Charlotte FC's summer of deals builds a contender

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Idan Toklomati, who succeeded Patrick Agyemang in Charlotte FC's attack, connects on a header for the Crown's match-winning goal in a 1-0 result against Real Salt Lake on Aug. 16.

I’ll admit Charlotte FC’s decision to sell Patrick Agyemang’s services was a mistake.

Still might be, but they’re not suffering as a result. Now that the MLS summer transfer window is closed, the Crown is looking like a winner, which makes it easier to get over the Agyemang sale.
Agyemang’s an American soccer success story.  Lightly recruited coming out of high school, he didn’t play for a powerhouse collegiate program.

As a 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick, Agyemang was a project who worked his way up to the senior club and earned a roster spot with the U.S. national team. In the process, he emerged as a fan favorite and selected for the MLS All-Star team.

Still, when Charlotte sold his rights to Derby County, a second division English Championship club for $8 million, my question was who’s going to replace his productivity. The answer, as it turns out, is a committee. Start with Idan Toklomati, Agyemang’s successor. His header last week against Real Salt Lake for Charlotte’s lone goal in a 1-0 result continued his strong play over the last couple of months.

Pep Biel has been the Crown’s most consistent attacker and should’ve been an All-Star. Wilfried Zaha, the biggest offseason acquisition, has shown a willingness to contribute as a passer as well as scorer.

The Crown spent the summer wheeling and dealing, and so far, it’s paying dividends. They transferred Adilson Malanda to Middlesbrough FC of the English Championship for a reported at $8 million in a deal that will take effect when Charlotte’s season finishes. In the interim, Charlotte retains one of MLS’s top defenders and a major reason when the Crown’s back line is showing serious form after early season struggles.

Charlotte’s won six in a row because of the combination of defensive integrity, which is supporting goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina’s renewed strength. Still, the Crown went out and hired Drake Callendar, who started 91 games over the last four seasons with Inter Miami.

George Marks, Kahlina’s backup, was the odd man out, and considering Callendar’s resumé, which includes helping the Herons to the last year’s Supporter's Shield and the 2023 Leagues Cup title, Kahlina might be on notice, too.

With seven matches left in the regular season, Charlotte’s positioned for the playoffs, something that felt shaky a couple months ago. Wheeling and dealing helped, and for anyone lamenting what’s lost, consider what’s been gained: a legitimate contender with an opportunity to grab home pitch advantage in the MLS postseason.

At least for now.

Herbert L. White is editor in chief at The Post.

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