Charlotte FC hits the road for 'home' Leagues Cup date

PHOTO | TROY HULL

Charlotte FC midfielder Brandt Bronico celebrates after scoring against Necaxa Saturday in a Leagues Cup match at Bank of America Stadium. The Crown advanced to the Round of 32 against Cruz Azul Aug. 3 in Frisco, Texas.

Charlotte FC earned the right to host Cruz Azul in the knockout round of Leagues Cup, but it won’t be in Charlotte.

Due to a scheduling conflict with the Carolina Panthers’ Fan Fest Aug. 2 at Bank of America Stadium, the Crown will be the home team on Aug. 3 at a neutral site – Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. A 1,047-mile trip to the Dallas suburb is required given the late notice to prepare a suitable site closer to Charlotte.

“Due to stadium commitments made before Leagues Cup 2023 was scheduled, Bank of America Stadium is unavailable to host Charlotte FC’s Round of 32 match against Cruz Azul,” the club said in a statement. “The Club made every effort to explore alternative venues in the area but was unable to secure a venue in line with the operational requirements of the tournament.”

Charlotte coach Christian Lattanzio understood the necessity for a change in venue but prefers playing against Cruz Azul, which a Liga MX side, in Charlotte.

“I’m disappointed too,” he said after Saturday’s group-clinching 4-1 win against Necaxa. “I’d like to play in front of our supporters. We love to play for them and play more games like we did [against Necaxa], so I’m disappointed too because having won the group, I think we earned the right to play here. Unfortunately, that’s not possible but this disappointment we share with them. To play here for them would be great.”

Charlotte striker Patrick Agyemang asserted his preference to playing before a supportive home crowd too.

“We live off the fans,” he said. “Every time we have a home game, it’s exciting to play in front of everybody. It’s definitely a tough one, but at the end of the day we are professionals, and we have to deal with setbacks and things that kind of change what we do.

“At the end of the day we’re playing the game and we’re going to Dallas or wherever we have to play and just move on to the next round.”

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