By Billy McGee
March 20, 2025
Photo: Kurt Shackelford / CLTure
Charlotte FC picked up their second win of the season, defeating FC Cincinnati 2-0 at home to improve to a 2-1-1 record with seven points through four matches.
Both teams had a few chances to score in the first half, with one of Charlotte’s best coming from a Wilfried Zaha shot that went just wide of the goal in the 14th minute. Cincinnati’s best chances also came in the 14th minute following Zaha’s miss, as Evander took a shot from just outside of the 18-yard box that was saved by a diving Kristijan Kahlina. Off the rebound, Kévin Denkey just missed a Lukas Engel pass that would have put Cincinnati up 1-0. Instead, the ball rolled out, giving Charlotte a throw-in.
Cincinnati was forced to make an early substitution, replacing center back Miles Robinson with Teenage Hadebe due to an injury in the 30th minute. Charlotte had two more decent chances to score before halftime. In the 40th minute, Liel Abada took a shot that would have been on target, but it was deflected by a defender and went out for a corner. In added time, Agyemang was fouled just outside the box, setting Charlotte up for a dangerous free kick opportunity. Pep Biel took the free kick but missed just left of the goal.
Much like the home opener against Atlanta, the second half against Cincinnati started off fast for The Crown. Cincinnati had the first opportunity of the half with a long-distance attempt that was saved by an outstretched Kahlina. The corner that followed went long, and Pep Biel made a clearance near the opposite corner flag. Cincinnati made a mistake with a backward header that didn’t find anyone. Abada was able to get to the ball first, carrying it from midfield to the edge of the box, where he shot and scored to give Charlotte a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute.
It didn’t take long for Charlotte to strike again, as Adilson Malanda played a ball out of the back to Biel in midfield. Biel controlled it and sent a grounded pass ahead to Patrick Agyemang, who took a touch into the box before beating the goalkeeper to extend the lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute. Charlotte kept the pressure on Cincinnati early in the second half, with Zaha taking a shot from just outside the box, forcing the goalkeeper to make a save at the near post in the 57th minute.
The Crown’s defense held strong in the second half, anchored by Kahlina, who made several big saves to secure the team’s second clean sheet of the season. The win marked Charlotte’s fifth consecutive home victory, dating back to last season — the longest home winning streak in the club’s history. The match was perhaps Charlotte’s best so far this year, as they set a season high in shots (13), with Kahlina making eight total saves.
Kahlina GOT 🆙 to keep Cincy down with this Save of the Match pic.twitter.com/cxqIITdnqj
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) March 18, 2025
Agyemang was named Man of the Match for Charlotte ahead of his United States Men’s National Team call-up. He took advantage of the space given to him by Cincinnati’s defense, which was playing in a back four instead of their usual back five, leading to his best performance of the season after a slow start. With Agyemang missing the next match due to his national team duties, Idan Toklomati is a likely option to play striker. Toklomati was subbed on in the 85th minute against Cincinnati and made an impact in his brief time on the pitch. He attempted a shot that missed in the 90th minute and forced a save with a header in the 95th minute. Charlotte will also be without Tim Ream and Liel Abada, who were both called up to their respective national teams.
Charlotte remains at home for their next match, facing the San Jose Earthquakes in the first-ever regular season meeting between the two clubs. San Jose currently sits in sixth place in the Western Conference and, in their most recent match, lost 2-1 to Colorado, with Cristian Arango scoring their only goal in the first minute of added time in the opening half off a corner kick. Despite scoring just one goal, San Jose controlled possession (60.2%) and recorded 28 shots (13 on target). Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen made 12 saves in the match to hand San Jose their second consecutive loss. Charlotte, coming off back-to-back home clean sheets, should present another challenge for San Jose’s attack.
With three starters missing, Charlotte could opt to change their formation, but if they stick with the 4-3-3 they typically use, Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas would likely fill in at striker and right wing for Agyemang and Abada. Another option could be to move Pep Biel to the wing, a position where he had some success last season. Eryk Williamson could start in the midfield alongside Brandt Bronico and Ashley Westwood.
Filling Ream’s spot at left back will be a bit more difficult, as recently signed Souleyman Doumbia may not be available in time for the match due to his visa process. If Doumbia is unavailable, Charlotte could play Nick Scardina, who has been on the bench for all four matches this season.
Biel and Zaha will be key to Charlotte’s performance, with both goalscorers from the previous match missing. The defense should still hold strong, with Nathan Byrne, Andrew Privett, and Adilson Malanda ready to help out whoever starts at left back. A strong performance from the defense and midfield to control the match should be enough to earn at least a draw, or a win if Biel and Zaha can generate enough goalscoring opportunities in the attack.
Charlotte FC will take on the San Jose Earthquakes this Saturday, March 22 (7:30 p.m.), streaming live on Apple TV MLS Season Pass. Tickets to the match are available here and at Gametime.
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