After a hard-fought away point, Charlotte FC returns home to Bank of America Stadium for two games in four days. What is at stake? A spot in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. The Crown will be in victory mode when they take on the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night.

Here are the three ingredients of the game:

Home games are crucial in this league. If you win these, your chances of making the playoffs, or at least fighting for a spot, are much higher. Every team currently ranked seventh or higher in the Eastern and Western Conferences has more than 6 home wins, with the exception of Houston. Only two teams still in the hunt for a playoff spot have fewer than five home wins, Philadelphia and DC

The Crown needs to regain the energy at home this week, with two games in four days at The Fortress. A win and a place in the playoffs should be motivation enough for both the boys and the fans to release their home energy. The last game at Bank of America Stadium was a “not boring” 4-0 win against NE. Wednesday’s game is against a Chicago team that has beaten The Crown four times in a row. Use the fortress.

Consistency of ingredients. Consistency on the pitch. Before Miami, the expectation was to “maintain team identity.” also called consistency.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Consistency will be key this week too. In Miami we saw Dean with the same formation as in the New England Revolution game: Urso in midfield, Privett at center back and Ream at left back. The formula works, and after the game Dean preached again about building on this tactic.

Will we see this lineup again on Wednesday? Probably. And that’s a good thing; it is consistent. But even if some tired legs get some rotation, the goal remains the same. Be consistent.

Four points, one goal allowed in the last two games and now a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs. Run it back.

Back in August, Dean preached the importance of doing “good runs.” A good series is starting for Charlotte at the moment: a confident home win, followed by a strong point in Miami. This is the start of a run that could prepare them to make some noise in the playoffs.

“Good teams make good runs. When good teams perform well, they win.”

So the ingredient is simple: win. That should be the expectation. Win and you’re in the playoffs. If you win, you’re officially in “good shape” with two games left in the regular season. Don’t overcomplicate it. Win.

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