Charlotte vs Atlanta United preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Bank of America Stadium Thu, 23 Jul - 12:15 AM
Major League Soccer
CharlotteCHL
2 – 2
Atlanta UnitedATL
Full Time Thu, 23 Jul 12:15 AM
Regular Season
Liel Abada - 45'
Goal
|
Goal
Elías Báez - 57'

CONTEXT

Charlotte welcomed Atlanta United to their home ground for an MLS encounter that began with the hosts asserting early dominance. Charlotte scored twice in the opening half to lead 2-0 at the break, showcasing strong attacking intent and clinical finishing. Atlanta United struggled to find rhythm before the interval but mounted a determined response after the restart. The visitors netted twice in the second half to secure a 2-2 draw, canceling out Charlotte's advantage. Charlotte generated an expected goals total of 2.86 compared to Atlanta United's 1.77, while maintaining a slight edge in possession at 51 percent to 49 percent. No red cards were issued during the contest. The stronger side according to pre-match metrics ultimately shared the points in a result that highlighted second-half adjustments from the away team.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Charlotte 2-2 Atlanta United. Charlotte showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with overall team metrics.
  • xG alignment: The final outcome proved inconsistent with the xG differential of 1.09.
  • Market alignment: The result aligned with market expectations for the fixture.
  • xG expectations: Charlotte posted higher xG at 2.86 against Atlanta United's 1.77.
  • Event impact: No major events altered the flow beyond standard substitutions.
  • Red card distortion: Zero red cards occurred so no distortion affected the match.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
S. Boiko
S. Boiko
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Charlotte D. Smith
D. Smith
VS
Atlanta United G. Martino
G. Martino
1.4
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
0.73
1.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
New England Rank: 60 W
Toronto Rank: 58 W
New York City Rank: 66 L
Cincinnati Rank: 67 D
New England Rank: 60 L
Nashville SC Rank: 72 L
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Nashville SC Rank: 71 L
Columbus Crew Rank: 66 L
Orlando City Rank: 63 D
LA Galaxy Rank: 61 L
CF Montréal Rank: 57 W
Toronto Rank: 58 W
3
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
3 - 0 - 1
1

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
63.74
55.21
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Charlotte
Atlanta United
Power Score
63.74
55.21
League Position
7
14
Global Rank
423
687

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Charlotte — Opponent-weighted form score
Atlanta United — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Charlotte Atlanta United

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Charlotte

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Atlanta United

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Charlotte ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Atlanta United
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
53.53
28.57
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
28.57
53.53
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Charlotte +1.73 Efficiency Index
vs
Atlanta United -1.73 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Charlotte
Atlanta United
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Charlotte
vs
Atlanta United
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Charlotte Atlanta United
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
33%
7%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.93 vs -0.12
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Charlotte Atlanta United
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
7%
33%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.12 vs -0.93
Charlotte
Atlanta United
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Charlotte
vs
Atlanta United
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Charlotte Atlanta United
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Charlotte 0.36
Atlanta United 0.30
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Charlotte Atlanta United
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Charlotte 0.05
Atlanta United 0.03
Charlotte
Atlanta United
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • ATL had peak pressure around 43'.
  • CHL started the game with stronger pressure.
CHL Pressure ATL Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: ATL reached the top pressure at 43' (100.00).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Charlotte CHL Home
4 matches
Atlanta United ATL Away
Match Record
3
Wins
1
0
Draws
0
1
Losses
3
Goals
8
Goals Scored
5
5
Goals Conceded
8
+3
Goal Difference
-3
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-07-24T00:00:24+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-1-4-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Jul 23, 2026, 12:15 AM
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Bank of America Stadium
Capacity
75525
Attendance
28077
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Sergii Boiko

Statistics

Possession
CHL
51%
ATL
49%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 2
4 Big Chances Created 4
11 Shots 6
66 Dangerous attacks 40
51 Possession 49
6 Corners 3
9 Free kicks 3
1 Yellow Cards 3

Match Overview

72 Ball Safe 93
7 Goal Kicks 11
14 Goal Attempts 9
5 Substitutions 3
18 Throwins 13
16 Successful Headers 6
1 Assists 1
3 Injuries 3
15 Dribble Attempts 7
6 Successful Dribbles 4
40 Successful Dribbles Percentage 57

Attacking

93 Attacks 86
2 Big Chances Missed 3

Possession

34 Long Passes 44
486 Passes 477
441 Successful Passes 425
91 Successful Passes Percentage 89
17 Key Passes 9
23 Successful Long Passes 26
68 Successful Long Passes Percentage 59

Defensive

4 Saves 7
9 Tackles 16
5 Interceptions 7
38 Duels Won 29

Build-up

25 Total Crosses 15
9 Accurate Crosses 4

Discipline

1 Offsides 2
3 Fouls 9

Lineup

Referee : Sergii Boiko

Starting XI ▼

1
Kristijan Kahlina
Kristijan Kahlina Goalkeeper
6.97
3
Tim Ream
Tim Ream Defender
6.78
15
Harry Toffolo
Harry Toffolo Defender
6.54
35
Will Cleary
Will Cleary Defender
6.32
14
Nathan Byrne
Nathan Byrne
Defender64'
6.32
44
Agyemang Morrison
Agyemang Morrison Defender
6.89
8
Ashley Westwood
Ashley Westwood (C) Midfielder
7.57
11
Liel Abada
Liel Abada Midfielder
7.29
37
Rodolfo Aloko
Rodolfo Aloko
Attacker63'
6.64
17
Luca de la Torre
Luca de la Torre Midfielder
6.42
28
Djibril Diani
Djibril Diani
Midfielder63'
6.71
18
Kerwin Vargas
Kerwin Vargas Midfielder
7.66
25
Tyger Smalls
Tyger Smalls
Attacker85'
6.61
7
Archie Goodwin
Archie Goodwin Attacker
6.54
9
Idan Toklomati
Idan Toklomati
Attacker63'
6.69
16
Pep Biel
Pep Biel Attacker
7.92
Referee : Sergii Boiko

Starting XI ▼

1
Lucas Hoyos
Lucas Hoyos Goalkeeper
8.26
3
Elías Báez
Elías Báez Defender
7.63
4
Enea Mihaj
Enea Mihaj Defender
6.45
6
Júnior Alonso
Júnior Alonso Defender
6.54
5
Stian Gregersen
Stian Gregersen
Defender90+3'
6.5
55
Tomás Jacob
Tomás Jacob Defender
6.83
8
Tristan Muyumba
Tristan Muyumba Midfielder
7.16
10
Miguel Almirón
Miguel Almirón (C) Midfielder
8.13
28
Will Reilly
Will Reilly Midfielder
6.59
48
Cooper Sanchez
Cooper Sanchez Midfielder
6.56
56
Ignacio Suarez-Couri
Ignacio Suarez-Couri
Midfielder89'
59
Aleksey Miranchuk
Aleksey Miranchuk Midfielder
7.28
22
Fafà Picault
Fafà Picault Attacker
6.55
20
Luke Brennan
Luke Brennan
Midfielder82'
6.57

Events

2ND-HALF
90+10'
Event
Tomás Jacob
Handball / 4th Yellowcard
90+3'
Event
Stian Gregersen → Júnior Alonso
8th Substitution
89'
Event
Ignacio Suarez-Couri → Cooper Sanchez
7th Substitution
Event
Tyger Smalls → Kerwin Vargas
6th Substitution
85'
82'
Event
Luke Brennan → Fafà Picault
5th Substitution
Event
Nathan Byrne
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
79'
76'
Event
Miguel Almirón
Right foot shot / 4th Goal
Event
Nathan Byrne → Will Cleary
4th Substitution
64'
Event
Rodolfo Aloko → Liel Abada
1st Substitution
63'
Event
Djibril Diani → Luca de la Torre
2nd Substitution
63'
Event
Idan Toklomati → Archie Goodwin
3rd Substitution
63'
57'
Event
Elías Báez
Header / 3rd Goal
48'
Event
Aleksey Miranchuk
Argument / 2nd Yellowcard
1ST-HALF
Event
Liel Abada
Header / 2nd Goal
45'
22'
Event
Will Reilly
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
19'
Event
Will Reilly
Card adjusted
Event
Kerwin Vargas
Left foot shot / 1st Goal
16'

Match Commentary

90
Attempt Attempt
Djibril Diani attempts a header but misses the shot.
90
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
90
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Idan Toklomati Head Shot Missed
90
Attempt Attempt
Idan Toklomati's header is saved.
90
Attempt Attempt
Idan Toklomati attempts a header but misses the shot.
90
Substitution Substitution
Substitution: Stian Gregersen comes on for Junior Alonso.
90
Attempt Attempt
Idan Toklomati takes a shot with his head but misses.
90
Attempt Attempt
Tyger Smalls takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
89
Update Update
Ignacio Suarez is on, and Cooper Sanchez is off.
86
Attempt Attempt
Tristan Muyumba takes a left-footed shot but misses.
85
Substitution Substitution
Tyger Smalls is substituted for Kerwin Vargas.
82
Update Update
Luke Brennan replaces Pabrice Picault.
81
Attempt Attempt
Idan Toklomati attempts a header but misses the shot.
79
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card.
76
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Miguel Angel Almiron Rejala scores with a right-footed shot.
76
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Miguel Angel Almiron scores, bringing the match to 2-2.
74
Attempt Attempt
Elias Baez takes a shot with his head, but it's saved.
73
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
72
Attempt Attempt
Kerwin Vargas takes a right-footed shot but misses.
70
Attempt Attempt
Miguel Angel Almiron Rejala takes a left-footed shot but misses.
68
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
68
Attempt Attempt
Kerwin Vargas takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
66
Attempt Attempt
Idan Toklomati attempts a header but misses the shot.
63
Update Update
On comes Nathan Byrne, off goes Will Cleary.
63
Update Update
Djibril Diani comes on for Luca De La Torre.
63
Update Update
Rodolfo Aloko comes on for Liel Abada.
63
Update Update
Idan Toklomati is on, and Archie Goodwin is off.
57
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Elias Baez takes a shot with his head and scores a goal.
57
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 2-1.
54
Update Update
Offside.
53
Attempt Attempt
Harry Toffolo takes a left-footed shot but misses.
51
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
48
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Aleksey Miranchuk receives a yellow card.
45
Attempt Attempt
Miguel Angel Almiron Rejala takes a left-footed shot but misses.
45
Attempt Attempt
Aleksey Miranchuk takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
45
Attempt Attempt
Liel Abada takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Liel Abada Head Shot Goal
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Liel Abada Head Shot Goal
44
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Liel Abada scores to make it 2-0, assisted by Pep Biel Mas Jaume.
44
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Liel Abada Head Shot Goal
44
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Liel Abada scores, making it 2-0.
44
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
43
Attempt Attempt
Aleksey Miranchuk takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
42
Attempt Attempt
Pabrice Picault takes a right-footed shot but misses.
40
Attempt Attempt
Pabrice Picault takes a left-footed shot but misses.
39
Attempt Attempt
Miguel Angel Almiron Rejala takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
38
Attempt Attempt
Morrison Agyemang's header is saved.
38
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
37
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
35
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
34
Attempt Attempt
Kerwin Vargas takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
34
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
31
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
27
Update Update
Offside.
25
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
22
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Cooper Sanchez receives a yellow card.
19
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Cooper Sanchez receives a yellow card.
16
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
16
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Kerwin Vargas scores to make it 1-0.
16
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Kerwin Vargas scores with a left-footed shot.
16
Attempt Attempt
Archie Goodwin takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
16
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Kerwin Vargas scores to make it 1-0.
11
Attempt Attempt
Elias Baez takes a left-footed shot but misses.
8
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
7
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
6
Update Update
Offside.
3
Attempt Attempt
Pep Biel takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved by Mas Jaume.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Sergiy Boyko.

CONCLUSION

The 2-2 draw leaves Charlotte reflecting on a missed opportunity after their commanding first-half display. Despite superior xG and early control, the hosts could not maintain their lead against a resilient Atlanta United side that improved markedly after halftime. The absence of red cards ensured both teams operated at full strength throughout, allowing the contest to unfold without numerical imbalances. Charlotte's possession edge did not translate into a decisive victory, underscoring the challenges of converting statistical advantages into points. Atlanta United demonstrated effective second-half adjustments that neutralized the home advantage. This outcome highlights the competitive nature of the league where early leads require sustained pressure to hold. Both sides will analyze the xG figures closely as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.