Charlotte FC kept their faint MLS Cup Playoffs hopes alive with a resounding 4-0 win over Supporters’ Shield hopefuls Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
Nothing but a win would do for CLTFC if they were to stand a chance of making the post-season in their expansion year. On paper, that looked like a tough task against a Union side level with LAFC atop the overall standings and with just four defeats all season.
However, on the field, the result was never in doubt. Forward Daniel Rios was the architect, scoring no fewer than four goals, giving the hosts the lead in the 24th minute before adding another three after the break.
Kamil Jozwiak provided two assists in what was his best performance yet as a Charlotte FC player, while at the back, Adilson Malanda and Anton Walkes were flawless, completely silencing Major League Soccer’s most potent attack.
Read on for full player ratings from Bank of America Stadium:
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STILL IN IT 😝 pic.twitter.com/us4kmDteGw
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) October 1, 2022
GK: Pablo Sisniega – 6/10 – Made an unexpected appearance after Kristijan Kahlina picked up a finger injury in the warm-up. Wasn’t busy but did just fine.
RB: Nathan Byrne – 7/10 – Used his pace to make a couple of vital interceptions in his own box.
CB: Anton Walkes – 7/10 – A strong defensive performance from Walkes, who kept it simple.
CB: Adilson Malanda – 9/10 – A rock at the back and absolutely perfect with the ball at his feet. Continues to look like an excellent piece of business.
LB: Harrison Afful – 7/10 – Rolled back the years with a solid defensive performance at left-back.
CM: Derrick Jones – 7/10 – Controlled the tempo in midfield for Charlotte and showed great composure.
CM: Brandt Bronico – 7/10 – Another strong defensive performance in the middle, making nine recoveries and two interceptions.
RW: Kerwin Vargas – 6/10 – The quietest of Charlotte’s forwards but still had plenty of bright moments.
CAM: Karol Swiderski – 7/10 – Added a touch of class between the lines. Was central to most of Charlotte’s most effective moves.
LW: Kamil Jozwiak – 9/10 – Simply has to go down as Jozwiak’s best performance as a Charlotte FC player. Provided two assists from four chances created and gave the Union defenders hell with his dribbling.
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