CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All it took for Charlotte FC to win its 2024 season opener on Saturday was just one goal.
The black and blue opened the latest MLS season at Bank of America Stadium with 62,291 fans in attendance as they hosted New York City FC. The sole goal of the night was made just eight minutes into the match by French defender Adilson Malanda, his first goal since joining Charlotte in 2022. Malanda also made history for the team as it was the first time Charlotte FC made a goal during a season opener.
Malanda was on the team's starting nine players, which includes veterans like Ashley Westwood, Kerwin Vargas, Enzo Copetti, and Kristijan Kahlina. 16-year-old Nimfasha Berchimas subbed in for Vargas late in the match, making his MLS debut along with Joao Pedro. The MLS notes that Berchimas is the ninth youngest player in league history to debut.
More debuts included Junior Urso and Iuri Tavares. Tavares comes from Charlotte FC's NEXT Pro team Crown Legacy FC.
NYC FC had a chance at a goal in the second half, but Charlotte managed to save it. Despite heading into stoppage time, NYC could not answer to Charlotte's early-match goal.
Charlotte is on the road for its next match on Saturday, March 2, against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The two clubs last met in May 2022, with Charlotte winning 2-1.
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