Charlotte FC hope to uplift fans by clinching playoffs vs. Fire

Charlotte FC are in position to clinch a playoff spot and hoping to make giant strides when they take on the visiting Chicago Fire on Wednesday night.

"We are hungry, hungry for more," Charlotte defender Adilson Malanda said. "We know we can achieve a good thing before playoffs."

Charlotte (11-11-9, 42 points) can wrap up a playoff spot by winning, while a draw might achieve that as well depending on the results of other matches.

It could be uplifting on several levels.

"With what's gone on over the past week, obviously with the Carolinas hit with the hurricane, there's a lot of people struggling," Charlotte coach Dean Smith said, "... and (we can) give them kind of joy by trying to reach the playoffs on Wednesday."

Charlotte is trying to ride a wave of momentum after Kristijan Kahlina made seven saves in a 1-1 road draw against league-leading Inter Miami CF on Saturday.

Smith was happy with how his men went "toe to toe" against Miami, but there are areas to tidy up even after the encouraging match.

"We have to improve the details that could turn the game another way for us," Malanda said.

Chicago (7-16-9, 30 points) holds the second-worst record in MLS. The Fire, who were eliminated from playoff contention with Saturday's draw vs. visiting Toronto, will attempt to halt a three-match winless streak (0-2-1).

"Now that chance is gone (to reach the postseason), so it's disappointing, for sure, for all of us," Fire coach Frank Klopas said. "We're professionals. We have to finish strong."

Klopas said the Fire showed sparks at times Saturday, even during rough stretches. Jonathan Dean scored in the 84th minute to pull Chicago level.

"We pushed the game," Klopas said. "We had some moments."

Smith said Charlotte should have a full roster of available players for the match vs. Chicago. Because of some roster shifts, the coach said the team has good competition at midfield positions and that could help push the club forward.

Charlotte defeated the Fire 1-0 in May on Ashley Westwood's goal. He hasn't scored since that match.

--Field Level Media