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Charlotte riding wave of momentum
Few teams in MLS are hotter than Charlotte FC. The Crown enter Sunday’s clash with the New York Red Bulls on a six-game winning streak, their best run since joining the league. That surge has vaulted them into seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 44 points, comfortably above the playoff line.
Charlotte’s success has been built on balance. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, last year’s MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, has delivered three straight clean sheets and already has eight on the season. At the other end, striker Idan Toklomati has found form, scoring three times in his past four appearances.
For bettors, Charlotte’s momentum has made them a strong side in recent MLS picks, with both their defensive stability and timely goals paying dividends.
Red Bulls searching for consistency
The Red Bulls remain firmly in the playoff picture, but they have lacked the consistency needed to climb higher in the table. With 39 points (11-10-6), RBNY sit just below Charlotte and are coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union last weekend.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been their standout player, scoring 15 goals in his debut MLS season to push himself into the Golden Boot conversation. Emil Forsberg has added nine goals and nine assists, providing the creative spark in midfield.
Still, RBNY’s main concern is depth and balance in attack. They have failed to score more than one goal in 16 of 27 matches, highlighting their struggles to break down defenses. The absence of Lewis Morgan, sidelined most of the season, has only compounded that issue.
| Team | Record | Last 5 Matches | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte FC | 14-11-2 (44 pts) | 5-0-0 | 10 | 2 |
| New York Red Bulls | 11-10-6 (39 pts) | 2-2-1 | 6 | 5 |
Key storylines to watch
The Red Bulls have had Charlotte’s number since the Crown entered MLS. They are unbeaten in the last seven meetings between the sides, including a 4-2 win earlier this year. That May fixture turned on mistakes from Charlotte’s back line, with two conceded penalties proving costly.
Charlotte head coach Dean Smith believes his team has evolved since then, improving defensively and playing with greater confidence. This time, Charlotte enters with momentum and a defense that looks far sharper.
For the Red Bulls, the spotlight is on new signing Rafael Mosquera, who made his move permanent after impressing on loan. The young Panamanian winger adds pace and flair, qualities RBNY hope can help solve their attacking woes.
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Betting outlook
Charlotte’s winning streak makes them favorites at home, but the Red Bulls’ track record in this matchup adds intrigue. Bettors will be weighing Charlotte’s current form against RBNY’s history of frustrating them.
Fans can track the latest MLS scores and odds and consult the MLS expert betting guide for insights on whether Charlotte can finally break their Red Bulls hoodoo.
What’s at stake
Charlotte are aiming not only for a seventh straight victory but also to cement their spot in the top half of the East. A win would give them breathing room over the chasing pack and prove they can handle a rival that has consistently had their number.
For the Red Bulls, this is about stopping Charlotte’s momentum while strengthening their own playoff positioning. With matches running out, every point matters in the tight Eastern Conference race.
