NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview: Seeking another win in North Carolina | OneFootball

While New York City FC's Major League Soccer winless streak is finally over, thanks to the win against the Columbus Crew, the team cannot celebrate for long.  A quick turnaround means the Boys in Blue will play Charlotte FC for a midweek battle. This is the second meeting between the two sides in 2026.  This is also the Bronx team's first time back to Bank of America Stadium since the 2025 postseason.

Fans will recall that NYCFC won both matches at the stadium for the first time during the first round.  Therefore, the Pigeons will want to continue the streak of winning in North Carolina.  It will not be easy, though. Charlotte won the opposite meeting this year, and despite the fact that the Pigeons finally won again, they are still not in a good position.  Winning is the only option, but that is never a guarantee.

Hannes Wolf was the hero on Sunday, but there is no guarantee that he will score again against Charlotte.  Hence, someone else will likely have to step up and be the hero if NYCFC wants to leave with all three points.  It is not impossible, but it will be a challenge.

With a lot on the line, here is a preview of the game between NYCFC and Charlotte FC.

NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview

Date

NYCFC will play Charlotte FC on Wednesday, May 13.

Time

The battle will begin at 7:15 PM ET.

Location

The game will be at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How to watch

Fans can watch the fixture on FS1, Fox Deportes, and Apple TV.

Weather

Summer is getting closer, for the temperature will be around 76 degrees when the game begins.  It will be sunny until the sun sets, and then the night sky will be clear.  The humidity will be low, at about 35% to 40%

Injury report

There are still six players out due to injury.  Drew Baiera (leg), Talles Magno (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), Max Murray (leg), Aiden O’Neill (leg), and Kevin O’Toole (leg) will miss the match against Charlotte.

Players to watch

Like the game against the Crew, Wolf is the player to watch.  Will he score again or even contribute to a goal?  More importantly, will Pascal Jansen be brave enough to start him as the striker?  Two of his three goals from Sunday were the type of goals normally scored by strikers.  It is, without a doubt, something the head coach should consider.

Fans should also pay attention to Kristijan Kahlina.  The Charlotte goalkeeper has caused too many issues throughout the last couple of years, and he was a big reason why the Pigeons lost at home less than a month ago.  He cannot repeat his performance, because otherwise, this game could end very badly for the visitors.

Prediction

It is expected to be an even matchup between the two teams.  Sadly, it is hard to see the Bronx side leaving with more than a point.  As such, NYCFC and Charlotte will end the night in a 1-1 draw.  Keaton Parks will level the score with a late goal.