CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Liel Abada leads Charlotte FC into a matchup with D.C. United at Bank of America Stadium at 7:30 p.m. after scoring two goals against Atlanta United.
Charlotte is 5-4-2 against Eastern Conference opponents. Charlotte ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference allowing 18 goals. The matchup Saturday is the first meeting this season between the two teams.
Abada has three goals for Charlotte. Kerwin Vargas has two goals and one assist over the last ten games.
Christian Benteke has scored 13 goals with two assists for United. Christopher McVey has one goal over the past ten games.
Charlotte FC is also making a play for a United States men's national soccer team star: Defender Tim Ream.
The club confirmed to WCNC Charlotte it is in advanced negotiations with the USMNT player.
The 36-year-old left-footed, center-back was drafted by the New York Red Bulls in 2010. After a couple of successful seasons for that club, other European leagues noticed, which led to his transfer to play for the Bolton Wanderers from 2012 through 2015. After that stint, he was sold to the English club Fulham on a four-year contract. However, he lost his starting role at Fulham during the second half of the 2023 season. He did captain the Cottagers in the season finale on May 19, which marked his first appearance since Feb. 17.