Charlotte FC Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina Named to MLS Team of the Matchday

CHARLOTTE, NC (Monday, May 20, 2024) – Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina earned a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday after his five saves contributed to a shutout draw against the LA Galaxy. 

The match was Charlotte FC’s fourth consecutive shutout, a new record for the Club. Kahlina currently leads the league in clean sheets with six so far this season.   

In a hard-fought 0-0 draw, Kahlina’s saves came at key moments in the match, helping Charlotte secure a point and another shutout.  

The Croatian made a big save in the first half, tipping a deflected shot from the Galaxy’s Diego Fagundez over the bar in the 19th minute. His most important saves, though, came on the final two plays of the match late in second half stoppage time. First, he dove to his left to push Gaston Brugman’s dangerous free kick wide of the post. Then, from the resulting corner kick, he acrobatically tipped Maya Yoshida’s header over the bar right before the final whistle to preserve the shutout.  

The goalkeeper has accumulated 70 MLS appearances with CLTFC and holds Club records for most MLS appearances (70), most MLS starts (69), most MLS minutes played (6,210), most MLS goalkeeper saves (217), and most MLS goalkeeper shutouts (19). Kahlina has made 41 saves this season and kept six total shutouts. 

Kahlina’s recognition is his first of the 2024 season and marks Charlotte FC’s third Team of the Matchday recognition in a row. His honor follows Team of the Matchday selections for Ashley Westwood (Matchday 14) and Andrew Privett (Matchday 13). 

Kahlina spoke to media following the match. Video assets for his availability, along with assets for Head Coach Dean Smith and defender Joao Pedro, can be accessed here. 

CLTFC has two matches remaining in May. The Club plays at home against the Philadelphia Union this Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET followed by an away midweek match against the New York Red Bulls on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET.