Nothing changes for Ream as Charlotte approach MLS Cup Playoffs

Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream says it is business as usual for Dean Smith’s team as they approach Sunday’s MLS Cup Playoff clash with Orlando City.

Charlotte went unbeaten through their final five games of the regular season to finish fifth in the Eastern Conference, while Orlando finished one point clear of them in fourth.

They visit Florida for the opening match of a three-game first-round series on Sunday, having ended a six-match winless run on the road by trouncing D.C. United 3-0 last week.

Former Fulham captain Ream, who has played a key role since returning to the United States in August, says nothing will change about their work in training ahead of the game.

“We’re just going about it in the same way we have been doing in the last couple of weeks, doing the right things in training,” Ream said.

“We have to make sure we take that into the game this weekend.

“I was expecting to come in and push myself and push the other guys around me from the get-go. It doesn’t always work that way but I’m very pleased with where we are.”