Charlotte FC Fall to Late Loss at New York City FC

April 27, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release

Kerwin Vargas opened the scoring early in the first half, but CLTFC was unable to keep the lead in the team’s second consecutive loss.

First Half

Lineup: Kahlina, Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen, Westwood, Urso, Petkovic, Abada, Vargas, Copetti

In their first-ever match at Yankee Stadium, Charlotte FC got off to a flying start. Kerwin Vargas was the main man, first earning a chance 60 seconds into the match that New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese saved well. However, just two minutes later, he smashed home the opening goal.

Nikola Petkovic – getting just his second start of the season – created the chance, effectively spinning an NYCFC defender and sending in a cross towards Enzo Copetti charging hard on the front post. Thiago Martins flicked it clear but landed at Vargas’ feet, who fired it past a helpless Freese off the upper 90 post and into the back of the net.

NYCFC rallied immediately with some pressure, with Agustin Ojeda forcing Kristijan Kahlina into a relatively simple save at his near post.

CLTFC, though, were the ones with the next massive chance through Liel Abada in the 8th minute. A turnover in midfield led to some quick play between Copetti and Petkovic to slot in for Abada on the right side. However, Freese charged out quickly to deny the shot and a second goal (and second assist for Petkovic).

Despite Charlotte’s early big chances, NYCFC had the run of play over the opening quarter hour. A few free kicks and corners for the hosts were dangerous but well defended. The most notable moment came in the 25th minute when Kahlina bravely charged off his line to clear the ball away from an onrushing Monsef Bakrar, taking a heavy collision in the process.

In the 32nd, NYCFC won a free kick outside the box right in line with the middle of the goal. Santiago Rodriguez – who leads the team with four goals and has a free kick goal already this season – whipped it up and over the wall, forcing Kahlina to make an impressive diving save that pushed it off the crossbar and over.

A few minutes later, CLTFC turned it over in midfield to create a two-on-two counterattack. Julian Fernandez slalomed his way through the scrambling Charlotte defense, but Kahlina once again stood brave by closing down the angle and making a solid stop.

The Crown showed a quick flash of danger on the other end, with Liel Abada breaking through on the right side and firing a low cross to Vargas, who couldn’t quite…