HARRISON, N.J. — Charlotte FC looked at full form in a 3-1 win over New York City FC, erasing some of the negativity put over the team after their devastating loss to Los Angeles FC in their last match.
New York City FC came in as the favorites in this match with a 12-6-7 record that has them third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The defending MLS champions are still looking to prove they can repeat after being the best team in the league last season.
Charlotte FC didn't exist last season, though, and were unphased on taking on the champs as they found a way to put three goals on the scoreboard during the first meeting between the two teams.
The offense got the scoring started early for Charlotte FC. In the fourth minute, Orrin Gaines delivered a cross to Karol Świderski who fired a shot from about five yards out. Initially, it was believed New York City goalkeeper Sean Johnson blocked the shot, but a review revealed that the ball did in fact go across the goal line. This goal gave Charlotte FC a 1-0 lead.
New York City FC evened the score in the 28th minute when Maxime Chanot, a defensive player, scored a sensational goal from over 20 yards out during an offensive attack by NYC FC.
The game stayed deadlocked until Świderski received a cross that he backpedaled to Brandt Bronico who scored from just inside the penalty box to make it 2-1.
Charlotte FC put the game away just around full time after being awarded a penalty kick chance after Chris Gloster, a New York City FC defender, pushed Gaines to the ground while he had the ball in the penalty area.
Christian Fuchs took the penalty shot and delivered in the 91st minute to give Charlotte FC a 3-1 lead that turned into a win after six minutes of stoppage time.
The win is Charlotte FC's 10th of the year and gives them a 10-2-14 record on the season and moves them to 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, just one point behind Orlando City SC, who sit in the final playoff spot while level on points with Miami CF and FC Cincinnati.
New York City FC remains in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 12-7-6 record.
Last week, Charlotte FC went to the west coast to take on Los Angeles FC on the road. But in the City of Angels, the black and blue couldn't find salvation as the home team blanked them out 5-0.
Until Wednesday, Charlotte FC had lost all but two of its road games. The only road win of the season until Wednesday's game was against Houston Dynamo FC in July. The other non-loss road game was a draw with the Columbus Crew.
Charlotte FC's next match is against Orlando SC on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium.