April 21, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
Minnesota United scored two goals just after halftime to pull away from CLTFC for a comfortable 3-0 away win at Bank of America Stadium
First Half
Lineup: Kahlina, Lindsey, Tuiloma, Privett, Uronen, Westwood, Diani, Dejaegere, Vargas, Abada, Copetti
As the sun broke through the rain clouds in North Carolina during warmups, Charlotte FC was dealt an early blow with Scott Arfield having to bow out of the starting lineup due to an injury. Brecht Dejaegere replaced him in the attacking midfield role and Nick Scardina filled the open bench spot.
After that unfortunate start, the crowd was treated to an electric opening five minutes. Kristijan Kahlina made a top-class save on the defensive end, diving the opposite way from his momentum to claw out a sure goal from Minnesota forward Tan Oluwaseyi. At the other end, Liel Abada led a fast break – emphasis on the fast – that ended with a Kerwin Vargas shot blazed over the bar.
Both wingers were threatening with their pace early on. Abada broke through again on the right side a few minutes later to deliver a cross towards Enzo Copetti. The defender was in a good position but misplayed it before eventually getting it clear. Then it was Vargas’ turn to break through on the left, where he dragged a shot-cross across goal to Abada. It had far too much pace on it, though, for the winger to direct it on goal.
The next big chance came in the 24th minute from a CLTFC corner. Jere Uronen, stationed on top of the box, picked up the clearance and lobbed it back into the box. Bill Tuiloma was completely unmarked and executed a great diving header, but Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair came up with an even better save to push it wide.
The match was fairly even at this point, and the Loons created the next quality opportunity in the 28th minute. Franco Fragapane pinged the ball on a rope to the top of the box, where Wil Trapp struck it sweetly on the volley and sent it fizzing inches wide of the post.
Two minutes later, Minnesota opened the scoring. Robin Lod, Uronen’s teammate with Finland, picked out Oluwaseyi with a brilliant ball over the top. The striker let it bounce once before striking it first-time on the volley, leaving Kahlina with no chance as he banked it in off the far post.
After that, the rest of the first half played out with relatively little action. Minnesota had a cross that Fragapane couldn’t direct on frame, and Jaylin Lindsey had one late cross…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Major League Soccer MLS News…