This Saturday, Charlotte FC claimed a hard-fought victory against Atlanta United, winning 3-2 in Week 21 of the MLS. Despite being caught off guard twice by Atlanta—first by Tristan Muyumba in the 18th minute and later by Emmanuel Latte Lath in the 40th minute—Charlotte managed to flip the script, thanks to goals from Idan Toklomati (0’ 2T), Wilfried Zaha (13’ 2T), and Pep Biel (31’ 2T).
A standout moment in the match was Wilfried Zaha’s goal in the 13th minute of the second half. After receiving a corner from the right, the forward expertly headed the ball into the lower left corner from inside the box, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Atlanta United, despite firing more shots on goal (19 total), ultimately couldn’t secure the win and left the pitch disappointed.
The star of the match was undoubtedly Wilfried Zaha, who scored one goal and took three shots on target against Atlanta. Equally impressive for Atlanta was Tristan Muyumba, who found the net once and managed four shots.
Notably, in the 80th minute, Charlotte’s defender Adilson Malanda humiliated Atlanta’s Saba Lobjanidze with a brilliant nutmeg.
Atlanta’s coach, Ronny Deila set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Brad Guzan in goal and a defense line consisting of Ronald Hernández, Efraín Morales, Derrick Williams, and Matthew Edwards. The midfield included Aleksei Miranchuk, Tristan Muyumba, and Bartosz Slisz, while Luke Brennan, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Miguel Ángel Almirón led the attack.
On the other hand, Dean Smith’s side operated in a similar 4-3-3 formation, with Kristijan Kahlina guarding the net, supported by Bill Tuiloma, Adilson Malanda, Tim Ream, and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty in defense. Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel, and Brandt Bronico dominated the midfield, while Kerwin Vargas, Idan Toklomati, and Wilfried Zaha worked up front.
The match referee was Allen Chapman.
Looking ahead, Atlanta will face Inter Miami in the next round, while Charlotte FC will host Toronto FC at the Bank of America Stadium.
Substitutions for Atlanta United
45’ 2T – Efraín Morales off for Pedro Amador
71’ 2T – Luke Brennan off for Saba Lobjanidze; Matthew Edwards off for Brooks Lennon; Tristan Muyumba off for Jamal Thiare
83’ 2T – Ronald Hernández off for Luis Abram
Yellow Card for Atlanta United:
40’ 1T Ronald Hernández (Repetitive fouls)
Substitutions for Charlotte FC
72’ 2T – Bill Tuiloma off for Souleyman Doumbia
75’ 2T – Kerwin Vargas off for Tyger Smalls
91’ 2T – Wilfried Zaha off for Eryk Williamson
Yellow Card for Charlotte FC:
35’ 1T Pep Biel (Unsporting behavior)