CLTFC Drops Points Late in Kansas City Heartbreaker

Sporting KC 2, Charlotte FC 1 | Match 19 – 2025 MLS Regular Season

Charlotte FC suffered a gut-wrenching 2-1 loss at Children’s Mercy Park on Wednesday night, giving up two stoppage-time goals to Sporting Kansas City in the final minutes of what had been a promising performance on the road.

Coming off a much-needed off week, Charlotte struck first in the 34th minute. Idan Toklomati finished off a flowing team move set up by Wilfried Zaha and Souleyman Doumbia. The goal was Toklomati’s second of the season and extended The Crown’s scoring streak to 11 consecutive matches across all competitions.

Zaha’s involvement added to his red-hot run of form, as the veteran attacker now has five goal contributions in his last five appearances. Doumbia, meanwhile, became the 11th different Charlotte FC player to register an assist in 2025, showcasing the squad's evolving offensive depth.

Kristijan Kahlina returned to the starting XI in goal and made several key saves to keep the visitors in front. But the pressure mounted late, and Charlotte’s lead unraveled in heartbreaking fashion.

Sporting KC equalized in the 93rd minute through substitute Mason Toye, who pounced on a cross from Memo Rodriguez. Just three minutes later, Dejan Joveljic found the net with a dramatic game-winner, stunning Charlotte and the traveling fans.

Charlotte made a series of substitutions in the second half to manage tired legs and preserve the lead, but the late flurry proved too much to overcome.

Match Notes:

• Zoran Williamson and Wilfried Zaha both picked up yellow cards, as did Sporting KC’s Dany Rosero Fernandez.

• Charlotte FC’s starting XI featured returns and fresh legs, with Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Harrison Afful absent and Kahlina back in goal.

• Substitutions included familiar faces like Brandt Bronico and Kerwin Vargas, as well as late-game changes with Patrick Scardina and Kévin Diani.

The loss drops Charlotte further into a tense midseason stretch, but the Club still has a chance to bounce back quickly. The Crown wraps up a month-long road trip this Saturday in Chicago with a key Eastern Conference clash against the Fire at Soldier Field.