Early derby will test Charlotte FC, Atlanta United

Members of Charlotte FC acknowledge this season could become something special, so putting some of that on display in front of the home crowd is a much-anticipated opportunity Saturday afternoon in Charlotte.

The opponent will be rival Atlanta United FC.

"You feel this is an important game," Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina said. "More important than some other games."

Players for Charlotte (0-0-1), ready to establish a new standard, were disappointed when they returned from Seattle with a season-opening 2-2 draw.

"Any good team wants to strive for greatness," defender Nathan Byrne said. "Especially here at home with the fans behind us."

Atlanta (1-0-0) thrived in its opener at home by defeating CF Montreal 3-2. Emmanuel Latte Lath scored two goals in his first MLS match. He became the first player in franchise history with two goals in his regular-season debut.

With the first win out of the way, a more consistent performance would be preferred by first-year Atlanta coach Ronny Deila after the opener had big swings.

"A little bit too much for a coach's heart," Deila said. "We need everybody."

The intensity is only likely to grow for this Atlanta-Charlotte match.

"Of course it's a derby," Atlanta defender Stian Gregersen said. "Of course, it's a little bit extra for us also to play against them. That kind of game, I love it."

Kahlina, the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, said these early games are vital in setting a tone for a Charlotte team that appears well-stocked.

"Now it's a chance this Saturday to show where we are," Kahlina said. "... Then everybody will take us serious. It's not just an (home) opening game, it's between Atlanta and us. They won first game and they have positivity with their game."

For Charlotte, it will be critical to contain Atlanta's penchant from last season to apply pressure on offense. Atlanta looks more formidable now.

"They have big quality in front," Kahlina said. "They brought (in) a few great players. We had to be more compact, maybe more aggressive outside the box."

It has been bumpy for Charlotte in terms of roster stability. Wilfried Zaha missed the opener because he returned to Europe as his wife gave birth to their daughter, Zuri. Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith said Zaha has returned and will be available Saturday. Midfielder Eryk Williamson missed a practice this week because of illness.

--Field Level Media