Charlotte FC returned to the win column with a 2-0 win over the defending MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew.
An eventful first half saw Charlotte have a couple chances early with a big save by Columbus leading to a bad miss on the ball by Charlotte then a goal that was disallowed by a foul in.
Columbus had to make an early substitution due to injury and shortly after lost Derrick Jones after a red card, leaving them with 10 men for a majority of the match.
Between multiple injury stoppages and a VAR review for a red card, 10 minutes were added on at the end of the half.
In added time Charlotte made a substitution bringing on Iuri Tavares for an injured Scott Arfield. In the 11th minute of added time Columbus scored a goal that after a VAR check was called back due to an offside call. Kerwin Vargas drew a penalty for Charlotte in the 14th minute of added time. Tavares took the penalty for Charlotte and sent it over the crossbar in the 17th minute of added time leaving the score 0-0 going into halftime.
The second half started off slower than the first with a couple chances before the first goal of the match was scored in the 83rd minute by Ashley Westwood off a half volley from outside the box, putting the ball upper 90.
The Captain © comes through with the breakthrough!#ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/8LgkWbxRCb
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) March 24, 2024
Shortly after the Westwood goal, Charlotte added on another goal from Patrick Agyemang in the 88th minute. Agyemang received the ball from Diani and beat the defender on the dribble before beating the keeper at the near post with a weak foot shot.
"They're calling for goals and Pat is PICKING UP ?"#ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/js6JgVMnwK
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) March 24, 2024
After six minutes added the refs blew the final whistle with Charlotte coming out on top 2-0 to earn three points.
Charlotte FC did not allow Columbus to have a single shot on goal with just eight total shots. Charlotte’s attack generated 12 shots with five on goal. Charlotte had a few missed chances throughout the match that showed their early season struggles with finishing before they eventually scored their two late goals.
Charlotte FC remains at home for their next match, hosting FC Cincinnati at Bank of America Stadium. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. EST and streaming on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
