WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Supporters of Charlotte Football Club made their way to the nation's capitol on Friday, ready to cheer on the MLS franchise after years of anticipation.
Charlotte FC will play its inaugural match on Saturday at 6 p.m. against D.C. United.
Charlotte may not have the most talented team in the league in year one, but their supporters hope their spirit rubs off on the club.
"It's a great addition to our community," York's Natalie Hoekstra said. "We're pumped and rooting for the team, and we're here to support any way we can."
Hoekstra and her husband Larry made the trip to watch the first match.
"Gosh if we can win," Larry Hoekstra said, "they might have to name a new street, Mint Street, here in D.C."
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was awarded the team in December of 2019, and COVID-19 delayed their debut by one season.
They are coached by Miguel Ramirez, who will bring an attacking, possession-style game model unusual for the league.
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Charlotte FC only has one "Designated Player," a member of the team that can be paid more than the maximum salary.
That would be striker Karol Swiderski. But Swiderski is questionable to play as he deals with a visa/passport issue through his home country, Poland.
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A league source told WCNC Charlotte that it was "trending toward unlikely" that Swiderski would play in Saturday's match.
Knowing his team lacks top-line talent, Ramirez is measuring his expectations in terms of wins and losses.
"I'm proud or happy when I am able to see my team compete," Ramirez said. "This, for me, is success."
ESPN analyst and former league MVP Taylor Twellman spoke with WCNC Charlotte about Ramirez's game model.
"I'm looking forward to it," Twellman said. "We need more diversity of thought, more diversity of how to approach games. The only thing I would argue is, the teams that have been successful in launching a franchise have been the teams that put the ball in the back of the net."
Charlotte will play its first home match on March 5 at Bank of America Stadium. A league-record crowd of 75,000 supporters is expected.
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As of Friday, 70,000 tickets had been sold.
Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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