Full time | Charlotte FC lost to Philadelphia Union 1-0

Queue: Kahlina, Byrne, Malanda, Tuiloma (78′), Afful (70′), Jones, Bronico (78′), Westwood, Vargas (60′), widerski, Meram (60′)

Substitutes: Agyemang (60′), Vargas (60′), Mora (70′), Sobociki (78′), Cambridge (78′)

Despite the Union having most of the ball in the first ten minutes of the second half, Charlotte managed the first shot on target when Vargas cut in on his left foot to force a save from Blake. In the 60th minute, CLTFC Central Defender Guzmn Corujo returned to the field for the first time since August 2022 after recovering from a torn ACL.

After Charlotte’s substitutions, Philadelphia pressed when Central Defender Jakob Glesnes decided to test the goalkeeper with a pulling shot, which Kristijan Kahlina managed to easily control. The first goal of the match came in the 70th minute with a bit of luck. Daniel Gazdag headed in a cross that bounced off the goal post to Kahlina’s leg and then back into the net for an own goal.

Charlotte chased the draw, pushed the number forward and asked the union, but with little success. Another goal was called for offside against Union in the 75th. minute, and Gazdag thought he had sealed the match for his team. In the end it didn’t matter as the home side were able to hold on to their lead and extend their unbeaten streak to eight.

The Crown will have little time to reflect on the loss as they head to Ohio to face the Columbus Crew for the second time this season.