25 for 2025

A look back at 2024 while also looking ahead at 25 categories that interest us about Charlotte FC, MLS, and soccer in the US. I am joined by two friends of the podcast, Logan Meyer from the Crowncast and Eli Finelli from Side Story Sports. We give our assessments of 2024 and predictions for 2025 from coaching to players to playing style to MLS All Star Game to Apple TV coverage. Enjoy! Category Manager: Dean Smith 1. What is his focus as a leader? 2. Dean’s Tactical focus? 3. Assistant coach most important to the club? CLTFC: 4. Most impactful DP 5. Most Impactful Newcomer 6. Starter that makes the most difference / hard to replace 7. CLTFC player that got least amount of time on the pitch who should have earned more 8. 1st to depart after season starts (only 2025) 9. Strength of the squad 10. Achilles heel of this squad 11. Competitions (which one do you think will be the best; any that MLS teams compete in) 12. International country most influence on MLS 13. All-star match up (in Austin) vs? (Only 2025) MLS 14. MLS Supporters Shield (2025 only) 15. MLS Surprise team 16. MLS Overrated Team 17. Playing style wins out or formation 18. MLS player most impactful to team success 19. Set play (PKs or CK or Free Kick or other) 20. Rule change 21. Celebrations (type) AppleTV MLS Season Pass 22. Graphics style (2025 only) 23. Statistics (ones we liked introduced in 24’ and ones we think should exist in 2025) 24. Fan Tradition (pre or post) or Chant or types of chant 25. Charlotte FC Regular Season Finish and overall MLS Cup