This weekend sees several East vs. West matchups in MLS. Only one of them involves two teams in the top five of their conference standings. In the middle of a four game unbeaten streak, Charlotte FC host Houston Dynamo. Ben Olsen’s side have vaulted up to second place in the West but just sold their best player.
Match Details
Who: Charlotte FC vs. Houston Dynamo
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
When: Saturday September 5, 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
Watch: Apple TV
Charlotte Looking For Third Straight Win
Charlotte FC have struggled with consistency this season. They’ve been on unbeaten streaks and winless streaks alike. Now they’re building momentum as they look to establish themselves as a true contender in the East.
Since the World Cup, Dean Smith’s men have only lost one of their seven MLS matches. They’ve won their last two, taking care of business against non playoff teams DC United and Atlanta United. This fixture versus Houston Dynamo will be the biggest test Charlotte has faced during their hot streak.
Despite traditionally being a defensive team, Charlotte’s front four has been humming. Right winger Liel Abada has been particularly impressive. He’s recorded a goal contribution in his last four matches and is really coming into his own as a playmaker. His seven assists in all competitions are better than his previous two seasons with Charlotte combined. New left winger Allan Saint-Maximin has been flashy as well, registering his first assist last weekend.
Dynamo Surging Since Midseason Break
Houston Dynamo were in a decent position after the first half of the season, sitting just inside the playoff spots in seventh. They’ve turned mediocrity into excellency since the World Cup break. Houston have made their way up to second place, making up what was a 10 point gap.
The main reason for Dynamo’s ascendance up the table was a five game win streak from the end of July to mid August. They beat teams such as Vancouver Whitecaps and New England Revolution in one of the most impressive stretches of form this MLS season. Houston didn’t even concede a single goal in those games. Olsen’s men have recorded 10 shutouts in their last 16 league matches, comfortably the most of any team in that time period.
While Houston won’t have problems keeping out goals, they might have a tough time scoring them. This will be their first game without star midfielder Jack McGlynn after his transfer to Championship club Stoke City. McGlynn was the primary creative spark for Dynamo, leading the team in assists since joining before the 2025 season. Left winger Guilherme will have to take even more responsibility in the attack as he’s now the team leader in both goals and assists.
Match Prediction
Houston Dynamo have done a fantastic job keeping clean sheets lately, so this should be a low scoring match. I just don’t trust their attack to score on this Charlotte team without McGlynn to create chances. I’ll go for a narrow win for the hosts with Abada continuing his goal contribution streak.
Prediction: Charlotte FC 1-0 Houston Dynamo
Braden Hines is a writer and data analyst with a passion for U.S. Soccer. Runs American Ultras Talk on YouTube and X. Works for Carolina Ascent FC and Syracuse Men’s Soccer.
