Houston Dynamo Look to Find Winning Form Against Charlotte FC

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dynamo are in North Carolina this weekend for a match up with Charlotte FC. The Dynamo picked up a point after a 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend. Charlotte beat Atlanta United 2-0, on the road, in their last match.

When: Saturday, September 5 | 6:40 PM CT kickoff

Where: Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, North Carolina

TV/Stream: Apple TV

Transfer Window Closed

Major League Soccer’s transfer window closed this week, along with a lot of leagues in Europe. The Dynamo brought in striker Lyle Foster to go along with Marcelo Saracchi and Duncan McGuire, who signed earlier this summer. Foster is not yet available as he awaits his visa. Houston also lost a number of players, most notably Jack McGlynn to Stoke City in England. Head coach Ben Olsen said in his weekly press conference that McGlynn is irreplacable, but someone will have to fill that void. While the Dynamo wait for Foster, who will step up in the attack?

Finding Their Form

The Dynamo’s long unbeaten run earlier this summer saw Houston get all the way to first place in the Western Conference. They are still in second place heading into this weekend but have just one point in their last two matches. With changes to the lineup imminent, can this Dynamo side regain their top-of-the-table form? The defense looks up to the task, now who scores the goals? The Dynamo have still yet to have a league goal scored by a striker this season.

Taking the Crown

Charlotte FC rebounded from a tough 2025, like the Dynamo, and find themselves in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Olsen mentioned the similarities between these two teams, especially in the way they play. The Crown have added French winger Allan Saint-Maximin after Wilfried Zaha left the club and the former Newcastle United man picked up his first assist in MLS last weekend. Charlotte’s front three of Saint-Maximin, Idan Toklomati, and Liel Abada, with Spanish playmaker Pep Biel working behind them, is very dangerous and can score in bunches. The Dynamo defense posted a clean sheet last weekend, thanks in large part to Jonathan Bond. The Houston goalkeeper will likely be busy again tonight.

Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Jimmy Maurer (head), Lyle Foster (not due to injury); Questionable: Marcelo Saracchi (lower body)

Charlotte FC – Out: Nimfasha Berchimas (lower body), Aron John (upper body), Harry Toffolo (lower body)

Predicted Lineup