Charlotte FC earned an important three points in a 3-1 victory against Columbus Crew.
The hosts wasted little time in opening the scoring, as midfielder Brandt Bronico slotted one past the goalkeeper in the first minute of action.
It came from a lovely pass from David Schnegg, but it was Bronico’s perfectly timed run that kept him in an onside position and made the difference.
Bronico’s 29-second goal clocks in as the third-fastest goal in Club history.
Charlotte then doubled their lead less than 10 minutes later, courtesy of a Liel Abada penalty kick. Abada, who also earned the penalty, cooly and calmy buried his shot to make it a 2-0 lead before 15 minutes had even been played.
It marked Abada’s third goal since returning from the World Cup break.
Columbus pulled one back in the 41st minute, thanks to a header effort by Chase Adams.
Allan Saint-Maximin made his MLS debut at the start of the second half, coming on for Luca de la Torre.
Pep Biel, returning after a one-game suspension in Leagues Cup, scored the game’s fourth goal and the third for Charlotte.
Saint-Maximin initiated the scoring sequence with a wonderful pass through multiple defenders. Biel then dribbled into the final third and was ultimately assisted by winger Rodolfo Aloko.
Up next for Charlotte FC is a trip to The Great White North, as The Crown faces Toronto FC Wednesday night at 7:30pm EST.
NEXT AT HOME:
AUGUST 22 @ 7:30 PM // KIDS RULE NIGHT
Cap off the summer with fun for the whole family! Join The Crown on August 22 for Kids Rule Night as Charlotte FC takes on D.C. United. Arrive early to enjoy a kids-centric pre-match party, a special in-match experience, and a limited-edition Pillow Plush gate giveaway.
Limited quantities are available upon exit, towards the end of the match, and are not guaranteed.
