Host Charlotte FC scored two late goals to mount a stirring comeback over Nashville SC, winning 2-1 thanks to Idan Toklomati’s 90th-minute strike.
The win continues a strong start for Charlotte (4-2-1, 13 points). It also marks the second straight loss for Nashville (3-3-1, 10 points) following a home loss to Cincinnati.
Attacker Hany Mukhtar opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, celebrating by taunting the home crowd. Daniel Lovitz’s chipped cross by the sideline narrowly escaped Kristijan Kahlina’s grasp and reached a wide-open Mukhtar for the German’s second goal of the season.
Late in the game, Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha won a penalty after baiting defender Andy Nájar into tackling him. After drawing the penalty, Zaha sent Nashville keeper Joe Willis the wrong way and nestled his shot into the bottom corner to tie the game for Charlotte.
Charlotte found their dramatic winner through 20-year-old attacker Idan Toklomati. Midfielder Pep Biel chipped a ball to the streaking teenager off a counter-attack. Toklomati dribbled past Willis before firing his shot past the Nashville defense, giving Charlotte the winning goal.
Alex Muyl nearly scored just before halftime when Mukhtar played him into open space dangerously close to the goal. However, Muyl wasted his golden opportunity, and the shot rolled safely into Kahlina’s hands.
Charlotte’s porous defense leads the league in shots conceded, and Saturday afternoon was no different. The Boys in Blue conceded ten shots — the sixth time in seven games Charlotte has conceded over ten shots.
Only minutes after halftime, Kevin Vargas converted a bouncing header off a free kick from Ashley Westwood. However, officials ruled midfielder Brandt Bronico was offside while blocking a defender and disallowed the goal.
The match was delayed when Vargas connected with Walker Zimmerman’s head while attempting a bicycle kick. After seven minutes, Zimmerman was put in a neck brace and stretchered off the field.
Sam Surridge nearly leveled the game ten minutes into stoppage time. Jacob Shaffelburg scampered down the left wing and found Surridge open eight yards from goal. But, the attacker scuffed his effort, and the ball rolled safely into Kahlina’s gloves.
–Field Level Media
