Good teams find a way to win even on their worst days. Today, Charlotte FC found a way.
Wait... we said that last week.
It was certainly not Charlotte's worst day, but it wasn't their best either. However, Dean Smith and the boys put in a professional performance in Montreal. They scored early, were hard to break down in the back, and didn't let anything in their net. And they are marching home with their first road three points of the season.
Pep Biel was all class in the attack. Kristijan Kahlina was great in the net, making a couple of big saves. Adilson Malanda had himself a day in defense to earn Man of the Match honors. But the side will feel that, once again, they can play better overall. Sloppy in possession, errant passes, and times where they needed to control the game and see out the victory, they turned the ball over.
A win is a win. Particularly when you pick up your first-ever three points in Montreal. The monkey is off the back.
Charlotte FC will end the night 1st place in the Eastern Conference.
Clip Notes:
- Montreal came out in full attack mode. Pressing high and looking for that early spark in their home opener.
- 9th minute - Header off the post for Montreal followed up by another chance on goal. They are knocking early.
- GOAL: 16th minute - Pep Biel with his 8th goal contribution in 8 matches. Patrick Agyemang pounces on a mistake and drives at the 18. He finds Liel Abada, who delivers a nice pop back across the box to find Pep, and his first shot is blocked. Immediate follow up is a clean finish into the opposite corner.
- End to end at times in this one, with both sides finding opportunities. Both sides are a little sloppy in the final third.
- HT: Dig deep for another 45 to see this one out. 70-30 possession in favor of MTL but Charlotte with the higher xG.
- Montreal is finding ways to get in behind the defense and is called offside multiple times. Twice, an initial penalty was called but then withdrawn for offside. They are living on the edge.
- Charlotte is trying to game-manage this one to the end. Not really holding possession, pressing to score again. Strictly waiting for a chance to counter if it's there. Otherwise, weathering the storm.
- Concerning moment as Tim Ream chests a ball down to Kahlina then goes down in some pain. Has to be subbed off for Doumbia.
- In the 72nd minute, massive stop from Kahlina on a shot from the sub Vrioni, who was making his debut. He was a constant threat after coming on. Kahlina would make another in 89th to help see this one out.
- In the 87th minute, Malanda and Vrioni battle in and around the 18. Malanda comes up with the win after finding a way to stay on his feet and win the ball. There was nearly a penalty shout, but Vrioni went down too easily, and the referee said it was all fair.
The boys bring home three points before a big two-match home stand. They welcome the new kids on the block, San Diego FC, to the Fortress on Saturday, April 19th.
Clip Notes are technical notes stylists use to enhance consultations and give customers the haircut they want whenever they visit any Great Clips location.
NEXT MATCH:
CHARLOTTE FC VS. SAN DIEGO FC
The Crown is back at Bank of America Stadium on April 19 at 7:30 P.M. SEE YOU AT THE FORTRESS.
