April 15, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
Charlotte FC fans were treated to a five-goal thriller versus Toronto FC at Bank of America Stadium, witnessing their team score three goals for the first time this season. It’d been a frustrating couple weeks for The Crown, as lack of finishing haunted them in their previous two matches. Nonetheless, their persistence bore fruit when the floodgates opened against The Reds.
“It feels really good,” said Head Coach Dean Smith following the match.
“The lads are asking me for an extra day off after scoring three goals, but I’ve told them no,” Smith continued with a laugh. “Still need to keep working.”
Charlotte had only managed to score multiple goals in a match for the second time this season, with almost all their attackers participating. This breakthrough was exactly what the team needed, especially considering their recent scoring struggles.
Kerwin Vargas broke the deadlock with a stunning driven shot from outside the box, catching Toronto off guard. This marked his first goal of the season, after coming close on several occasions throughout the season.
“I told Kerwin I want to see him play with more personality, and I thought he showed that today,” said Smith following the electric performance.
The Colombian wasn’t the only 22-year-old winger to kick off his 2024 goal tally this season. Charlotte’s newest DP, Liel Abada, notched first-ever MLS goal for the Club in just 179 minutes of play. Although his first goal was disallowed, it was clear that nothing would deter Abada from finding the back of the net.
“I’ve waited a long time,” said Abada with a gleaming smile on his face. “I’ve had a really difficult time but now I really feel happy. I just want to enjoy everything in our attempt to achieve our targets.”
Smith was elated for Abada, and sung his praises, “He came to the party tonight. I’m really pleased for him. He’s a really unassuming guy, but you can see it meant a lot to him to score that goal…
“I thought his impact on the game today was excellent.”
For a while, Charlotte was underperforming their goal scoring metrics. However, with two wingers securing their first goals of the season, this could provide the boost momentum to reverse their fortunes.
“It will be really important for them [the attackers], as it’ll boost confidence,” said Smith. “It’ll boost confidence for the whole team, to prove to themselves that they can go and do it now. We just need to take it forward.”
Despite the…
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