Feb 26, 2025 - Things to Do

5 fun facts to get you pumped for Charlotte FC's 2025 season

Ashley Mahoney

Fireworks light the stadium before a soccer match between the Charlotte FC and the New York City FC at Bank of America Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) — Charlotte FC won their home opener for the first time beating New York City FC 1-0 in 2024. Photo: David Jensen/Getty Images

Charlotte FC's fourth season is underway.

Why it matters: Charlotte FC provided a spark of hope to a struggling sports town last year when they hosted and won the city's first home playoff match in nearly a decade. Now it's time to see if they can keep the magic going.

Catch up quick: Charlotte FC opened the season with a 2-all draw at Seattle Sounders last weekend, meaning they're starting the season with a point and they're hoping to claim three points this weekend.

Driving the news: Charlotte FC's home opener is Saturday, March 1, vs. rival Atlanta United at 2:15pm. More than 50,000 people are expected to attend.

Here are five things to know this season:

Welcome, Zaha!

In a massive move in January, Charlotte signed former Premier League star Wilfried Zaha. Now fans are anxiously awaiting his debut.

Wilfred Zaha holds up a Charlotte FC jersey with his name and the No. 10 on the back. — Zaha missed the club's season opener for the birth of his child. Photo: Taylor Banner/Charlotte FC

Patrick Agyemang is a rising star

Patrick Agyemang went from playing Division III college soccer to scoring goals for the U.S. men's national team. He was also Charlotte FC's leading scorer last season (10 goals).

Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith tells Axios he has higher expectations for the young player this season (15-20 goals).

Patrick Agyemang #7 of the United States celebrates scoring a goal during a friendly match against Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on January 22, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Andrea Vilchez/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF) — Patrick Agyemang celebrates scoring a goal for the USMNT vs. Costa Rica earlier this year. Photo: Andrea Vilchez/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF

Charlotte's got the goalkeeper of the year

Charlotte FC's goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina was vital to the club's historic 2024 season and one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

His performance earned him MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, making him the club's first player to earn an individual MLS year-end award.

Go deeper: Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

Wine as an incentive for clean sheets

A "clean sheet" is soccer speak for a "shutout," meaning the team didn't give up any goals. Smith promised Charlotte FC's defenders a bottle of wine for every clean sheet during his first season and he says that incentive is sticking around this season.

"It cost me a lot of money last season that's for sure," Smith said with a chuckle.

Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda scored the club's first goal of the season. Photo: Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Dean Smith jokes aren't going anywhere

Yes, there are still jokes and questions about the other Dean Smith, the longtime North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball head coach. That Smith remains an icon to many North Carolinians and college basketball fans.

Charlotte FC's Dean Smith hopes to be mentioned in the same breath as the former because of his achievements with Charlotte FC.
Getting the team to the playoffs was a good start.

Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith at training in Charlotte FC gear. — Dean Smith tells Axios one of his favorite Charlotte restaurants is Little Mama's in south Charlotte. Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte FC

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7 things to know about Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith

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