CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Karol Świderski returned to Charlotte an hour before Charlotte FC's first-ever match.
But it was already too late.
The team was in Washington, and lost to DC United, 3-0 without him.
Świderski had been dealing with an issue getting his visa in his native Poland.
But the 25-year-old striker has returned stateside and will play in this Saturday's match against the LA Galaxy.
The contest will be Charlotte FC's first at Bank of America Stadium and is expected to draw a record MLS crowd, potentially as many as 75,000 fans.
Świderski said watching the first match on TV was hard, but he's excited for the first home match.
"I've never played with 70 or 75,000 people," Świderski. "This will be an unbelievable feeling for sure."
Many expect Świderski to be a top goal-scoring option for the club.
He is the team's only Designated Player. Each team in MLS is allowed three DP's, which can be paid more than the maximum salary.
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