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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte FC is playing one of the most popular soccer teams in the world, Chelsea FC.

The Charlotte FC director of communications says they are anticipating 50,000 fans in the Bank of America Stadium. That would make this the team's second most attended game after the inaugural game that brought out 74,479 people. 

Livio Sanchez is a season-ticket holder. He and his son Leonardo lined up in front of the Team Store before it opened to grab limited edition Charlotte FC and Chelsea FC gear.

"There are not going to be many available, so we're trying to get it before it sells out," Sanchez said.

He says he and his son will be in the stadium for what he considers to be the biggest game Charlotte FC has ever played.

"The city is ready for this," Sanchez said.

"We've been waiting for this for many years, and we finally got the MLS here in Charlotte, so it's very exciting," Sanchez added, referring to Major League Soccer.

The community has been rallying around the team. Charlotte FC averages 36,000 attendees a game, the second highest in Major League Soccer, following Atlanta United FC.

The city of Charlotte communications team says every time there is a Saturday Charlotte FC home game, visits to Uptown Charlotte increase by 34%.