Charlotte FC celebrated a hard-fought win at TQL Stadium in the 23rd week of the season. In the 39th minute of the second half, Wilfried Zaha netted the only goal of the match, sealing the victory for his team.
Despite having a total of 17 shots on goal, FC Cincinnati struggled to turn their opportunities into scores, managing only 7 shots on target while 10 went wide.
Wilfried Zaha was undoubtedly the standout player of the game, scoring the decisive goal and registering 2 attempts at the target. Kristijan Kahlina also shone for Charlotte FC, displaying his skills as he blocked a total of 6 shots from the opposition.
Cincinnati’s head coach, Pat Noonan, set the team up in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Roman Celentano in goal; DeAndre Yedlin, Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, and Lukas Ahlefeld Engel in defense; Gerardo Valenzuela, Pavel Bucha, Brian Anunga, Luca Orellano, and Evander in midfield; and Kei Kamara leading the attack.
On the other side, Charlotte FC’s coach, Dean Smith, also opted for a 4-5-1 arrangement with Kristijan Kahlina guarding the net; Bill Tuiloma, Adilson Malanda, Tim Ream, and Nathan Byrne forming the back line; Brandt Bronico, Djibril Diani, Kerwin Vargas, Wilfried Zaha, and Liel Abada in the midfield; and Idan Toklomati upfront.
The match was officiated by referee Filip Dujic.
Looking ahead, FC Cincinnati will face Portland Timbers as the visiting team in their next match, while Charlotte FC will host Real Salt Lake in their upcoming game.
Substitutions for FC Cincinnati
45’ 2T – Luca Orellano was substituted for Ender Echenique
72’ 2T – Kei Kamara was substituted for Bradley Smith and Gerardo Valenzuela was replaced by Stiven Jimenez
87’ 2T – DeAndre Yedlin came off for Alvas Powell, Nathan Byrne was substituted for Nicholas Scardina, and Lukas Ahlefeld Engel was replaced by Kévin Denkey
Yellow Cards for FC Cincinnati:
16’ 2T Lukas Ahlefeld Engel, 18’ 2T Gerardo Valenzuela, 36’ 2T Roman Celentano, and 51’ 2T Evander
Red Card for FC Cincinnati:
24’ 2T Brian Anunga (Direct Red)
Substitutions for Charlotte FC
51’ 2T – Bill Tuiloma was substituted for Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty
79’ 2T – Liel Abada was replaced by Eryk Williamson
Yellow Cards for Charlotte FC:
37’ 2T Eryk Williamson and 51’ 2T Kerwin Vargas