Charlotte FC earned an emphatic win over rival Atlanta United FC and return for a two-game home stand versus Chicago Fire FC (Wednesday) and Nashville SC (Saturday)
CHARLOTTE, NC (Monday, May 15, 2023) – Charlotte FC forward Justin Meram earned a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday after his brace led the team to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United FC in front of over 1,200 traveling supporters.
On the road at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Meram opened the scoring and his account with Charlotte FC. After a period of good play, Ashley Westwood delivered a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Meram on the back post. The winger calmly side-footed the ball into the turf and over Atlanta keeper Quentin Westberg into the back of the net.
After CLTFC went up 2-0 early in the second half through a Karol Swiderski penalty, Meram delivered the sealing blow to 10-man Atlanta United with his second of the night through a well-worked team goal. Jaylin Lindsey slipped Kamil Jozwiak in behind, and he reversed it across the box for a late-arriving Meram to finish into the far post.
The Crown then did enough to hold onto the road win, despite conceding a late goal from a corner kick.
Seven teams are now equal on 15 points in the Eastern Conference from 6th to 12th. CLTFC remain in 12th on tiebreakers but are keeping pace with the race for playoff spots.
Meram, a veteran who began his career with the Columbus Crew, has scored in 12 straight MLS seasons. This is the third-longest active streak in MLS, behind only C.J Sapong and Will Bruin (tied on 13 straight).
After the match, Head Coach Christian Lattanzio and Man of the Match Justin Meram spoke to media.
Charlotte FC will now face a quick turnaround to a two-game home stand this week. Chicago Fire FC will visit first on Wednesday night before a matchup with Nashville SC on Saturday night.
For the full MLS Team of the Matchday, please see below:
F: Dániel Sallói (SKC), Dénis Bouanga (LAFC), Justin Meram (CLT)
M: Xherdan Shaqiri (CHI), Riqui Puig (LA), Evander (POR), Omir Fernandez (RBNY)
D: Kai Wagner (PHI), George Campbell (MTL), Alex Roldan (SEA)
GK: John McCarthy (LAFC)
Coach: Hernán Losada (MTL)
Bench: Roman Bürki (STL), Dany Rosero (SKC), Rafael Czichos (CHI), Darlington Nagbe (CLB), Brian Gutiérrez (CHI), Ted Ku-DiPietro (DC), Julián Carranza (PHI), Jesús Ferreira (DAL), Duncan McGuire (ORL)
