Wilfried Zaha’s late goal propelled Charlotte FC over a ten-man FC Cincinnati side in a significant 1-0 road victory on Sunday evening.
For Cincinnati (15-7-4, 49 points), the loss is a missed chance to claim first place in the Supporters’ Shield race after the Philadelphia Union lost their Saturday match. Charlotte’s (13-11-2, 41 points) triumph means they have completed a regular-season sweep over Cincinnati.
The momentum of the game shifted in the 70th minute when midfielder Brian Anunga picked up a clumsy red card. The Cameroonian stamped on Djibril Diani’s leg while trying to stop a counter-attack.
Zaha and Charlotte capitalized on their numbers advantage fourteen minutes later. Idan Toklomati set up the goal when he headed a stray ball in the box towards Zaha. Zaha’s one-touch volley squeaked by Cincinnati keeper Roman Celentano (two saves) at the near post to give Charlotte the only goal of the match.
The goal marked Zaha’s seventh of the season and Toklomati’s second assist.
Charlotte, missing leading goalscorer Pep Biel (hamstring) and captain Ashley Westwood (yellow card suspension), struggled to get into the game and win possession early. They attempted just one shot in the first half and struggled to link up play in the final third.
Zaha couldn’t deal with Cincinnati’s physicality and looked frustrated during the game’s stoppages. They relied on a clutch performance from goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina (eight saves).
Cincinnati kept applying pressure on Charlotte’s defense as the second half continued, shooting 17 times in total.
Charlotte rarely advanced the ball near the final third. Kahlina parried away several shots from Ender Echenique and Anunga, and Cincinnati looked fully in control.
–Field Level Media
