Charlotte FC hosts the New York Red Bulls on Saturday in a MLS Eastern Conference fixture. Charlotte is eighth in the conference table at 5-1-8 on 16 points with a goal difference of -5. Charlotte was defeated by the Seattle Sounders 2-1 in their most recent MLS fixture prior to the break for international play. Charlotte has lost each of its last two across all competitions.
Charlotte sacked manager Miguel Angel Ramirez despite a strong start through its first 14 matches. Charlotte has 16 points through 14 matches, which is sixth best amongst 13 expansion clubs to join the MLS since 2010. Karol Swiderski is the leading goal scorer for Charlotte with four, while Benjamin Bender is the leader in assists with three.
New York is fourth in the conference table at 6-5-3 on 23 points with a goal difference of +9. New York defeated DC United 4-1 in its most recent MLS fixture prior to the break for international play. Prior to beating DC United, the Red Bulls defeated Charlotte NC 3-1 in the US Open Cup round of 16. New York is tied on points with third place CF Montreal but trails in wins.
New York has had a strong start to its campaign and that is for the most part because of excellent play on the road. The Red Bulls tied a record in the MLS for consecutive victories on the road to start a season with five. Lewis Morgan is the leading goal scorer for New York with six, while Patryk Klimala and Luquinhas have each scored four. Omir Fernandez and Klimala are the leaders in assists with three each.
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