News Summary
Charlotte FC showcased their resilience by defeating North Carolina FC 4-1 in extra time to advance to the Round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup. The match began with a scoreless first half, but tactical adjustments and key substitutions ignited Charlotte’s offense in extra time. Liel Abada opened the scoring, followed by goals from Patrick Agyemang, Nikola Petkovic, and Kerwin Vargas, who celebrated his 100th appearance for the club. Charlotte FC will next face D.C. United, continuing their journey in the tournament.
Charlotte – In an exciting match that showcased the resilience of Charlotte FC, the team triumphed over North Carolina FC in extra time to secure advancement to the Round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup. The thrilling game, played on Tuesday evening, ended with a score of 4-1 after the teams remained scoreless through the first 90 minutes of regulation.
Charlotte FC exhibited a mixed lineup for the match, with only one regular starter, Andrew Privett, among the 11 players that took the field to begin the game. Joshua Marshall-Rutty made a notable debut, starting at left back for the team. Despite dominating possession and maintaining control of the ball throughout regular time, Charlotte struggled to find their rhythm in the final third, failing to convert their opportunities into goals.
The lack of scoring in regular time led the match into extra time, where the action really began to heat up. Coach’s tactical changes proved pivotal, as the introduction of substitutes Liel Abada, Patrick Agyemang, and Brandt Bronico injected newfound energy and effectiveness into Charlotte’s play. Abada struck first in the extra period, scoring the opening goal which prompted a surge of excitement among Charlotte’s supporters. However, North Carolina FC responded quickly, equalizing just a minute later, leaving Charlotte to regroup and push forward once more.
In the latter stages of extra time, Charlotte FC found their groove, scoring three additional goals to secure a remarkable 4-1 victory. Agyemang quickly followed Abada’s lead, scoring with a powerful header to regain the lead for Charlotte. Nikola Petkovic and Kerwin Vargas then added to the scoreboard, with Vargas celebrating a milestone as he marked his 100th appearance for the club with his goal.
With this victory, Charlotte FC progresses to the next round of the tournament where they will face D.C. United, who earned their spot by defeating the Charleston Battery 2-0. The date and time for this upcoming match will be confirmed following the conclusion of all Round of 32 matches.
Fans looking to witness the action can stream the next game live on Paramount+ or CBS Sports Golazo Network. Additionally, Charlotte FC will host Chicago Fire FC at Bank of America Stadium on May 17, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the game and receive a limited-edition party shirt as a keepsake.
This match against North Carolina FC highlighted some of the challenges and adjustments that Charlotte FC faces as they integrate new players into the squad. While the performance had its ups and downs, the victory serves as a positive momentum-building opportunity as the team continues its season in both the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS.
As Charlotte FC prepares to advance in their Cup journey, their successful handling of a challenging match showcases their potential as a competitive force within the tournament. Fans remain hopeful that this win will lead to further successes as the season unfolds.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte FC News
- Wikipedia: U.S. Open Cup
- Charlotte FC Starting XI News
- Google Search: Charlotte FC 2025 U.S. Open Cup
- Chicago Fire FC Match Info
- Google Scholar: Charlotte FC
- Fansided MLS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLS
