Charlotte FC lost against the Portland Timbers 3-2 at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, after the Timbers scored a winner in the 96th minute.
Charlotte FC started quick with Pep Biel scoring in the third minute for his 13th goal of the season.
Biel took the ball into the attacking third down the right wing before cutting inside. He took a shot from just outside of the box, beating James Pantemis on the left side of the goal.
“Pep Biel had a really good first half, great finish for the goal,” Head Coach Dean Smith said.
Portland didn’t let The Crown have the lead for long, scoring in the 11th minute via an Ariel Lassiter goal from right in front of net. They continued to put the pressure on Charlotte FC and took the lead in the 40th minute with Lassiter scoring his second goal of the match.
The Timbers pushed to extend the lead with multiple shots in the opening minutes of the second half, but all fell short of the mark.
With the window still open to tie the match, Charlotte FC took advantage with Luca de la Torre and Idan Toklomati connecting for the equalizer.
De La Torre and Biel passed back and forth before de la Torre made a push, going down the right wing before swinging in a cross to Toklomati. The Israeli forward was behind the Portland defense and volleyed the ball into the back of the net to knot the match at two.
Toklomati’s goal put him back on top of the Club’s scoring chart with his 14th goal of the season after Biel tied him with his goal to begin the match. Toklomati’s score also extended his goal streak to four matches.
“He's having a really good season,” Smith said. “I thought he was our best player tonight again. I thought his hold up play was good, how he competed was really good."
Both sides kept trying to find the game-winner, but the match ramped up as it drew closer to the 90th minute. Tyger Smalls had a chance to score with Pantemis out of position, only for his shot to go into the side netting. A minute later, Portland made a big push with a barrage of shots in front of net including one that forced Kristijan Kahlina to have to fly in the air and punch it away from danger.
With a corner in the 90+6’ minute, Portland capitalized with Alexander Aravena heading the ball in to take the lead.
“We're normally decent from defending set pieces,” Smith said. “I mean, to be fair, it's a great header from the lad. I just felt like some of our clearances could have been better.”
Charlotte FC will try to bounce back at home, playing against CF Montréal on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium.
“Playing at the Bank is always a big thing for us,” Smith said. “We'll be ready now on Wednesday with our supporters behind us."
NEXT AT HOME
OCTOBER 28 @ 7:30 PM // CHARLOTTE VS. MONTREAL
The Crown takes on CF Montreal in a mid-week matchup on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 PM at Bank of America Stadium during Fan Appreciation Week. Don't miss the last regular-season light show, presented by Duke Energy!
