Full Time: Charlotte FC Beat Tormenta FC 4-1 to Advance in the U.S. Open Cup

April 25, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Charlotte FC News Release

Charlotte FC Head Coach Christian Lattanzio said heading into their first 2023 U.S. Open Match against Tacoma FC that the Club was taking their opponents seriously despite them playing in the third division of U.S. Soccer. He backed that up by starting an almost full strength lineup that comfortably got the job done to advance to the next round of the U.S. Open Cup.

First Half

Lineup: Kahlina, Lindsey, Malanda, Tuiloma (20′), Sobociński, Jones, Bronico, Jóźwiak (35′), Copetti, Gaines

Substitutions: Byrne (20′), Cambridge (35′)

In his first CLTFC start since returning from injury, Kristijan Kahlina was called into action immediately when an early flurry of shots from Tormenta tested the Croatian in the opening minutes of the match. It was an early wake up call for the Crown who responded by taking a hold of a match.

Charlotte had to make an early substitution in the 20th minute when Bill Tuiloma received a knock and was replaced by Nathan Byrne. Four minutes later, Charlotte found the opener from an astounding half-bicycle kick from an on fire Kamil Józwwiak. McKinze Gaines lofted in the initial cross and Chris Hegardt – who made his first start for club – picked up the assist by heading the cross back in Jóźwiak’s path.

Józwwiak was sharp and threatening but his night came to an early end when he went down with an apparent injury in the 35th minute. 21-year-old winger, Brandon Cambridge replaced the Pole on the wing. After being on the back foot for the majority of the first 35 minutes, Tormenta were able to regroup after the brief injury break and matched Charlotte’s play for the remainder of the half.

Second Half

Lineup: Kahlina, Lindsey, Malanda, Sobociński, Byrne, Jones, Bronico (64′), Cambridge, Copetti (65′), Gaines

Substitutions: Privett (64′), Świderski (65′)

Just two minutes into the second half Tormenta’s Davey Mason picked up his second yellow when he tripped up Hegardt on a counter attack leaving the visitors down to 10 men. Charlotte made the most of their numerical advantage by keeping Tacoma pinned in their own half and scoring another three goals.

In the 55th minute, Cambridge battled for the ball down by the goal line, immediately put in the central danger zone to an awaiting Enzo Copetti who tapped in CLTFC’s second goal of the night. The Argentine nearly doubled his tally on the night in the 62nd minute when he headed a ball just wide of the goal on a set…