Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty
The critics were certainly silenced on Saturday night as Charlotte FC took down LAFC the defending MLS Cup Champions by a score of 2-1 at Bank of America Stadium. The action was fast and furious from the opening whistle with both sides having their share of moments. The Crown started fast and what a joy to watch the newly acquired winger Brecht Dejaegere make his presence felt. In the 29th minute, Dejaegere fed a ball to Karol Swiderski on the left side, where Swiderski cut it back feeding Ashley Westwood who joined the attack and blasted a shot past the diving keeper for the first goal of the match.
In the second half, the crown got caught up and let in a goal on a counter-attack to make the match even at 1-1. Lattanzio shortly thereafter decided to go to the bench and brought in Scott Arfield, Kamil Jozwiak, and another newly acquired defender Jere Uronen. Arfield paid immediate dividends when he smashed a volley off a rebound to put Charlotte FC up 2-1 for good.
In the end, LAFC’s star attack of Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela simply couldn’t penetrate the backline of Charlotte FC. Malanda, Privett, Byrne, and hometown favorite Jaylin Lindsey were nothing short of spectacular all night long. In total, the backline only conceded one goal with some brilliant play by keeper Kristijan Kahlina.
Charlotte FC plays again at home this Wednesday night at 7:30 against Orlando City. You can hear the game live with the pregame show starting at 7:00 on 92.7 WFNZ.
