The Full Time Clip: Charlotte FC’s Comeback Effort Falls Short in 2-1 Defeat to CF Montreal

September 14, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release

Two early quickfire goals from C.F. Montreal was enough to hand Charlotte FC a 2-1 loss, making it back-to-back losses for The Crown.

First Half

Lineup: Kahlina, Byrne, Malanda, Ream, Uronen, Westwood, Diani, Biel, Abada, Vargas, Swiderski

In the opening minutes, Charlotte FC sought to exploit Liel Abada’s pace to break through Montreal’s defense. Adilson Malanda spotted an opportunity to play his winger into space, but Montreal was alert and quickly neutralized the threat just three minutes into the match. Malanda remained active in the early stages, getting involved in a corner kick shortly afterward. He managed to outmuscle his marker but failed to direct his header on target.

In the 10th minute, Karol Świderski had his shot of the game with an ambitious attempt that was sparked by a Pep Biel searching pass behind the defense. The pass fell short and Kerwin Vargas nodded the ball down to Świderski, who, from 30 yards out, unleashed a audacious shot that flew wide of the mark.

Montreal’s first real threat of the match emerged in the 16th minute when Caden Clark skillfully earned a free kick from about 25 yards out. Center back Gabriele Corbo stepped up to take it and came incredibly close to finding the top corner. His effort was nearly perfect as Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina was spared by the post, keeping the score level.

CF Montreal opened the scoring with a chaotic goal that began with a flurry of chances in the box. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina produced three outstanding saves in rapid succession but was left without defensive support as the ball eventually fell to Caden Clark who slotted it home, his first goal of the season for Montreal.

Just three minutes later, Montreal struck again. Clark delivered a perfectly timed ball in behind Charlotte’s defense to wingback Raheem Edwards, who squared it across the box. Bryce Duke’s shot took an unfortunate deflection off Charlotte’s Tim Ream, doubling Montreal’s lead.

In the 30th minute, Westwood delivered a beautifully weighted cross to Karol Świderski, who was pushed as he rose for the header causing the ball to sail over the bar. Just a minute later, Liel Abada, who moved to the left flank, created space for himself and cut inside, attempted a curling shot that narrowly missed the target.

Charlotte’s breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute from an unexpected source-Tim Ream. Scoring only his second-ever MLS goal,…