What a way to start.
Charlotte FC had a plan. Executed that plan. And delivered a Battle of the South beatdown on Atlanta to open up the 2025 season at home. It was chippy at times like any derby should be. Including a moment where two new stars for each side had, shall we say, a difference of opinion.
But in the end, Charlotte came out blazing in the second half, controlled the match, and saw out the emphatic win over their southern rivals.
The man of the hour, Wilfried Zaha, was a contributer on both goals. We can call one a half assist. The other, a goal to seal the 2-0 victory and earn him the Man of the Match honors. He played all 90 minutes, won tackles, haunted the Atlanta backline and in the end was the difference maker Dean Smith has been looking for. A team player performance. Is this a sign of things to come? We sure hope so.
Charlotte are undefeated to start the season for the second year in a row. We are just getting started.
Clip Notes:
- Welcome Wilfried Zaha to the Queen City experience. The newest star marked his debut in front of 51,000 fans. An absolutely electric start to the season from the supporters
- Early on, Zaha got a taste of MLS play. Some tough tackles. Atlanta was not afraid to get stuck in.
- Atlanta had the pressure early in the match. Their high-powered attack was pressing and finding more chances in the final third. But nothing of threat to Kahlina.
- Charlotte were incredibly quick to win the ball back when they lost it. Just not quite sharp in the first half. But good coaching means players win the ball back immediately and Charlotte did just that.
- There was about a 10-minute spell where Charlotte completely controlled the match and held onto the ball. Possession was nearing 60% CLT at one point. This is not necessarily their game but was good to see. However, no chances created.
- HT: Stalemate.
- Second Half: No longer Stalemate.
- Charlotte upped the pressure. Clear locker room chat from the Gaffer lit a fire.
- GOAL: Zaha finds room to attack at the top of the box. Atlanta's defense collapses on him to prevent a shot, but the ball still sneaks through to a running Pep Biel, who slots it home perfectly for his first of the season. 1-0
- GOAL: Abada was a firecracker all day long. Willing to run, attack, win balls. He was rewarded in 54th minute when he pounced on a free ball, drove at the net, ripped a shot. Saved and fell to Zaha...
WILFRIEEDDD ZAAAHHAAAAA - he calmly slots it home. Not an easy finish by any means. A goal on his debut is just what he needed.
- Editor's note: The Bank is electric.
- The defense and Kahlina. What a night. They stayed stout and resolute all night long. Their shape was consistent and hard to break down. Yes, Atlanta found their time and space. Could they have easily scored on occasion? Yes. ...But they didn't.
- In the 82nd minute of a 2-0 match, Zaha was still pushing. Clearing a corner out as the first man. Electric stuff to see from him.
- Another big Kahlina save late in the match kept it at donuts for Atlanta. He's in form already.
- TEAM WIN. Everyone played hard and with energy. Tenacity saw this one out. And they have the home crowd to thank for the little extra juice.
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NEXT UP:
BACK IN BLACK
CHARLOTTE FC VS. FC CINCINNATI | MARCH 15 | 7:30 P.M.
SEE YOU AT THE FORTRESS.
