Charlotte FC hosted International Maia Miami in the East Coast Showdown. Despite missing their two biggest stars, Misi and Suarez, InterMiami kept their three-game winning streak alive, showing an unrelenting spirit and a noticeable increase in attacking tempo. The team fought hard against their opponents early in the game, and taking a 1.5-goal lead at halftime was a smart move. (Thursday's 7:30 p.m. kickoff)
Charlotte FC lost 0-1 at home against Houston-Dynamo, putting an end to their strong momentum in June. The team is in dire need of a revitalization this time around, especially considering the players' confidence and determination remains strong with only one loss in their last 23 home matches. Poland's striker Szwedaszki is out for the Europa League, but he could be the team's secret weapon in this match, providing a strong guarantee for the offense.
Although Mace and Suarez were at full strength during the Copa America, their absence has become a regular feature this season. Internacional Mayami has adapted to the changes in the lineup, and the offensive "replacements" such as Leonardo Gambina and Rolaterre have also performed well. Although the team's ability to control the game has decreased, the speed of the offense has increased. The first half of the game is often the period when the tempo of the game accelerates. In the last four matches, three of them have scored more than two goals in a half, a trend that is definitely worth paying attention to.