Charlotte FC finally got back to winning ways Saturday, taking down Toronto FC 3-1 at the Bank. But before that were two lackluster results – a draw with FC Cincinnati and a lackluster 1-0 loss to NYCFC.

This week on the show, Matt, David and Corey spend most of their time breaking down the Toronto match but they don't overlook the issues we saw in the other two matches. Topics include:

• When things aren't going well, is it Dean Smith (and tactics and lineups) or is it the players?
• What was different about the Toronto match compared to the previous two?
• What needs to happen in the summer transfer window?
• And David compares himself Tim Ream and Ashley Westwood and shares his most recent heat map.

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It was better. At least we can say that.

Charlotte FC played well enough to deserve a point against the Revolution, but a lack of finishing and a questionable penalty in stoppage time doomed the Crown to a 1-0 loss.

Matt and Corey take you through the match, highlighting the positives while being realistic about the things that still aren't quite clicking. They discuss:

• The lack of finishing in two clear-cut scoring opportunities during the first half.
• CLTFC's solid defensive performance against a good New England attack.
• The handball call that drew the game-winning penalty late in stoppage time. What even is a handball?
• The absolutely ridiculous yellow card given to Ashley Westwood for "simulation."
• The importance of this stretch of home matches in May.
• And Matt breaks down why the double pivot seems to be causing some of Charlotte FC's issues this season.

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Charlotte FC are in a bit of a rough patch, losing two MLS matches and dipping out of the U.S. Open Cup in the past week. So we decided it was time for a bit of a family meeting to figure out what's going on.

David, Matt and Corey hopped on a live show Thursday night and had a lively conversation with our viewers about:

• What's causing the defensive disorder.
• Our thoughts on recent lineups and tactics, especially in the Open Cup.
• Injuries and how they might affect upcoming matches.
• Zaha and Abada's future with the club.
• And Busch Light Apple (blame David).

We answered questions live and mostly just got deep in our feelings about the recent run of form while trying not to get too negative.

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Want to get into our Discord to discuss all the matches this season, get access to the Secret Show and ask us questions for upcoming episodes? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks to get access to that and more.

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We'll be recording a regular episode later in the week after the Open Cup match, but to hold you over until then we have a special treat: An episode of the Mint City Soccer Show Secret Show!

David Gusler, Matt Chantry, and Russell Varner get together to play a little game: How well do you know some of our favorite former Charlotte FC players?

Play along as we remember some guys!

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Patreon members got access to this episode last week in the Secret Show feed. Want in? Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks.

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Charlotte FC won two games in the past week and have three matches coming rapid-fire over the next week. It's a lot to break down, so we brought in an expert: Charlotte FC Play-by-Play Broadcaster Will Palaszczuk!

Will, David and Matt discuss:

• Wins over Charlotte Independence in the Open Cup and NYCFC (which apparently doesn't like to be called NYCFC anymore).
• The tactical adjustments that led to the two goals against New York City.
• The week ahead with MLS matches against Orlando and Nashville, and the Open Cup match against Atlanta next Tuesday.
• The vibrant Crown Legacy pipeline.
• Wilfred Zaha's future.
• Our defense: Better than we think?
• And Will answers your questions!

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Want to get into our Discord to discuss all the matches this season, get access to Soccer and Coffee and ask us questions for the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks to get access to that and more, including special Secret Show episodes we release just to supporters.

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The less said about that match, the better ... but we still talked for over an hour about it. Charlotte FC had a lackluster showing in its final match of the home stand, losing 2-1 to Nashville SC.

Nashville SC may be first in the East, but they started essentially a B-team due to midweek CONCACAF Champions League matches, and this felt like a game Charlotte could take. They did not.

Matt, David and Corey discuss:

• SCREENSHOTS. Matt breaks down the defensive breakdowns that led to both Nashville goals (and the signs of trouble before the ball hit the net).
• The future for Abada.
• A tale of two penalties.
• Aloko's debut.
• And Charlotte FC's first competitive match against Charlotte Independence Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup.

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Want to get into our Discord to discuss all the matches this season, get access to Soccer and Coffee and ask us questions for the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks to get access to that and more, including special Secret Show episodes we release just to supporters.

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A little rain never hurt anyone, especially Saturday night as Charlotte FC kept the good vibes going with a 2-1 win over a struggling Philadelphia Union side.

Matt and Corey are here to talk about the weather, talk about the match, talk about the goals and – it can't all be positive – talk about some warning signs we see in the defensive play.

They also discuss Abada's play and his role on the squad, Zaha's unfortunate fifth yellow and answer all of your questions!

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Want to get into our Discord to discuss all the matches this season, get access to Soccer and Coffee and ask us questions for the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks to get access to that and more, including special Secret Show episodes we release just to supporters.

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The boys are back in town Saturday for a huge matchup with Philadelphia Union. To get you ready for Charlotte FC's next match, David Gusler invited Union insider and expert José Nuñez to join the show!

David and José talk about the season so far for both clubs, discuss why Philly has struggled so far this season and preview some key matchups to watch on Saturday. And we answer your questions!

Make sure to follow José Nuñez on X @JoserNunez91 or at his Substack, nunezj.substack.com.

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Want to get into our Discord to discuss all the matches this season, get access to Soccer and Coffee and ask us questions for the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks to get access to that and more, including special Secret Show episodes we release just to supporters.

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How much fun was that?!? Join Matt and David as they dive into Charlotte FC's exhilarating and record-breaking 6-1 win against New York Red Bulls, breaking down the key moments, tactical shifts, standout performances and fan reactions. Matt and David dig into:

• Djibril Diani's surprising but effective role in midfield and crucial runs.
• Pep Biel's consistent goal contributions and impressive stats.
• Wilfred Zaha's crucial goal showcasing his signature move.
• Archie Goodwin and Liel Abada's impactful sub appearances enhancing team momentum.
• Referee decisions, including the controversial red card for Red Bulls, analyzed.
• Speculation about star signings like Salah and league expansion, and what it means for Charlotte FC.

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Want to get into our Discord to discuss all the matches this season, get access to Soccer and Coffee and ask us questions for the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks to get access to that and more, including special Secret Show episodes we release just to supporters.

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No Messi. No goals. No major things to get excited about after Charlotte FC's 0-0 draw with Inter Miami Saturday night at The Bank.

Matt, David and Corey return this week to discuss:

• Four yellow cards in four matches for Zaha.
• Why the attack struggled against a heavily rotated Miami side. (We have screenshots again!)
• Why is Abada still starting?
• And we answer your questions, including one about our favorite soccer movie.

And apparently Matt played soccer against The Avett Brothers?

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Want to get into our Discord to discuss all the matches this season, get access to Soccer and Coffee and ask us questions for the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for just a few bucks to get access to that and more, including special Secret Show episodes we release just to supporters.

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