Charlotte FC rode a second-half surge to a 4-0 win and prevented visiting Orlando City from clinching a playoff spot on Saturday.
After taking the lead in the sixth minute through Henry Kessler’s header, Allan Saint-Maximin, new signing Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Rodolfo Aloko scored in the second half.
Orlando City (12-14-7, 43 points), who saw a five-game unbeaten streak come to an end, will have to wait until next Saturday to seal their playoff fate. It was the first time they failed to score in a league game since May 9 against Inter Miami.
Charlotte FC (15-10-8, 53 points) continued their push for a top-four spot with the victory and home-field advantage for Round One of the MLS Cup playoffs.
Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made seven saves, while Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made two saves.
Charlotte FC scored in the sixth minute when Ashley Westwood lofted a free-kick into the box and Kessler powered a header past Crepeau and into the back of the net.
They doubled their lead when Saint-Maximin found space in transition at midfield and dribbled to the edge of the box before sidestepping a defender and scoring past Crepeau in the 49th minute.
Rodolfo Aloko drew a penalty in the 81st minute when Ivan Angulo pushed him as he wound up for a shot inside the box. Crepeau denied Saint-Maximin’s penalty, but the ball neatly rolled to Doucoure, who scored in his Charlotte debut.
Aloko finished off the scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time after getting on the receiving end of Tyger Smalls’ cross. Aloko volleyed his shot into the back of the net.
Saint-Maximin picked up a red card in the 89th minute during a spat with Orlando defender Wilder Cartagena. He will miss Charlotte’s road game against Inter Miami on Saturday.
–Field Level Media
