Charlotte FC Triumphs in Thrilling Bank of America Stadium Showdown
Charlotte FC brought intensity and skill to Bank of America Stadium, dominating Orlando City with an impressive seven shots in the first half compared to Orlando’s zero. Despite their early attacking prowess, Charlotte couldn’t find the back of the net, largely due to the incredible goalkeeping by Orlando’s Pedro Gallese, who held off Charlotte’s relentless attacks. As the teams entered halftime, the scoreboard remained locked at 0-0.
In the second half, Charlotte FC, led by Dean Smith, continued their offensive pressure, adding five more shots from various angles. Their efforts, however, couldn’t break the deadlock. Charlotte’s defense, formidable at home all season, stifled Orlando’s counterattacks, keeping the game scoreless until the final whistle. In a nail-biting moment in the 95th minute, Orlando City nearly took the lead when Muriel found Lodeiro, who set up Facundo Torres in the box for a finish—only to be denied by an offside call.
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Charlotte FC’s goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, emerged as the hero. Kahlina saved Orlando’s first spot-kick, followed by a missed attempt by Robin Jansson, giving Charlotte the edge. Although Orlando’s Luis Muriel scored, Charlotte clinched victory with their first three successful spot-kicks. Duncan McGuire’s final attempt was thwarted by Kahlina, securing Charlotte FC’s first-ever playoff win before a crowd of 40,000 ecstatic fans. With the best-of-three series tied, the next clash will take place in Orlando, where the winner will secure a spot in the next round.
LA Galaxy Dominate in Western Conference Battle
In the Western Conference, LA Galaxy claimed a thrilling victory over Colorado in Denver, securing their advancement. LA took an early lead within the first ten minutes as Gabriel Pec capitalized on a deflected clearance, firing the ball into the net. Colorado responded swiftly when Oliver Larraz scored a sensational goal from the top of the box, leveling the score.
Just before halftime, Joseph Paintsil put LA back in the lead with a powerful far-post strike. The second half saw both teams trading chances, but neither could break through. It wasn’t until stoppage time that LA sealed the win, as Riqui Puig slipped a shot through the keeper’s legs in a fast counterattack. Moments later, Puig scored again after rounding the keeper, solidifying LA Galaxy’s place in the Western Conference semifinals. Colorado’s final push left them exposed, allowing LA Galaxy to counter and clinch a decisive victory.
