It’s time. Charlotte FC is set to host its first playoff game at Bank of America Stadium.

It’s a must to win in front of the home fans and the atmosphere will be electric. A Charlotte win forces a match three in Orlando next week in Round 1 of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Here are the ingredients of the match:

The game is simple. Score more points than the other team. That’s it.

So, press. Challenge Orlando’s defensive line all night long and make them uncomfortable. Charlotte FC will be without Pep Biel after his red card on Sunday. But that shouldn’t matter. The depth in attack is there and Dean believes in his squad from top to bottom. Anyone who steps in knows that they have the responsibility to increase the pressure in attack and create chances. In the second half of the first game, Charlotte FC played without fear and started to open the game in the final third. You have to take that mentality into this game. Stretching the defensive line, forcing Orlando’s midfield to move backwards and not allowing them to apply pressure themselves.

Attack early, keep the pressure on and Charlotte FC will be able to get the win they need to stay alive.

Friday is just another step in this process, but an important one. Just make sure it’s not the last one. So leave it all out there and fight another day.

Dean has expressed how difficult it is to choose his XI. The boys are fighting for places on the field, and that’s a good thing. This means the squad has depth. And when a team knows that someone has their back, they can give it their all for 20, 60, 90+ minutes. The expectation is to give everything in the time available to help the team win. Leave it all out there.

Everything was built up to this moment. All the hard work, the preparation, the blood, sweat and tears. They are at home, in front of the best support in Major League Soccer. Dean and the boys are expecting a “rock” atmosphere, and they will definitely achieve it.

Victory for the fans. Victory for the Queen City. Win for yourself.

Dean Smith called this the “most important game in the club’s history,” and he’s right. So go out and win it, For The Crown.