Summer roster shuffle resumes for Charlotte FC

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With free agent Wilfried Zaha in England awaiting a call from a new team and Charlotte FC’s new winger, Allan Saint-Maximin, watching the team’s first game back from the World Cup break on an iPad in France, all eyes were on the fill-ins for Charlotte FC Wednesday night.

Wingers Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada responded by each scoring a goal to help Charlotte take a 2-0 first-half lead against Atlanta United, before two defensive miscues (and perhaps a missed offside call) cost them the victory. And now both Vargas and Abada, like Zaha and Saint-Maximin, could be on the move.

“Time will tell,” Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith said Thursday. “What we know is that they're with us now, and we'll get the best out of them while they're with us. I thought they both played really well last night, which is great. We want to keep our best players at the club as well, so we'll try to do that.”

Both Vargas and Abada have been linked to teams overseas in various published reports during the World Cup break, and from the looks of it Wednesday night, Vargas could be the first to go.

After the game, Vargas took some long looks around as he walked slowly off the field at Bank of America Stadium with captain Ashley Westwood’s arm draped over his shoulder. (Thanks for the up close look at Vargas’ exit, TopBin90.com.) Charlotte FC does not play another home match until Aug. 4 in League Cup action or in MLS play until Aug. 15 against Columbus.

According to a report from Brazilian journalist Tiago Marchezini, Charlotte FC and Club Athletico Paranaense have reached agreement on a transfer that will send Vargas to Curitiba, Brazil, through 2030.

The Colombia native who signed with Charlotte out of the second division in Portugal has been with the club since its inaugural season in 2022. He’s been the team’s most fruitful under-22 initiative signing so far in club history.

When asked for his message to the fans, who showed up to cheer on Charlotte FC to re-open the season after the World Cup break, Vargas said, “I will really miss them very much,” according to a translation by Jorge Torres of Soccer Sheet.

When asked about his development over five seasons in Charlotte, Vargas said (via Torres), “It was a long time here. I think I have made a lot of life here. My family is very happy. I am happy here. And I thank all the people for welcoming us in the best way possible.”

Abada has been connected in reports with teams from the English Championship. The Israeli designated player has struggled with playing time, his confidence and to capitalize on occasional opportunities under Smith. That changed Wednesday night, at least for a now, when he showed flashes of the speedy winger Charlotte FC signed two years ago from Scotland. He made deep runs, connected with teammates in the 18-yard box, and scored his first MLS goal since Aug. 3, 2025, against the Red Bulls.

Left back Harry Toffolo had a great view, working with Abada up the left sideline.

“He looked energized, and I think he's been great in training as well,” said Toffolo. “Obviously, losing Wilf’s big shoes to fill. So he's come in, he’s here now, and he wants to make a mark. He’s a great person. He's very humble, and he wants to better himself. I was really happy for him on a personal note because I know how hard he works. Going forward, I think that could be something Charlotte fans could be excited about, what he's about to bring.”

It remains to be seen if Charlotte can get the value it would want for Abada. His departure would open up an additional designated player spot to use during this summer transfer window.

“I was really pleased for Liel last night because there's been some questions about him,” Smith said. “I've always said I don't like the status of DP. I think it adds unwarranted pressure on players. He came in last night and had a really good performance. Kerwin the same — really good performances from the two of them. And the front office know that if they do have suitors and everything lines up, then we have to have replacements to come in for them.”

Meanwhile, Smith said Thursday that Saint-Maximin was still awaiting his visa, suggesting he wouldn’t be available Saturday against the Red Bulls, either.

Toffolo said he made his English Premier League debut with Nottingham Forest in a game against Newcastle and Allan Saint-Maximin on August 6, 2022. Nottingham lost 2-0 that day.

“I know the ability he has,” Toffolo said. “We've seen a lot of clips with him. He's very well known, and I'm excited to link with him and see what he can bring to the team.”

Charlotte is hosting the MLS All-Star game Wednesday and will be, in essence, Major League Soccer’s home base until then. Local fans can reap the benefits with the MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration (a.k.a. fan fest) on Saturday and Sunday at Romare Bearden Park with free admission throughout.

Then, coming Monday at 5:30 p.m. is the Hometown Heroes Showcase, which features Brandt Bronico and Nicole Tepper, honoring local leaders in service, at the Carolina Theatre. The MLS Next Pro All-Star game will be Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews.

Players chosen as the best of MLS and Liga MX of Mexico will join in the action on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the All-Star Skills Challenge at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights.

Wednesday’s game at Bank of America Stadium kicks off between MLS and Liga MX All-Stars at 8 p.m. Charlotte FC will be represented by Coach Dean Smith, center back Tim Ream, midfielders Pep Biel and Ashley Westwood. Inter Miami has already announced that superstar Lionel Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul will not participate in the All-Star game as they recover from Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.

Free to fans: Romare Bearden Park will host sponsor activations and player meet-and-greets on both days. Saturday’s festivities are 4-10 p.m., including a watch party for Charlotte FC’s game at the New York Red Bulls (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) The night will culminate in a live concert with Natasha Bedingfield starting at 9 p.m. Sunday’s festivities are scheduled from 3-8 p.m.

MLS and partner AT&T released a player meet-and-greet schedule, though there are also planned appearances by MLS legends Cobi Jones (Saturday 4:15-5:45 and Sunday 4:30-5:30) and Clint Dempsey (Saturday 6:30-8:30 at The Home Depot experience), Charlotte FC players Ashley Westwood (4-5 p.m. Sunday) and Pep Biel (6-7 p.m. Sunday) at the Chime activation.

The $1 hot dogs at Bank of America Stadium didn’t stand a chance Wednesday night with 17-time Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champion in the building.

Joey Chestnut inhaled his way to another victory, this time against two Charlotte FC fans and one very large soccer ball mascot. A closer look at a video posted by @clturenc media revealed that Sir Minty might have flung a few hotdogs over his shoulder and/or up his sleeve. Surely, Minty has to have a bigger stomach than Chestnut?

When/Where: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J.

How to watch: Apple TV. Find information about how to subscribe for the season here.

How to listen: WFNZ 92.7 in English, WOLS 106.1 in Spanish.

Notable

Carroll Walton is a longtime baseball writer with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution now in her fifth season covering Charlotte FC. She would love to hear from you. E-mail her with questions, suggestions, story ideas and comments!