South Charlotte Today

Karol Swiderski scored a first-half penalty, while Elias Manoel leveled the match, resulting in a hard-fought draw.

After a week of unseasonably cool Carolina weather, Charlotte FC got off to a hot start on Saturday night against the New York Red Bulls. In just the 11th minute, the team put together a slick passing move up the right side. Brandt Bronico made the final incisive pass, finding Kerwin Vargas streaking in behind from the left side. The Colombian winger got to the ball just before Kyle Duncan arrived and earned a penalty after he hit the ground from contact.

Karol Swiderski stepped up to the spot and stayed perfect from the spot in a CLTFC uniform (seven for seven in all competitions) by sending Carlos Coronel the wrong way and burying the match’s opening goal.

Outside of the goal, the opening half hour of the match was even between the two sides. The Red Bulls held a slight edge in possession but never truly tested Kristijan Kahlina. CLTFC looked more dangerous in the final third but couldn’t quite find the final pass or touch to test Coronel.

Kahlina was called into action for his first major save in the 31st minute. Lewis Morgan drove into the box effectively, and a Tim Ream clearance from his cross fell straight to John Tolkin on the edge of the box. The left back’s one-time effort had to be palmed over by Kahlina.

Liel Abada flashed for the first time in the 34th minute after Adilson Malanda found him with a strong pass into right channel. The Israeli burst past his defender but his shot went straight at Coronel from a tight angle.

At this point, Charlotte FC's game became very end-to-end. On one end, Karol Swiderski swung and missed on a looping cross from Abada. The Red Bulls immediately countered and sent Dante Vanzeir streaking into space behind CLTFC’s high line. He found Elias Manoel on cutback, who scored again against Charlotte FC.

Lewis Morgan was consistently eliminating defenders off dribble and creating problems for CLTFC defense towards end of first half but team stood strong despite increasing pressure.

Abada had few chances offensively for Charlotte but wasn’t able to take advantage of one-on-one mismatch opportunities with New York center back Noah Eile.

Overall, 1-1 score at halftime was fair result with all left to play for second half.

The opening 10 minutes of second half were full of chances. Both teams earned wide free kicks ending in headers just off target. Bronico continued playing key passes finding Abada free into right channel; however winger overplayed it trying cross for Vargas instead cutting it back for Swiderski. A minute later Manoel found space behind Nathan Byrne but blazed shot wildly left-footed wide.

At 59th minute CLTFC Head Coach Dean Smith made first change bringing Patrick Agyemang on replacing goal scorer Swiderski; Red Bulls Head Coach Sandro Schwarz replaced Dennis Djengaar with Cameron Harper on right wing shortly after.

Kahlina sprang excellent counter attack at 65th minute throwing ball all way midfield; Abada & Agyemang isolated last defender two vs one but Abada's pass short allowing crucial touch by defender.

Straight after new attacking midfield Designated Player Pep Biel replaced Djibril Diani dropping Bronico deeper next Westwood.

Red Bulls fashioned good chance from free kick at 71st minute as rebound fell Vanzeir snapping left-footed volley just wide near post; while Vargas forced diving save pushing strike away by Coronel at top box after good interplay between Biel & Abada at 77th minute.

Schwarz made two more changes replacing Corey Burke with Manoel & Sean Nealis entering Vanzeir straight after.

Biel had great chance grabbing winner heading Uronen’s cross bouncing harmlessly into Coronel’s hands at 80th minute; Harper diced past Byrne inside box putting ball dangerously area latched onto Morgan deflected out corner sea Charlotte FC bodies.

Dean Smith utilized remaining three changes bringing Junior Urso Brandon Cambridge Iuri Tavares entering match replacing Bronico Abada Vargas respectively straight away both teams great chances low crosses neither finding net story night point.

New York Red Bulls held strong against Charlotte FC advances until very end final major moment stirring controversy Junior Urso booking simulation decision many felt should have been penalty despite tension excitement both teams ultimately settled draw resuming MLS campaigns.

The Crown are back Bank America Stadium next weekend Atlanta United returns Charlotte