For the first time in the club’s history, Charlotte FC opened their season with a 1-0 win over New York City FC.
Charlotte took the lead early, scoring from a corner kick when Adilson Malanda headed the ball into the net for his first career MLS goal in the eighth minute.
ADI GIVES US OUR FIRST GOAL OF THE MLS SEASON
1-0 #ForTheCrown I @CocaCola pic.twitter.com/01zG5DjcKy
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) February 25, 2024
Outside of Charlotte FC’s early goal, they had a couple chances at a goal. Enzo Copetti missed the ball on an attempt in the first half and following a handball in the box, Kerwin Vargas had his penalty saved in the 66th minute.
Charlotte FC’s defense played well, limiting the amount of quality chances for NYCFC.
NYCFC controlled possession for most of the game, but could not generate many good chances, with four of their 11 shots being blocked and only three being on target. NYCFC’s only big chance of the match resulted in a miss high from Santiago Rodríguez in the 76th minute.
During the match, Nimfasha Berchimas made his debut for Charlotte FC at 16 years and two days old, making him the ninth youngest player to appear in an MLS match. Berchimas also became the first Charlotte FC academy player to debut for the club.
A debut for the 16-year old Homegrown ? pic.twitter.com/FtBLIMmbRT
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) February 25, 2024
Charlotte FC begins a three-match road trip on Saturday, March 2 with a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at BC Place and streaming on Apple TV.
