By Billy McGee
February 26, 2025
Following a 2-2 draw on the road against the Seattle Sounders, Charlotte FC will host Atlanta United FC for their 2025 home opener this weekend.
Without their big offseason signing, Wilfried Zaha, who was absent due to the birth of his child, Charlotte was fortunate to leave Seattle with a point. The Sounders controlled most of the match, with Jordan Morris scoring in the 19th minute to give them an early lead. The Crown continued to struggle against Seattle’s attack until they caught a break, earning a free kick that led to a corner in the 35th minute. Pep Biel delivered a great ball, finding Adilson Malanda, who headed it in for a goal.
In the second half, Charlotte gave up an early goal to Morris again in the 49th minute, giving Seattle a 2-1 lead. The Sounders were able to maintain possession easily and looked poised to start the season with a win. However, an error by Seattle center back Jackson Ragen allowed Idan Toklomati to gain possession in space on the right wing, where he delivered a ball into the box that went off the foot of Yéimar for an own goal, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 92nd minute.
Biel, Malanda and Kahlina were among the only bright spots for Charlotte in the match. Biel was subbed off early, but when he was on the pitch, he was the team’s best attacker. Malanda, the only Charlotte player to score, defended well, while Kahlina made five saves in goal.
Atlanta United took on CF Montréal in their season opener, defeating them 3-2 at home. Two of their goals came from new DP striker and record offseason signing, Emmanuel Latte Lath. Latte Lath made an impact early, putting a shot on goal in just the fifth minute. His goals came in the 41st and 63rd minutes — one a header from a corner and the other a tap-in after the keeper failed to secure the ball. He was subbed off after 90 minutes, finishing with two goals on four shots, all of which were on target in his MLS debut.
Atlanta’s other major offseason signing, Miguel Almirón provided the assist on the winning goal. This marks Almirón’s second stint with Atlanta; during his first, he was named to the MLS Best XI in both 2017 and 2018. He also helped the club win the MLS Cup in 2018.
Charlotte’s defense will need to perform much better against Atlanta than it did against Seattle. Atlanta’s attacking pace could pose problems for the Charlotte backline, which struggled with Morris and Georgi Monoungou in the Seattle match. Charlotte should control possession more effectively against Atlanta, especially with Zaha likely to make his debut for The Crown. His presence on the wing should help create more quality chances and provide service into the box for Agyemang, who had a relatively quiet match against the Sounders.
Off the pitch, one thing to watch is whether Charlotte can surpass Atlanta’s attendance from the first matchweek. Atlanta drew 65,520 fans for their home opener against Montréal. Bank of America Stadium has a capacity of 74,867, with sections of the upper level set to open on Saturday.
Charlotte has one win and two losses in their previous home openers. Each match finished 1-0, with Charlotte defeating New York City FC in 2024, where Adilson Malanda scored the lone goal. They lost to the New England Revolution in 2023 after conceding an 89th-minute goal and to the Los Angeles Galaxy in the club’s inaugural home match in 2022.
Charlotte FC will take on Atlanta United for the home opener this Saturday, March 1, kicking off at 2 p.m. The match will also air on Apple TV+, Apple TV MLS Season Pass, FOX, and FOX Deportes. Tickets for the game are available here.
Charlotte FC will be giving away this sweet limited-edition snapback to the first fans in attendance for the home opener on March 1 against Atlanta United. 👑🔥 pic.twitter.com/FKSSiXotP3
— CLTure® ( culture ) (@CLTure) January 29, 2025
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