Liel Abada
CHL
Right Winger
Left Winger
One-v-One Creator
Oct 3, 2001 (25)
Right
5'8"
150 lb
Starts against Portland
Abada (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's matchup versus Portland Timbers.
Analysis: Abada is ready to see significant minutes and is now required to take Allan Saint-Maximin's (illness) spot on the left flank. This marks Abada's 17th start in the 2026 MLS season. He'll look to increase his current counts of five goals and five assists, most of which he has achieved over the last three months, contributing offensive numbers while switching between both flanks.
Expected to play Thursday
Abada is dealing with an ankle injury, but Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith said he is expected to be available Saturday against Portland, according to Will Palaszczuk of WFNZ.
Analysis: Even though Adaba isn't 100 percent healthy, he's expected to push through the injury and play anyway, as Charlotte are in the mix to secure a spot in the 2026 MLS Playoffs. Abada's availability is important for Charlotte since he's a key player, having scored five goals while adding five assists in 23 appearances (16 starts) this season.
Back from NT duty
Abada (international duty) is expected to be available for Saturday's match against FC Dallas, according to manager Dean Smith per Will Palaszczuk of WFNZ.
Analysis: Smith revealed there are no absences for Charlotte ahead of Saturday's contest against Dallas outside of the known ones of Tim Ream (suspension) and Archie Goodwin (knee). Abada should return to the starting lineup right away, as the prolific striker has notched five goals and five assists across 20 appearances (14 starts) with Charlotte this season.
Will represent Isreal
Abada has been called up by Isreal for the four matches during the September-October international break and will therefore miss Saturday's clash against Chicago.
Analysis: Abada has been an undisputed starter on the right wing for Charlotte this season, scoring five goals and assisting five times as well, but will miss the match against Chicago on Saturday due to the call up. He should return in time to face Dallas on October 10. With both Rodolfo Aloko and Abada ruled out, coach Dean Smith will have to find solutions for his right wing against Chicago.
Fully trains Wednesday
Abada (undisclosed) is back in full training Wednesday ahead of Saturday's match against D.C. United, according to Will Palaszczuk.
Analysis: Abada was back in training this week after some worries of an injury, as the forward seems to have only suffered a minor injury in Saturday's draw. That said, he should remain an option moving forward for his club, unlikely to miss any time. He has started in 13 of his 19 appearances this season while bagging five goals and five assists, a regular starter for the club as of late.
Equalizes on Saturday
Abada (undisclosed) scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-3 draw against FC Cincinnati. He was injured and subbed out in the 44th minute.
Analysis: Abada equalized in the seventh minute from close range and also made 10 passes before suffering a first half injury and being replaced by Rodolfo Aloko. Abada has performed really good recently, accumulating six goal contributions in the last seven games and has recorded 10 goal contributions for the campaign.
Scores, suffers injury Saturday
Abada scored a goal but limped off the field after taking a knock in the first half of Saturday's match against Cincinnati.
Analysis: Abada seemed to pick up an injury in the final moments of the first half Saturday, having notched his fifth goal of the season earlier in the match. This incident makes him questionable for upcoming contests, yet the nature and severity of his injury are still unknown. Abada is a regular offensive contributor, and his exclusion from future action would limit the team's ability on the right flank, where youngster Rodolfo Aloko offers the natural replacement option.
Scores again
Abada scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Wednesday's 2-1 win against CF Montreal.
Analysis: Before and after the World Cup has been night and day for Abada, who has been on a tear post-tournament. After logging two G/A pre-tourney, he has followed up with seven G/A via four goals and three assists on 18 shots and seven chances created across nine appearances.
Finds back of net
Abada scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Atlanta United.
Analysis: Abada was back in the starting XI Saturday after a bench role in his last outing, with the forward putting his time to good use by scoring a 48th-minute goal. This comes as a fourth straight match with a goal contribution for the attacker, with two goals and two assists during that span. He now has three goals and five assists this campaign, with six of his goal contributions occurring since the restart of action following the World Cup.
Logs assist off bench in win
Abada made an assist after coming off the bench during Saturday's 3-1 win over D.C. United.
Analysis: Abada was brought off the bench for the first time since the midseason break but was still able to appear on the scoresheet as he assisted Pep Biel for the goal that sealed the 3-1 win in the 77th minute. That's now two goals and three assists over the last six appearances for the forward, who keeps delivering every time he gets playing time.
Assists Wednesday
Abada assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-3 draw versus Toronto FC.
Analysis: Abada created a pair of chances and earned a single assist during Wednesday's draw. It was an all-offense affair throughout the match and Abada got involved, though he couldn't finish any of his chances in front of goal. Abada will play a big role in the attacking moving forward both as a creator and finisher.
Converts penalty Saturday
Abada scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win over Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Abada converted a penalty in the 9th minute Saturday, giving his side a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes. It was one of two shots he took in the match. He now has three goal contributions in four matches since the World Cup break, an impressive run of form for the forward. He'll look to keep that momentum going Wednesday at Toronto.
Assists with lone chance created
Abada had an assist with his lone chance created during Saturday's 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Abada set up Pep Biel after just seven minutes to assist the opening goal of the match. After not having a goal involvement since March, Abada has a goal and an assist in back to back starts to go along with three shots and two chances created over that stretch.
Scores goal
Abada scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Atlanta.
Analysis: Abada would give Charlotte their second goal of the match before Atlanta's eventual comeback, with the forward finding the back of the net in the 45th minute. This marks his first goal of the season, also with three assists in his 10 appearances (five starts). He went unused in their previous three games, so he will hope this means more time in the future after the exit of Wilfried Zaha.
Scores goal in draw
Abada scored once before being forced off in the 63rd minute of Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Atlanta due to fatigue rather than injury, according to manager Dean Smith, per TopBin90.
Analysis: Abada's goal came off a header from a Pep Biel cross to double Charlotte's lead in the first half, part of a strong showing that also saw him named among the top shot on target props heading into the match. His removal was purely precautionary given tired legs, and with no injury concern, he should be available without restriction for Charlotte's next fixture against NYRB on Saturday.
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