Middle of the Pack
There’s just four points separating the sides, and a playoff spot between them, so Saturday’s Charlotte FC vs. Columbus Crew SC could have lasting effects on the MLS standings.
Charlotte will be happy to be home after back-to-back losses away, including a 4-0 defeat against Toronto in their seasons worst effort. A slow start, but the Crew have found their stride, unbeaten in their last nine. The MLS soccer odds consider this an intriguing matchup.
Check the latest MLS news, stats, injury reports and MLS odds for Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew SC. There are plenty of MLS picks and predictions for you to consider.
Charlotte FC’s Back Home
As an expansion franchise, making your mark in that first season can be challenging, However, Charlotte has done a decent job this season. Despite a dozen losses-tied for the most in the Eastern Conference-it’s been Charlotte’s play at home which has given them a shot.
The team has a record of 7-0-3 at home, compared to 1-2-9 on the road. There’s a goal difference of -14 away, compared to +8 at home.
Charlotte’s team defense at home has played a significant role in their success, allowing just seven goals. The team’s overall defense has been solid, ranking mid-pack in many defensive metrics, notably 15th in goals conceded per game at 1.4.
They will be facing the Crew at home, giving them their best chance against a team that’s good.
Cucho’s in Columbus
Columbus have had one of the stronger defenses throughout the MLS season. third in average goals conceded per game (1), seventh in total clean sheets (7). They also have the sixth-highest number of tackles completed per game (9.7).
However, they lack balance with a weak attack. The Crew only score 1.3 goals per game on 3.7 shots, which places them near the bottom in both categories.
Enter Juan “Cucho” Hernandez, who the Crew purchased for roughly over $10 million from recently-relegated English team Watford FC. The 23-year-old Colombian-born forward has already impacted the team, four goals in is first four games in Columbus. That’s second in goals on the team. He didn’t score in the previous game, a goalless draw with the New England Revolution.
Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew SC Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 1
- Columbus Crew Victories: 0 (1 goal)
- New England Revolution Victories: 0 (1 goal)
- Draws: 1
With 2022 season being Charlotte’s first season in MLS competition, these teams have opposed one another just once. It ended a 1-1 draw as the Crew scored before the half, then Charlotte equalized early in the second half.
Their first game was the second in the Crew’s recent unbeaten streak.
Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew SC Game Information
- Date: Saturday, July 30th
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew SC Live Stream: fubo.tv
Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew SC Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Charlotte FC | pk -140 | +140 | 2½ -105o | 1½ +140o
1½ -170u |
| Columbus Crew | pk +110 | +195 | 2½ -125u | 1½ +180o
1½ -230u |
| Draw | +235 |
Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew SC Prediction
Both teams’ strengths are on defense, but the Crew’s offense has come alive (six goals) in the last four games since the arrival of Hernandez. Furthermore, the Crew have had the same success, whether home or away, tallying 15 points in each with only a one-game difference.
