Charlotte FC’s road form this season has truly hurt them from being higher up the Eastern Conference standings, but Wednesday’s performance at Red Bull Arena was a massive result for the expansion side.
Christian Lattanzio’s squad claimed their first road win since July 3 after defeating NYCFC 3-1 in Harrison, New Jersey. Brandt Bronico’s 77th minute goal proved to be the difference before Christian Fuchs’ penalty kick on the verge of stoppage time iced Charlotte FC’s third road win of 2022.
Despite conceding a wonder strike to Maxime Chanot in the first half, Charlotte FC grinded its way to a 10th league win of the season, which is the fifth-most in the East so far.
FC Dallas earned an important win over the Philadelphia Union in Dallas. Jesus Ferreira scored his 15th goal of the season, and FC Dallas has now lost only one match in their last six games.
The New York Red Bulls ended a four-match winless run on Wednesday by using a pair of first-half goals to defeat Atlanta United 2-1. Lewis Morgan and John Tolkin both celebrated goals while Carlos Coronel made four saves in the road victory, a first for the Red Bulls since July 24th at Austin FC.
Atlanta United has only won two of its last seven matches in league play, sitting in 13th place and four points out of the final playoff spot.
Toronto FC extended its unbeaten run to five matches in league play after fighting back to tie the New England Revolution 2-2 at BMO Field. Dominico Criscito’s second-half strike helped Bob Bradley’s side avoid a first home loss since July 2 and move to 11th place in the East.
Here is a closer look at this week’s MLS results:
Wednesday
Atlanta United 1, Red Bulls 2
(Josef Martinez 90+5′) – (Lewis Morgan 11′, John Tolkin 15′)
Man of the Match: Cristian Casseres Jr helped set up both of the Red Bulls goals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while also delivering a strong defensive shift. Casseres won seven duels, made two tackles, and drawing one foul from his midfield position.
Moment of the Match: John Tolkin’s first league goal of 2022 helped the Red Bulls pad their advantage and it proved to be the deciding goal between the two rivals.
Match to Forget: Ronaldo Cisneros offered little in the final third for Atlanta United before being replaced in the 64th minute.
Toronto FC 2, Revolution 2
(Federico Bernardeschi 31′ pk’, Domenico Criscito 75′) – (Tommy McNamara 37′, Justin Rennicks 48′)
Man of the Match: Domenico Criscito scored the tying goal for Toronto FC, helping Bob Bradley’s side steal one point at home. Criscito also won seven duels and made three tackles, which were both match-high’s.
Moment of the Match: Criscito’s long-range shot in the 87th minute looked destined to hand Toronto FC the win, but Djordje Petrovic dove to his left to deny the left back his second goal of the night.
Match to Forget: Lorenzo Insigne was a marked man at BMO Field and the Italian struggled to produce anything in the final third. Insigne lost four duels, failed to complete a single cross attempt (0/5), and completed only 71% of his passes.
NYCFC 1, Charlotte FC 3
(Maxime Chanot 28′) – (Karol Swiderski 4′, Brandt Bronico 77′, Christian Fuchs 90′ pk’)
Man of the Match: Karol Swiderski scored the opening goal for Charlotte FC, while setting up Brandt Bronico’s eventual winner. The Polish forward also won four duels in the match.
Moment of the Match: Christian Fuchs’ penalty kick goal iced the road win for Charlotte FC, handing the expansion side an important three points.
Match to Forget: Heber offered little in the final third for NYCFC, losing eight of 11 duels and struggling to cope against Jan Sobocinski and Anton Walkes.
FC Dallas 1, Union 0
(Jesus Ferreira 34′)
Man of the Match: Jesus Ferreira provided everything FC Dallas needed in a match that didn’t include much end-to-end action. Ferreira scored the winning goal and put three shots on target.
Moment of the Match: Jesus Ferreira’s 15th goal of the season put FC Dallas up early. Ferreira snuck past a defender in the box to finish off Paul Arriola’s cross.
Match to Forget: Union right back Nathan Harriel didn’t provide his usual attacking boost, nor did he make much of an impact defensively. Harriel was subbed off after 59 minutes.
Whitecaps 2, Rapids 1
(Ryan Gauld 14′, 40′) – (Gyasi Zardes 76’)
Man of the Match: Ryan Gauld scored two goals, timing his runs well and providing the killer instinct for the Whitecaps.
Moment of the Match: Julian Gressel showed what he can bring to the table, sprinting into the box and assisting Ryan Gauld for the Whitecaps’ first goal in the 14th minute.
Match to Forget: Rapids centerback Danny Wilson’s weak pass led to the Whitecaps’ first goal, and Wilson failed to intervene as Ryan Gauld raced toward William Yarbrough for the Whitecaps’ second goal.
Tuesday
LAFC 1, D.C. United 0
(Kwadwo Opoku 67′)
Man of the Match: Diego Palacios won 8/11 duels, completed all four of his tackle attempts, and completed the most passes, showing once again why he’s been one of the best left backs this season.
Moment of the Match: Kwadwo Opoku came off the bench and scored the deciding goal at Banc of California Stadium, proving his worth once again for Steve Cherundolo’s attack.
Match to Forget: Steve Birnbaum hurt his team’s chances at one point from California after being sent off in the 60th minute for a second yellow card offense.