matthews, began play in 2023.[112]

The club's youth academy was established in July 2020 with squads at the under-17, under-14, under-13, and under-12 levels; the initial signings for the full-time under-17 and under-14 squads were sourced from outside the Carolinas, while other squads were filled by players who transferred from existing Charlotte-area teams and programs.[113] The under-17 and under-15 squads were the first Charlotte FC teams to play at Bank of America Stadium, where they faced squads from the Atlanta United FC Academy with 1,800 spectators in attendance.[114] The senior team signed their first homegrown players, Brian Romero and Nimfasha Berchimas, in 2022.[115]

Club culture

[edit]
View from supporters' section at Bank of America Stadium in March 2022

Charlotte FC has five officially recognized supporters groups seated in the east end at Bank of America Stadium.[116] Some of the recognized groups are Mint City Collective, Southbound and Crown, the Uptown Ultras, Carolina Hooliganz, and Blue Furia, a Latin American supporters' group with a band.[116][117] Other supporters clubs include the Queen's Firm, founded in 2017,[118] and the QC Royals, founded in 2015 to support other minor league teams.[28][119]

Starting with the inaugural season, a local celebrity is "crowned" as the "monarch" of the match; the first home match featured the crowning of former Panthers player Steve Smith Sr.[120] After every home win, the man of the match is crowned by the supporters section.[121] Prior to kick off, fans in the supporters' section lock arms and perform "the Poznań" (a Polish supporters' dance)[117] to the Faruko song "Pepas".[122] The club's official mascot is Sir Minty, an anthropomorphic soccer ball that wears a crown, cape, and an oversized silver chain with an "M" medallion.[123]

Players

[edit]
See also: List of Charlotte FC players

Roster

[edit]
As of September 11, 2024[124]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Croatia CRO Kristijan Kahlina
3 DF United States USA Tim Ream
6 DF New Zealand NZL Bill Tuiloma
7 FW England ENG Jamie Paterson
8 MF England ENG Ashley Westwood (captain)
9 FW Poland POL Karol Świderski (DP)
10 MF Spain ESP Pep Biel (DP; on loan from Olympiacos)
11 FW Israel ISR Liel Abada (DP)
13 MF United States USA Brandt Bronico
14 DF England ENG Nathan Byrne
15 MF United States USA Ben Bender (GA)
18 FW Colombia COL Kerwin Vargas
20 DF Brazil BRA João Pedro
21 DF Finland FIN Jere Uronen
22 GK United States USA David Bingham
23 MF Serbia SRB Nikola Petković
No. Pos. Nation Player
24 DF United States USA Jaylin Lindsey
25 FW England ENG Tyger Smalls
26 GK United States USA Chituru Odunze
27 FW United States USA Nimfasha Berchimas (HG)
28 MF France FRA Djibril Diani
29 DF France FRA Adilson Malanda
30 MF Brazil BRA Júnior Urso
33 FW United States USA Patrick Agyemang
34 MF United States USA Andrew Privett
35 MF United States USA Nick Scardina
36 MF Canada CAN Brandon Cambridge (HG)
38 FW Cape Verde CPV Iuri Tavares
39 DF United States USA Jack Neeley (HG)
40 DF United States USA Jahlane Forbes
41 FW United States USA Brian Romero (HG)

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
31 GK United States USA George Marks (on loan to Las Vegas Lights)
32 DF Senegal SEN Hamady Diop (GA; on loan to Čukarički)

Staff

[edit]

Current technical staff

[edit]
Executive
Owner David Tepper
Team president Joe LaBue
Sporting director Zoran Krneta
Technical director Tommy Wilson
Academy manager Dan Lock
Coaching staff
Head coach Dean Smith
Associate head coach Miles Joseph
Assistant coach Christian Fuchs
Assistant coach Pa-Modou Kah
Goalkeeping coach Aron Hyde
Video analyst Rohan Sachdev
Head of mental performance Andrea Cannavacciuolo

Last updated: December 12, 2023
Source: Charlotte FC

Team records

[edit]
Results of Charlotte FC league and cup competitions by season
Season League[125] Position[125] Playoffs result[125] USOC[125] Continental / Other[125] Average
attendance 		Top goalscorer(s)
Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Player(s) Goals
2022 34 13 18 3 44 52 –8 42 1.24 9th 19th Did not qualify Ro16 Did not qualify 35,260[64] Poland Karol Swiderski 10[126]
2023 34 10 11 13 45 52 –7 43 1.26 9th 19th Wild Card Ro16 Did not qualify 36,337[127] Poland Karol Swiderski 12[128]
2024 34 14 11 9 46 37 9 51 1.35 5th 11th TBD Did not compete Did not qualify 33,383[129] Ghana Patrick Agyemang 10[130]

^ a. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ b. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

Head coaches

[edit]
As of October 22, 2024
  • Includes regular season, playoff, CONCACAF Champions League, Leagues Cup, and U.S. Open Cup games.
All-time Charlotte FC coaching statistics[125]
Coach Nationality Tenure Games Win Loss Draw Win %
Miguel Ángel Ramírez  Spain July 7, 2021 – May 31, 2022[58] 14 5 8 1 035.71
Christian Lattanzio (interim)  Italy May 31, 2022 – October 26, 2022[131] 23 10 11 2 043.48
Christian Lattanzio  Italy October 26, 2022 – November 8, 2023[132] 43 16 14 13 037.21
Dean Smith  England December 12, 2023 – present[133] 36 14 10 12 038.89

Captains

[edit]
Name Nationality Years
Christian Fuchs  Austria 2022[66]
Ashley Westwood  England 2023–present[134]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Carolina wins ASL title". Detroit Free Press. Associated Press. September 20, 1981. p. D11. Retrieved December 17, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Taylor, Phil (May 18, 1984). "USL: An infant in a dying sport". The Miami Herald. p. F5.
  3. ^ a b Scott, David (July 14, 2015). "Does soccer success equal MLS? Charlotte has league's attention". The Charlotte Observer. p. B1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Scott, January 16, 2014. "Hounds group taking over Charlotte Eagles". The Charlotte Observer. p. C1. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Carmen, Barbara (March 22, 1994). "Columbus begins drive to pursue Major League Soccer franchise". The Columbus Dispatch. p. F3.
  6. ^ Langdon, Jerry (August 19, 1996). "League to expand to 12 teams in 1998; goal is 16 by 2004". USA Today. p. C7.
  7. ^ Utter, Jim (April 18, 1998). "Charlotte may be on MLS's horizon". The Charlotte Observer. p. B3.
  8. ^ Scott, David (January 16, 2004). "Soccer convention brings exposure". The Charlotte Observer. p. C2.
  9. ^ Harrison, Steve; Lyttle, Steve (February 4, 2014). "Stadium renovation deal helps attract top soccer match". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1.
  10. ^ Ordoñez, Franco (November 12, 2005). "If it's Sunday, it's time for fútbol". The Charlotte Observer. p. B1.
  11. ^ Scott, David (September 18, 2014). "Charlotte now has Independence". The Charlotte Observer. p. B1. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  12. ^ Scott, David (February 1, 2017). "Independence soccer team moving to Matthews from temporary complex at Ramblewood". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  13. ^ Harrison, Steve (June 29, 2015). "Could a new stadium lure Major League Soccer to Charlotte?". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  14. ^ Spanberg, Erik (October 11, 2016). "Charlotte Independence looking for MLS investors". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  15. ^ Peralta, Katherine (December 16, 2016). "Bruton and Marcus Smith in talks with pro soccer league to bring new team to Charlotte". The Charlotte Observer. p. B6. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  16. ^ Henderson, Bruce; Portillo, Ely (January 20, 2017). "Deadline looming, Mecklenburg, Charlotte asked to pay $87.5 million for new soccer stadium". The Charlotte Observer. p. A2. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  17. ^ Harrison, Steve; Henderson, Bruce; Morrill, Jim (January 27, 2017). "Does city refusal on $44M for stadium end Major League Soccer bid?". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  18. ^ Harrison, Steve; Peralta, Katherine (January 31, 2017). "Marcus Smith says he'll bid on Major League Soccer team for Charlotte". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  19. ^ Peralta, Katherine; Harrison, Steve (May 28, 2017). "Four months later, what's next for Charlotte's Major League Soccer bid?". The Charlotte Observer. p. A6. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  20. ^ Harrison, Steve; Peralta, Katherine (July 19, 2017). "Major League Soccer calls visit 'positive and productive', though funding questions remain". The Charlotte Observer. p. A4. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  21. ^ Peralta, Katherine; Harrison, Steve (July 18, 2017). "Pro soccer's leaders visit Tuesday, but city cancels meeting". The Charlotte Observer. p. A4.
  22. ^ Morrill, Jim; Specht, Paul A. (July 20, 2017). "Charlotte-area lawmakers warn state not to help Raleigh win MLS competition". The News & Observer. Raleigh, North Carolina. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  23. ^ Harrison, Steve; Peralta, Katherine (August 3, 2017). "County rejects soccer stadium deal, passes the cost – and Memorial Stadium – to city". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  24. ^ Peralta, Katherine; Portillo, Ely (October 24, 2017). "Charlotte's Major League Soccer dream unravels". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  25. ^ Peralta, Katherine (November 30, 2017). "Major League Soccer won't be coming to North Carolina anytime soon". The Charlotte Observer. p. A4. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  26. ^ Rodrigue, Jourdan (July 11, 2018). "New Panthers stadium? Practice facility? David Tepper makes it clear change is coming". The Charlotte Observer. p. B1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  27. ^ DeCock, Luke (August 1, 2018). "Will Panthers' new owner change MLS expansion equation in NC?". The News & Observer. Raleigh, North Carolina. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  28. ^ a b c Burns-Heffner, Kaila (March 3, 2022). "Charlotte is ready for MLS: How the Panthers' 'Other Football Project' became a real club". ESPN. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  29. ^ Peralta, Katherine (September 30, 2018). "Who is Carolina Panthers President Tom Glick?". The Charlotte Observer. p. E3. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  30. ^ Peralta, Katherine; Rodrigue, Jourdan (April 20, 2019). "Major League Soccer expands again, opening door for Charlotte and David Tepper". The Charlotte Observer. p. A4. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  31. ^ Straus, Brian (June 26, 2019). "Charlotte Very Much in Play as MLS Mulls Expansion Growth to 30". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  32. ^ Peralta, Katherine; Marks, Brendan (July 9, 2019). "David Tepper's push to woo MLS to Charlotte: 'This is now beyond talk. This is action'". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  33. ^ Morrill, Jim; Chemtob, Danielle; Marks, Brendan (September 25, 2019). "Tepper may ask the city for millions in stadium upgrades for Major League Soccer bid". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  34. ^ a b Spanberg, Erik (November 18, 2019). "Panthers owner David Tepper on MLS expansion, new NFL stadium". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  35. ^ Bonnell, Rick (July 31, 2019). "Panthers owner David Tepper on a new stadium and MLS in Charlotte". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  36. ^ Smoot, Hannah (November 10, 2019). "MLS commissioner: Charlotte is at 'front of the line' on bid". The Charlotte Observer. p. A18. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  37. ^ a b Kuznitz, Alison; Smoot, Hannah; Morrill, Jim (December 12, 2019). "Charlotte will spend $110 million to support MLS team, mayor tells league". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  38. ^ Smoot, Hannah; Kuznitz, Alison (December 6, 2019). "MLS in 'very, very advanced discussions' with Tepper for Charlotte team bid". The Charlotte Observer. p. A1. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  39. ^ Northam, Mitchell (December 5, 2019). "Charlotte remains on track to be 30th Major League Soccer franchise". Pro Soccer USA. Tribune Publishing. Archived from the original on December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  40. ^ Bogert, Tom (December 17, 2019). "Major League Soccer awards expansion team to Charlotte". Major League Soccer. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  41. ^ Newton, David (December 16, 2019). "Sources: Charlotte to become MLS' 30th franchise for record $325 million". ESPN. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  42. ^ Negley, Cassandra (December 16, 2019). "Charlotte's MLS expansion fee reportedly a record $325M – two-thirds more than recent expansions". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  43. ^ Boehm, Charles (December 19, 2019). "Charlotte sold more than 7,000 season-ticket deposits in first 24 hours, says Panthers president". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
  44. ^ "MLS Expansion: New timeline released for inaugural season of newest clubs" (Press release). Major League Soccer. July 17, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  45. ^ Andrejev, Alex (September 3, 2020). "Charlotte FC midfielder Sergio Ruiz loaned to Spanish Second Division before MLS move". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  46. ^ a b Andrejev, Alex (July 7, 2021). "Charlotte FC has a new coach and they're calling it a perfect match. Here's why". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  47. ^ Borg, Simon (December 14, 2021). "MLS Expansion Draft results for Charlotte FC ahead of 2022 expansion season". The Sporting News. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  48. ^ "Charlotte FC Signs Striker Karol Świderski as First Designated Player in Club History". Charlotte Football Club. January 26, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  49. ^ Alexander, Jonathan M.; Andrejev, Alex (February 1, 2022). "Carolina Panthers make Kristi Coleman the first woman to hold position of team president". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  50. ^ "Global Transfer Report 2022" (PDF). FIFA. January 2023. p. 29. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  51. ^ Goff, Steven (February 26, 2022). "Luck is on D.C. United's side in season-opening win over Charlotte". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  52. ^ Andrejev, Alex (March 5, 2022). "Charlotte FC loses 1st home match in front of MLS-record crowd. Here's what we learned". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  53. ^ "Charlotte FC surpass Barcelona, Manchester United in top worldwide attendances in 2022". Major League Soccer. March 7, 2022.
  54. ^ Adams, Caleb. "Full Time: Brilliant team effort in Charlotte FC's first-ever win". Charlotte FC. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  55. ^ Cardenas, Felipe; Maurer, Pablo; Stejskal, Sam (June 1, 2022). "Charlotte FC fired Miguel Angel Ramirez due to front office conflicts: sources". The Athletic. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  56. ^ "Expansion side Charlotte fires coach Miguel Angel Ramirez after just 14 MLS games in charge". ESPN. Associated Press. May 31, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  57. ^ Goldberg, Steve (May 26, 2022). "Glass half full for Charlotte FC after U.S. Open Cup loss to New York Red Bulls". The Charlotte Post. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  58. ^ a b c Quillen, Ian Nicholas (June 11, 2022). "New coach bump: Charlotte FC latest to benefit as Christian Lattanzio era begins". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  59. ^ Dean, Richard (July 3, 2022). "Dynamo give Charlotte FC first road win in club history". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  60. ^ Shankar, Varun (July 21, 2022). "Charlotte FC stuns Chelsea with victory in PKs as world sees city's soccer growth". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  61. ^ Zietlow, Alex (October 1, 2022). "History! Daniel Rios 4-goal game breaks record, gives Charlotte FC win over Philadelphia". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  62. ^ Goldberg, Steve (October 6, 2022). "Charlotte FC fights to draw against Columbus but misses out on playoffs". The Charlotte Post. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  63. ^ Deal, Jesse (March 1, 2023). "Charlotte FC aims for improvement in Year 2". North State Journal. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  64. ^ a b Kennedy, Paul (October 13, 2022). "Crowd Count: MLS attendance tops 10 million for first time". Soccer America. Archived from the original on October 28, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  65. ^ Kennedy, Paul (October 27, 2022). "MLS: Gio Savarese back with troubled Timbers for sixth season, Christian Lattanzio keeps Charlotte FC job". Soccer America. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  66. ^ a b Zietlow, Alex (February 25, 2023). "The Charlotte FC players you need to know ahead of the season's first match". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  67. ^ Smoot, Hannah (December 12, 2019). "Panthers official registers potential Charlotte MLS team names as announcement looms". The Charlotte Observer. p. A2. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  68. ^ Andrejev, Alex (June 24, 2020). "Charlotte MLS team name announcement no longer expected this month". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  69. ^ a b Andrejev, Alex (July 22, 2020). "Welcome, Charlotte FC. The city's MLS expansion team gets a new name and crest". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  70. ^ "Charlotte FC: Newest MLS expansion club unveils name, crest and colors" (Press release). Major League Soccer. July 22, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  71. ^ Spanberg, Erik (July 22, 2020). "City's new MLS franchise will be called Charlotte FC". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  72. ^ a b Straus, Brian (July 22, 2020). "Charlotte Joins MLS's FCs: 2022 Expansion Team Reveals Name, Crest and Branding". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  73. ^ Wilson, Jen (October 13, 2014). "So is Charlotte the real Queen City?". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  74. ^ Adams, Caleb (January 31, 2023). "The Why Behind Crown Legacy FC". Charlotte FC. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  75. ^ Spanberg, Erik (July 19, 2019). "Panthers' MLS bid scores financial heavyweight as lead soccer sponsor". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  76. ^ Andrejev, Alex (October 22, 2021). "Charlotte FC's new sponsor is paying some PSL costs for fans at BoA Stadium. How it'll work". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  77. ^ Spanberg, Erik (October 20, 2021). "Health-insurance giant Centene becomes latest major sponsor of Charlotte FC". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  78. ^ "Charlotte FC reveal inaugural "Carolina Kit" primary jersey". MLSsoccer.com. December 9, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  79. ^ a b Spanberg, Erik (February 16, 2023). "Charlotte FC season-ticket holders help celebrate new 'Crown Jewel' uniforms". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  80. ^ "Charlotte FC unveil 2022 Newly Minted kit". MLSsoccer.com. February 14, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  81. ^ a b Andrejev, Alex (March 4, 2022). "Charlotte FC will break MLS attendance record for its first home match". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  82. ^ Mahoney, Ashley (April 19, 2019). "MLS OKs expansion by two franchises at $200 million price tag". The Charlotte Post. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  83. ^ Spanberg, Erik (February 11, 2022). "Charlotte FC moving closer to sellout for season opener at Bank of America Stadium". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  84. ^ Flynn, Shawn (December 19, 2019). "Soccer fans: What's next? Team name, season tix and how to get merch before Christmas". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
  85. ^ a b Andrejev, Alex; Williams, Ellis L. (February 8, 2022). "Here's what $50 million in upgrades to BOA Stadium for Panthers, Charlotte FC look like". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  86. ^ Getzenberg, Alaina; Andrejev, Alexandra (April 28, 2021). "Bank of America Stadium switching from natural grass to artificial turf". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  87. ^ "Charlotte's new soccer team becomes first franchise to sell PSLs". WSOCTV. February 20, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  88. ^ a b Andrejev, Alex; Getzenberg, Alaina (February 25, 2021). "Fans priced out? Charlotte FC's cheapest season ticket seats are most expensive in MLS". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  89. ^ Giles, Alex (February 19, 2021). "Charlotte soccer fans disappointed by Charlotte FC season ticket prices". WBTV. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  90. ^ Mahoney, Ashley (February 22, 2021). "Charlotte FC ticket prices are MLS's highest with PSL engaged". The Charlotte Post. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  91. ^ Spanberg, Erik (October 16, 2019). "Exclusive: Panthers, city exploring MLS HQ at Eastland site". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  92. ^ Getzenberg, Alaina; Smoot, Hannah (October 26, 2020). "Charlotte FC pulls MLS headquarters out of Eastland Mall site. City slashes incentives". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  93. ^ Kuznitz, Alison (August 4, 2021). "Public money headed to Eastland Mall, a future hub for Charlotte FC and Tepper Sports". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  94. ^ Spanberg, Erik (March 3, 2022). "Why the future is uncertain for Charlotte FC's training home". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  95. ^ Zietlow, Alex (August 17, 2022). "Charlotte FC has agreed to break ground on a new training facility and headquarters". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  96. ^ Mahoney, Ashley (August 4, 2023). "First look: See inside Charlotte FC's new headquarters and practice facility". Axios Charlotte. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  97. ^ Vertelney, Seth (June 14, 2022). "MLS announces landmark 10-year media rights deal with Apple TV, beginning in 2023". USA Today. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  98. ^ a b c d "TV & Radio Affiliates". Charlotte FC. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  99. ^ "WSOC, TV64, Telemundo Charlotte announce TV partnership with Charlotte FC". WSOC-TV. April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  100. ^ a b Ramsey, Mary (February 26, 2022). "Who are the Charlotte FC TV and radio announcers? Meet the voices on the call". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  101. ^ "Charlotte FC Announce Jaime Moreno and Antonio Ramos as Spanish-Language Broadcast Team" (Press release). Charlotte FC. December 13, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  102. ^ a b "Charlotte FC, Radio One Announce Club's First-Ever Radio Partnership". WFNZ. January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  103. ^ "News Bites: KYW, WLVQ, 'HIFIN,' RAB, College Radio Supports Ukraine". Inside Radio. February 28, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  104. ^ "MLS team owners: Charlotte's David Tepper joins burgeoning list". MLSsoccer.com. December 17, 2019. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  105. ^ Scott, David (December 31, 2019). "Charlotte MLS team hires Zoran Krneta as sporting director". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  106. ^ Bogert, Tom (January 7, 2020). "Charlotte MLS appoint Marc Nicholls as technical director". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  107. ^ Andrejev, Alex (January 20, 2022). "Charlotte FC technical director leaving team before its first season". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  108. ^ Spanberg, Erik (October 26, 2022). "Charlotte FC laying groundwork for second season with front-office contract extensions". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  109. ^ "Charlotte FC Parts Ways With Manager Christian Lattanzio". WFNZ Radio. November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  110. ^ "Charlotte FC Names Dean Smith as Club's Head Coach". Charlotte FC. December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  111. ^ Spanberg, Erik (April 5, 2023). "DiMicco staying on as Independence owner as season in new USL division set to start on Friday". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  112. ^ Zietlow, Alex (February 22, 2023). "What is Crown Legacy? It's what gives Charlotte FC roster options it's never had before". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  113. ^ Andrejev, Alex (July 29, 2020). "How Charlotte FC is making sure first team features plenty of homegrown soccer talent". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  114. ^ Andrejev, Alex (November 3, 2020). "What's next for Charlotte FC? Here's a look at MLS team's future after academy matches". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  115. ^ "Charlotte FC Signs Academy Product Nimfasha Berchimas to Homegrown Contract" (Press release). Charlotte FC. November 17, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  116. ^ a b Lyttle, Steve (March 5, 2022). "Why does Charlotte FC have so many supporters groups and what makes each unique?". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  117. ^ a b Shankar, Varun (August 10, 2022). "Charlotte FC supporter groups create a captivating experience in inaugural MLS season". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  118. ^ Flynn, Shawn (December 17, 2019). "5 reasons Major League Soccer is the biggest announcement of the year in Charlotte". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  119. ^ Spanberg, Erik (July 2, 2021). "How Charlotte FC's relationship with fans could play deciding factor in its success". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  120. ^ Mahoney, Ashley (February 17, 2023). "Charlotte FC is out to prove they weren't a one-hit wonder". Axios. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  121. ^ Goldberg, Steve (July 30, 2022). "Charlotte FC's Ben Bender, humble burgeoning MLS soccer star". Charlotte Observer. pp. 1–2. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  122. ^ Andrejev, Alex (August 7, 2022). "What makes Charlotte FC fans so great in inaugural season?". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  123. ^ Jones, J. Sam (June 8, 2022). "Ranking the top 5 scariest mascots in MLS". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  124. ^ "Roster". Charlotte FC. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  125. ^ a b c d e f "2023 Fact and Record Book". Major League Soccer. February 2023. pp. 4, 31, 171. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  126. ^ "Every MLS team's top goalscorer in the 2022 season". MLSsoccer.com. November 7, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  127. ^ Kennedy, Paul (October 22, 2023). "MLS breaks attendance record". Soccer America. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  128. ^ "MLS Player Stats". MLSsoccer.com. October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  129. ^ Silverman, Alex (October 22, 2024). "MLS sets attendance record in 2024 with 5% uptick over last season". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  130. ^ "MLS Player Stats". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  131. ^ "Charlotte FC Head Coach Christian Lattanzio Extends Contract" (Press release). Charlotte FC. October 26, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  132. ^ "Charlotte FC part ways with head coach Christian Lattanzio". MLSsoccer.com. November 8, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  133. ^ "Charlotte FC Names Dean Smith as Club's Head Coach". charlottefootballclub.com. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  134. ^ Adams, Caleb (March 6, 2023). "Head coach Christian Lattanzio and captain Ashley Westwood on Charlotte FC's performance against St. Louis City". Charlotte FC. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Charlotte FC.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charlotte_FC&oldid=1255194241"