The Full Time Clip: Charlotte FC Shares Points in End-To-End Battle Against the New York Red Bulls

August 24, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release

After a week of unseasonably cool Carolina weather, Charlotte FC got off to a hot start on Saturday night against the New York Red Bulls.

In just the 11th minute, the team put together a slick passing move up the right side. Brandt Bronico made the final incisive pass, finding Kerwin Vargas streaking in behind from the left side. The Colombian winger got to the ball just before Kyle Duncan arrived and earned a penalty after he hit the ground from the contact.

Karol Swiderski stepped up to the spot and stayed perfect from the spot in a CLTFC uniform (seven for seven in all competitions) by sending Carlos Coronel the wrong way and burying the match’s opening goal.

Outside of the goal, the opening half hour of the match was even between the two sides. The Red Bulls held a slight edge in possession but never truly tested Kristijan Kahlina. CLTFC looked more dangerous in the final third but couldn’t quite find the final pass or touch to test Coronel.

Kahlina was called into action for his first major save in the 31st minute. Lewis Morgan drove into the box effectively, and a Tim Ream clearance from his cross fell straight to John Tolkin on the edge of the box. The left back’s one-time effort had to be palmed over the bar by Kahlina.

Liel Abada flashed for the first time in the 34th minute after Adilson Malanda found him with a strong pass into the right channel. The Israeli burst past his defender but his shot went straight at Coronel from a tight angle.

At this point, the game became very end-to-end to Charlotte FC’s detriment. On one end, Karol Swiderski swung and missed on a looping cross from Abada. The Red Bulls immediately countered and sent Dante Vanzeir streaking into space behind CLTFC’s high line. He found Elias Manoel on the cutback, and the man who always scores against Charlotte… scored against Charlotte yet again to equalize.

(For reference, Manoel has scored 14 goals in 63 matches all-time for the Red Bulls. A whopping seven of those have come against Charlotte FC.)

Lewis Morgan was the danger man throughout the final part of the first half. He consistently eliminated defenders off the dribble and created problems for the CLTFC defense, but the team stood strong in the face of increasing pressure.

Abada had a few chances to be the spark offensively for Charlotte, but he wasn’t able to take advantage of a few one-on-one mismatch opportunities with New York center back…