April 20, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Charlotte FC News Release
GREENVILLE – It was another classic, chaotic, grueling U.S. Open Cup match in Charlotte FC’s debut in the competition against the Greenville Triumph. The Triumph played valiantly, forcing CLTFC into extra time, but the Crown came out victorious with a 2 – 1 win.
The first half went pretty much as it normally does when MLS teams play against a lower division side. As the underdog, Greenville was comfortable sitting back and loading up the center of the pitch in order to limit the scoring opportunities for CLTFC. When Greenville would finally get on the ball, they would quickly counter and try to create something in transition.
They almost managed to catch Charlotte on a counter in the 16th minute but a timely interception by defender Anton Walkes heroically prevented what would have been a likely goal. After the 30-minute mark, however, Charlotte was starting to find the gaps.
They almost broke through with a chance in the 35th minute from Mckinze Gaines who’s chip attempt landed just above the goal. Following that attempt in the 39th minute, Adam Armour tried a cheeky backheel shot which forced a save from the keeper and the rebound landed for Titi Ortiz to bury the opening goal.
In the second half, Greenville came out of their shell and started to press CLTFC high up the pitch. It paid dividends when they equalized in the 59th minute from an excellent strike from striker Jake Keegan after knocking on Charlotte’s door for the entirety of the opening minutes of the second half.
Soon after the goal, CLTFC head coach made four substitutions which helped bring the momentum back to the Crown. CLTFC were edging closer and closer to scoring the winning goal when in the 89th minute their best chance was cleared off the line.
Charlotte couldn’t break through which forced the game into extra time. In the 106th minute, it was a beautifully executed give and go between new signing Kamil Jóźwiak and…
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