Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty
CHARLOTTE – In an evening that can only be described as unforgettable, Charlotte FC broke the MLS attendance record in its first home match at Bank of America Stadium.
In front of a raucous record crowd of 74,479 at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte FC failed to score in its second match, as Efrain Alvarez’ 77th-minute strike led to a 1-0 win for the LA Galaxy.
Charlotte were the agressors at the beginning, earning possession in the first fifteen minutes and feeding off the energy of the home crowd. The Galaxy were the stronger side at the end of both halves, however, earning 50.6% of the possession through the match.
LA registered 21 shots including six on target at Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, who did everything to keep the scoreline level until the game’s lone goal.
Despite the result, Charlotte Head Coach Miguel Angel Ramirez believed the atmosphere in the building made the evening an overall success. “I believe that I am the happiest coach in the world I cannot describe it in words the energy and I would like to thank everyone that joined us in this party because it really was a party,” Ramirez said. “If we would win maybe we can party. Thank you, North Carolina, South Carolina, everyone that came today. I want to request I would like to see them back in the next game.”
Charlotte native Jaylin Lindsey, who came home via a trade from Sporting Kansas City reflected on his first professional game in his hometown.
“That was probably the best game to be a part of, I’ve been part of my entire life. Walking off the pitch, I sat right in the middle of the field and was just trying to soak it all in. I was picturing myself 7 or 8 years ago in the nose bleeds watching Panthers games and countless ICC games in the summer, European teams. To know that I’m that person on the field it was just unbelievable and why I’m just so proud of myself to be here and the team how we played and how we played and it was just a great night.”
Charlotte FC return to the road next week to face rival Atlanta United. Pregame coverage on WFNZ begins at 4:00 PM with kickoff just after 4:30.
