May 4, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
Saturday’s match started with Charlotte FC down two key attackers: Kerwin Vargas (through yellow card accumulation suspension) and Liel Abada (through injury). In fairness, the Portland Timbers were also missing two key players in Evander, their leading goal scorer, and Diego Chara, the all-time MLS appearance leader for a single club.
Amidst the misty weather and lingering smoke from the pre-match pyrotechnics, CLTFC found the first big chance of the night 10 minutes in. Patrick Agyemang took a hopeful clearance by Andrew Privett and turned it into a lung-busting run down the far sideline. He broke containment inside the box at the byline and crossed for Ashley Westwood. The team captain set it for Nikola Petkovic, but his first-time shot curled agonizingly wide of the post.
The Crown carved out another huge chance in the 18th minute, which Petkovic will want back. Iuri Tavares pulled out a neat bit of skill at the midfield line and slotted in the young Serbian flying up the center of the pitch. He was running free on goal but slipped a bit as he opened up his hips for the finish and sent it sailing over the bar.
Portland found their first good chance in the 25th minute. Eryk Williamson rose highest in the box to meet a cross, forcing Kristijan Kahlina to scramble and dive to his right, but the header skipped just wide.
Given Portland’s history of high-scoring matches this season, the match was predictably dynamic throughout the first half, but CLTFC had the majority of control.
Agyemang continued to flash dangerously and forced Timbers goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau into a quality save in the 30th minute. After a turnover in midfield, Agyemang sliced through both Portland centerbacks. He got his shot away under pressure, and Crepeau dove quickly to push the low shot wide of his far post.
He had another great chance from Petkovic’s cross three minutes later, but the sliding defender and Crepeau blocked his shot on the doorstep of the front post to deflect just wide. At this point, momentum was growing, and Charlotte FC was knocking on the door for the opening goal.
Unfortunately, that momentum stalled with seven minutes left in the half as assistant referee Jason White suffered an apparent injury. He spent some time getting treated by CLTFC’s athletic training staff before being replaced by fourth official Filip Dujic. At the same time, Portland defender Miguel Araujo had to exit the game and was…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Major League Soccer MLS News…