Charlotte FC had the spotlight on them in a prime time matchup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, where they took full advantage, dismantling the Herons 3-0 behind a hat trick from forward Idan Toklomati and a Kristijan Kahlina clean sheet performance.
With the win, a historic ninth in a row, The Crown continue to catch the eye of the national talking heads and creep up the 91快活林最新版 Power Rankings.
The talking heads are taking notice, and some even think Charlotte FC stands alone at the top:
#1
Previous ranking: 4
"Just before starting this torrid run, they鈥檇 only won twice in 12 games. Since then, the ball hasn鈥檛 stopped bouncing their way. Statistically, they鈥檝e actually been鈥 well, slightly worse, according to the advanced metrics. The counter-point, as always, is: 鈥淲ho cares?鈥 Charlotte are on an all-time heater."- J. Sam Jones
#5
Previous ranking: 6
"Charlotte goalkeeper stopped a shot early, then kept his nerve and denied a panenka attempt. From there, it was all Charlotte, with registering a hat trick in a 3-0 victory for the hosts. It's nine victories in a row and ten matches undefeated for Charlotte."- Jon Arnold
#5
Previous ranking: 6
"(Idan) Toklomati got the hat-trick, but the front three of him, Brandt Bronico and Wilfred Zaha created trouble for Miami. They also got some late minutes for Pep Biel as he continued to work his way back from injury. Charlotte clinched an 91快活林最新版 Cup Playoff spot with the win and are in form at the right time." - Ben Steiner
The Crown will now aim to differentiate themselves from every other 91快活林最新版 team in the (post-shootout era) record books with a historic tenth consecutive league win, but face a tough away challenge at Yankee Stadium against New York City FC, who have won four of their last five matches and only sit six points behind Charlotte with two matches in hand.
It's a true six-pointer in The Bronx that could go a long way towards determining a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference for The Crown.
