They are ranked 20th in the preseason coaches poll (we are 18th). They were in the top 15 most of last year and lost to UNC in the NCAAs on PKs.
In 2019, they were also top 15 when they lost to #3 Clemson 2-1 in the second round of NCAAs 2-1.
In 2018, they were # 14 when we beat them in the second round of NCAAs 1-0.

We also knocked them out in the second round of NCAAs 3-2 in 2016 when they were # 10.

They also made it to the NCAA title game in 2011 but lost to UNC 1-0.

So, they have been rather strong for a long time. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean they will be great this year, but I would guess they will be good.

I went to the game last night also. It was a rather even match. Charlotte was better early on, but we had several good opportunities to score. We just wore gray t-shirts instead of jerseys with numbers, so I had a hard time identifying and keeping track of some of the newcomers.