Previewing Houston Dynamo at Charlotte FC with TopBin90

(image via Charlotte FC)

The Houston Dynamo head to the East Coast this weekend looking to start a new winning streak after one point from their last two matches. We talked to our friend Brian Maurer from TopBin90 to get some insight on Charlotte FC ahead of the match.

Bayou City Soccer (BCS): Charlotte has improved this season, currently up to 4th place in the Eastern Conference. What are a few reasons the team has been better in 2026?

TopBin90 (TB90): Charlotte FC has been flirting with fourth the last couple weeks. New England reclaimed 4th again last Sunday but its close. Of late what Charlotte has improved their final third production. They have scored 11 goals in their last 4 games and are on track to break their club record for goals scored in a season. Even with the improved goalscoring production the jury is still out on whether this team has taken a full step forward over last year but the next few weeks should answer those questions one way or the other.

BCS: Allan Saint-Maximin has joined Charlotte this summer. How is he fitting in, alongside Charlotte's other attacking options?

TB90: Allan Saint-Maximin has fit in well so far but its early days yet. He's made two starts and has been electric. He told everyone in his initial press conferences that he wants to be a legend at Charlotte FC and has backed up that talk with two strong starts and helping set up his teammates for many good chances. His ability to be technical with his dribbling and also accelerate to full speed while carrying the ball is really incredible to watch.

BCS: How is Tim Ream still doing so well in this defense at his age and how important is Kristijan Kahlina to this Charlotte team?

TB90: Kristijan Kahlina has been one of Charlotte's key players for years now, and the aim has been for less shots to get to him and control games for longer so he doesn't have to be as key. Jury is still out on how much the team has improved at doing that. The pairing of Henry Kessler and Tim Ream is starting to gel, and they are both capable of putting in great long balls over the top or through defensive lines to the forwards.

BCS: With Charlotte in the Eastern Conference, Dynamo fans may not get to see much of them. Who are some other players Houston fans should keep an eye on Saturday?

TB90: You can't talk about Charlotte FC without talking about Pep Biel. He is on the fast track to being the best player in Charlotte's short history. Biel will drift around the field freely looking to get on the ball but he does his best work when he stays high and gets opportunities near the top of the box to combine or shoot. Will Cleary was just drafted out of Stanford and has already earned several starts at right back, scoring his first MLS goal the last time Charlotte played at home. If he continues to get the starts over Nathan Byrne he is one up and comer to watch. Charlotte's starting striker Idan Toklomati is another name to watch he is young and had a breakout year in 2025. His numbers haven't been quite where many, myself included, have thought they would get to this year so far but he is surrounded by talent and should have more opportunities to take that next step, and if he does the league will start to take notice.

BCS: Do Charlotte have any injury concerns coming into this match and what do you expect to see for a lineup on Saturday?

TB90: The team is mostly healthy, Harry Toffolo has been hurt but starting to train separately again so he's getting close. Their captain Ashley Westwood was on a light workload week in training this week and was subbed early the last two games, but haven't heard anything to be concerned about yet. 

Predicted XI - same last week:
GK - Kristijan Kahlina
LB - David Schnegg
CB - Tim Ream
CB - Henry Kessler
RB - Will Cleary
DM - Ashley Westwood
DM - Djibril Diani
AM - Pep Biel
LW - Allan Saint-Maximin
CF - Idan Toklomati
RW - Liel Abada

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We want to thank Brian for his time and wish our friends in Charlotte the best of luck tomorrow night.