Match Recap: Atlanta United 2-1 Charlotte FC
written by Ryan Allen
Goal Summary:
60’ Josef Martinez, PK (ATL)
66’ Adam Armour (CLT) (Bender assist)
90+6’ Jake Mulraney (ATL) (Moreno assist)
Lineup: Kristijan Kahlina, Jaylin Lindsey, Guzman Corujo, Christian Makoun, Christian Fuchs, Brandt Bronico, McKinze Gaines (Harrison Afful 46’), Alan Franco, Christian Ortiz (Adam Armour 46’), Ben Bender, Kamil Swiderski (Daniel Rios 69’)
Charlotte Yellow Cards: Christian Ortiz 30’ (dissent), Alan Franco 36’ (foul), Brandt Bronico 75’ (persistent infringement), Daniel Rios 84’ (foul)
Attendance: 43,055
It was Adam Armour with the first ever goal in Charlotte FC history, coming at the 66’ to tie the game v Atlanta. In the game where we scored our first MLS goal in club history, it was a 90+6’ goal that saw Atlanta run out as winners in our first derby game against them. A heartbreaking result considering us drawing level earlier in the second half.
The game saw a rather even shot total, 14-12 in total shots and 8-7 shots on target, in Atlanta’s favor. Charlotte was right there with their opportunities in the game. Based on the xG of the game, Charlotte was right to think they had their chances to get a result out of this game, as Atlanta lead 1.6 to 1.1 based on the MLS website:
The side is creating chances and the switch to the 4-1-4-1, a noticeable change in formation versus our first two games, is a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. Here is hoping that the adjustment in formations continues this more attacking lineup and mindset going forward, especially as our designated players become more integral to our lineup in future games. Below is the shot map from the game for Charlotte, which shows a significant amount of our shots coming from inside the box, representing more opportunities than our two previous games:
The passing map from the latest game speaks a picture of sparsely put together strands of passing, passing accuracy of around 73%, with a majority of connections through the midfield as Bronico and Ortiz were the notable players involved.
What is next for Charlotte FC? MLS 2021 supporters’ shield champions, New England Revolution, visit the Queen City, coming off the back of their 3-2 defeat to Real Salt Lake in MLS, but a 3-0 win over Pumas in the first leg of their CCL quarterfinals matchup. With the second leg of the CCL tie this midweek, the question will be if New England rotate players, or are seeing exhaustion over the match midweek in addition to the weekend date with Charlotte FC.
Charlotte’s next match vs New England is Saturday, 19 March 2022 at 7:00pm at Bank of America Stadium, our second home game. Be sure to join us for the fixture and pack BoA Stadium this season! Up the Charlotte!