By Billy McGee
November 7, 2024
Photo: Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC is preparing for a winner-take-all match against Orlando City in their Round One best-of-three series after The Crown won game two in a penalty shootout. Charlotte played well in the second match putting pressure on Orlando with multiple opportunities in the first half. The closest shot on goal came in the 23rd minute with a cross into the box by Brandt Bronico that led to a header by Liel Abada that was saved by Orlando’s Pedro Gallese. Kerwin Vargas, who started in place of Pep Biel, took another shot from the edge of the box in the 43rd minute that was punched away by Gallese.
Charlotte stayed on the attack going into the second half, with a weak header in the 49th minute by Agyemang, which was the last shot on goal of the match for The Crown. Orlando’s lone shot on goal came in the 83rd minute by Ivan Angulo from outside the box that was saved easily by Kristijan Kahlina. Orlando appeared to score the game-winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but an offside call negated it. Regulation ended in a 0-0 tie, sending the match to a penalty shootout to decide a winner.
Heading into the penalty session, Charlotte was undefeated in shootouts throughout the season and Orlando had only lost one. Kahlina dove to his left to make the save on Orlando’s first penalty, while Agyemang scored for Charlotte, giving them an early advantage. Orlando’s second penalty missed high and Karol Świderski converted his attempt to give Charlotte a 2-0 advantage. Luis Muriel kept Orlando alive, scoring on their third attempt, as Ashley Westwood beat the goalkeeper to the bottom left corner to give Charlotte a 3-1 lead going into the fourth round of penalties, needing one more save for the win. Kahlina lunged to his left on Orlando’s final penalty by Duncan McGuire, making the save and giving Charlotte their first-ever playoff win. Kahlina was named Man of the Match for his efforts in the shootout.
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The Crown will be getting Biel back for the series finale, who was suspended for game two after a red card in the first match. With Biel available again, Charlotte may return to the starting lineup they used in game one, with Biel on the right wing and Świderski at striker. Charlotte made good adjustments in game two, limiting the Orlando attack to just three shots compared to the 17 they allowed in game one. One area they’ll need to improve on going into the deciding match is finishing. They did well creating chances in Charlotte, but their shooting could have been better, with three out of 13 total shots on goal leading to no scores. The return of Biel could help improve this in game three by bringing back the connection he and Świderski had over the final matches of the season. Charlotte will also have to be able to adjust to any changes Orlando might make if they want to keep the season alive and advance to the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Game three of the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 at Inter&Co Stadium and will be streaming on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Charlotte FC will be hosting an official watch party for the match at The Fillmore with doors opening at 5:00 p.m.
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