CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a dominant display, Charlotte FC secured a 3-0 win against San Diego FC, the newest addition to the league, on Saturday night. Liel Abada set the tone early, netting a goal in the 11th minute, courtesy of Pep Biel’s league-leading sixth assist of the season. This victory marked Charlotte FC’s fifth consecutive home win, maintaining their flawless record on home turf this season. Kristijan Kahlina, the previous season’s standout goalkeeper, added another achievement to his record with two crucial saves, leading to his fourth clean sheet of the year.
Abada’s early goal marked his ninth in 32 appearances for the team, and Pep Biel continued his impressive form with five goals and nine assists across just 18 games with Charlotte. The club remains unbeaten this season whenever Biel assists in a goal, boasting a 6-0-1 record in such matches.
In a significant setback for San Diego FC, they were reduced to ten men in the first half when Andrés Reyes was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. This led to Patrick Agyemang converting the resultant penalty, granting Charlotte a 2-0 lead by halftime. Agyemang celebrated his first goal of the season, following a stellar previous season with ten goals.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 57th minute. Ashley Westwood delivered a perfectly timed assist to Andrew Privett, who found the back of the net for his maiden career goal in his landmark 50th match. This assist also marked Westwood’s first of the season and the seventh throughout his tenure with Charlotte FC.
San Diego FC’s keeper, CJ dos Santos, was tested thoroughly and managed seven saves throughout the match. Despite this effort, the team couldn’t break their current trend of defeat on the road, having initially secured wins in their first two away matches before succumbing to three consecutive losses.
Looking ahead, Charlotte FC is set to face the New England Revolution at home next Saturday. Meanwhile, San Diego FC will regroup and prepare to host Real Salt Lake.