First Half
Lineup: Kahlina, Lindsey, Corujo, Jones (36'), Byrne, Westwood, Bronico, Arfield, Gaines, Świderski, Vargas
Substitutes: Sobociński (36')
In the 9th minute, Cincinnati seemed to have a prime opportunity when playmaker Lucho Acosta showcased his finesse, creating a wide-open chance for Yuya Kubo. However, Kubo, caught off guard by the ball reaching him, failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The chance would have likely been checked for offside had he had scored but it was the early wake up call the Crown needed.
The last time FCC visited Bank of America Stadium, Karol Świderski scored a brace and added on to that tally when he opened up the scoring for home side in the 14th minute. Kerwin Vargas set up the goal by delivering a swift cross, which Swiderski skillfully caught with the outside of his left foot glancing the ball into the back of the net.
The Polish striker wasted no time matching his goal tally from the previous season against Cincinnati, completing a first-half brace just ten minutes later. This time, Jaylin Lindsey provided the assist by way of an acrobatic finish from his striker. The visiting side managed some half chances but never truly threatened, keeping Charlotte's two goal lead in tact heading into the half.
Second Half
Lineup: Kahlina, Lindsey, Corujo, Sobociński, Byrne, Westwood, Bronico, Arfield, Gaines (61'), Świderski, Vargas (60')
Substitutes: Jóźwiak (60'), Meram (61'), Agyemang (82')
Charlotte maintained their lively performance as they entered the second half, carrying forward the same energy they displayed at the beginning of the match. However, their momentum was suddenly halted when a penalty was awarded to Cincinnati in the 52nd minute. The incident occurred when Lindsey, in pursuit of a 50/50 ball, accidentally caught Álvaro Barreal's foot with a slight clip.
Świderski found himself with a golden opportunity to secure a hat trick and more importantly restore his team's two-goal lead. However, Cincinnati's goalkeeper, Roman Celentano, made a crucial save, denying Świderski his chance to do so. Instead, Cincinnati went the other way and managed to equalize. Just moments after Charlotte's scoring opportunity, Barreal skillfully maneuvered past Charlotte's defense and slotted the ball into the net from an awkward angle leveling the match.
In the 75th minute, Charlotte received a significant boost in their quest for a winning goal. Ian Murphy received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card and reducing Cincinnati to 10 players for the remainder of the match. This turn of events provided Charlotte with an advantage as they aimed to capitalize on their numerical superiority.
They nearly did so in the 81st minute when they hit Cincinnati on a counterattack and Karol Świderski unleashed a curling shot from just outside the box, but unfortunately the shot struck the goal post. The result will likely be a bitter taste for head coach Christian Lattanzio and his players as they were good enough on the night to secure all three points but fell just short.
