CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Friday, Charlotte FC plays in the biggest match in the franchise's brief history.
The club will host Orlando City SC in Game 2 of their MLS Cup Playoffs Round One series.
After beginning the best-of-three series with a 2-0 loss, it's win or stay home for Charlotte. A victory forces a decisive Game 3 at Orlando on Nov. 9.
Charlotte has taken a step in each of its first three years as a MLS side.
In year one: they played. In year two, they made a wild card match and in year three, they made their first playoff series, as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Alongside Charlotte's First Team, its MLS Next Pro club Crown Legacy FC has been making strides as well.
The developmental squad is coming off a 1-1 performance in the MLS Next Pro playoffs, and has started to provide players to the First Team.
Former Duke star and MLS player Darrius Barnes is the Crown Legacy FC President.
"This has been the north star for us the whole time," Barnes said. "To create a successful program that's manufacturing a culture of talent and player development. All across the world the top clubs are developing their own talent."
Crown Legacy FC has done so consistently, and are starting to see the fruits of their labor.
The best example so far is Patrick Agyemang, who has gone from Crown Legacy FC, to this year leading Charlotte FC in goals (10) and is tied for second in assists (5).
The 6-foot-4, 23-year old forward has a bright future that was fostered by Crown Legacy.
"Learning what it's like to be a pro, to produce game in and game out," Barnes said. "Seeing what he's done this year, I'm not surprised. For us to be able to create that verticality throughout our pathway and showcase there's steps to success. You're able to play at the youth levels, and make it to our academy, and then up to Crown Legacy and create that pathway up to the first team and play under the bright lights of the playoffs one day. That's what it's all about."
Game 2 between Charlotte FC and Orlando City SC kicks off at 7:30 p.m., Friday at Bank of America Stadium.
Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.