Many questions circled Charlotte FC heading back into MLS action this weekend, but the expansion side answered them in style by claiming an important home result over the New York Red Bulls.
Christian Lattanzio’s side defeated the Red Bulls 2-0 at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, moving to sixth place in the Eastern Confernce. Ben Bender continued a strong individual season by scoring the opening goal for Charlotte FC while Derrick Jones added a goal in second-half stoppage time to pad the victory.
Gerhard Struber’s side struggled in the offensive third, registering only one shot on goal in the road loss.
Charlotte FC moved to four points behind the Red Bulls with its sixth league victory of the 2022 season.
The New England Revolution also earned an important three points this weekend, using an 87th minute winner from Emmanuel Boateng to defeat Sporting KC 2-1 at Children’s Mercy Park. Gutasvo Bou jumped into the lead striker position for the Revs and the Argentine opened the scoring by adding his second league goal of the campaign.
Despite Johnny Russell’s equalizer in the second-half, Sporting KC finished the match with 10 men, ending the weekend bottom of the Western Conference once again.
Elsewhere, Nashville SC and the San Jose Earthquakes played out a goallless draw at Geodis Park on Saturday.
Here is a closer look at this weekend’s MLS results:
Sunday
Sporting KC 1, Revolution 2
(Johnny Russell 52′) – (Gustavo Bou 30′, Emmanuel Boateng 87′)
Man of the Match: Gustavo Bou was strong in attack for the Revs, scoring the opening goal in Kansas City and delivering a impressive 89 minutes for Bruce Arena’s side. Bou also won both of his duels and finished with three shots on goal.
Moment of the Match: Emmanuel Boateng made a major impact off of the bench for the Revs, following up on Bou’s long-range shot and slamming home the rebound for the eventual winner.
Match to Forget: Uri Rosell was sent off early in the second half for SKC, putting the hosts at a disadvantage for the final 30+ minutes.
Saturday
Charlotte FC 2, Red Bulls 0
(Ben Bender 45+4′, Derrick Jones 90+1′)
Man of the Match: Ben Bender scored the breakthrough goal for Charlotte FC, continuing a strong rookie season for the former Maryland Terrapin. Bender also completed one dribble, won two duels, and made eight recoveries.
Moment of the Match: Bender’s opening goal boosted Charlotte FC into a lead before halftime that the expansion side would not relinquish.
Match to Forget: Omir Fernandez was ineffective from the No. 10 position, losing all four of his duels and only registering 15 touches in his 45 minutes for the Red Bulls.
Nashville SC 0, Earthquakes 0
Man of the Match: Joe Willis helped Nashville SC walk away with one point, totaling six saves in the home draw.
Moment of the Match: Willis was busy in the second-half, but his quick pair of saves on Jeremy Ebobisse and Cade Cowell was key in helping preserve the clean sheet.
Match to Forget: C.J. Sapong was held in check by the Earthquakes backline, registering only one shot on goal and finishing with 27 touches in the match.