Charlotte FC fell to Toronto FC 1-0 for their first loss of the season.
Charlotte again struggled with finishing, not scoring a single goal with their 10 shots, three of them on goal that generating 1.3 expected goals. The biggest missed opportunity of all of Charlotte’s shots was very similar to the previous week. Enzo Copetti split the defense with just the goalkeeper left to beat and had his shot saved in the 39th minute.
Both teams were locked in a stalemate late into the game until Lorenzo Insigne scored a spectacular goal in the 80th minute to put Toronto up 1-0.
OH MY LORENZO INSIGNE! 😱
An absolute banger for his second goal in two weeks for @TorontoFC. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/Fbb1t2SrfK
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 9, 2024
Midfielder Nikola Petković was subbed on late for Charlotte, making his MLS debut after being signed from Crown Legacy during the offseason.
Charlotte was not able to control possession during the match, the second time in their three games where they allowed the opposing team to control possession. Despite allowing Toronto to control possession and allowing a late goal, Charlotte’s defense performed well, not allowing Toronto many good chances to score and making 18 clearances in the process.
Charlotte’s finish could improve going forward in the season, something that new signing Liel Abada should help bring to the team when he arrives.
Charlotte’s next match will be the last of their three-match road trip as they travel to Nashville, TN to take on Nashville SC on Saturday, March 16 at GEODIS Park. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. EST and is streaming on Apple TV.
