Charlotte FC vs Colorado Rapids Match Recap

Charlotte FC played host to Colorado Rapids at Bank of America Stadium last evening in a virtual must win situation. The crown was coming into the matchup with three straight losses to start the season. Followed by three straight games with a win and two draws. Last weekend the crown took a rough loss on the road to Real Salt Lake. Needing to rebound against Colorado Rapids a team they played once last season in a match that ended as a draw. 

The crown took to the pitch with this lineup to start the match last night Marks, Afful, Malanda, Tuiloma, Mora, Jones, Bronico, Świderski, Jóźwiak, Copetti, Vargas

Despite having most of the ball and getting into the final third more often than the Rapids, it was the visiting side that nearly took the lead in the 21st minute from a header off a corner that soared over the bar. Charlotte nearly had their own opener shortly afterwards when a shot across goal from Kamil Jóźwiak just grazed wide.

The Crown continued to dominate possession and enter the final third, but the Rapids defense stayed compact and disciplined making it difficult for Charlotte to have any clear shots on the goal the remainder the half. In the final minutes of the first half, the Rapids once again threatened off a set piece, but George Marks was quick to react to the chaos and managed to scoop the ball before Colorado could take advantage.

In the second half the crown came back out on the pitch with Marks, Afful, Malanda, Tuiloma, Mora (75'), Jones, Bronico, Świderski (75'), Jóźwiak (81'), Copetti, Vargas (90')

The first score of the game came in the 54th minute as the Rapids were able to break through on a quick transition that saw Jospeh Mora isolated in a one versus two against Sam Nicholson and substitute Max Alves. Mora tried to block the pass, but Nicholson was able to find his teammate open in front of goal. It looked like the rest of the match was going to consist of the Rapids parking the bus and the Crown struggling to find a way to score.

However, Charlotte flipped the script and hit the Rapids with a one-two punch of goals. The first came by way of winger Kerwin Vargas who struck a deflected pass first-time, slotting it into the bottom right corner. Just minutes later, a second goa from a Karol Świderski cross to fellow Pole Kamil Jóźwiak who rose above his marker to head in the goal.

George Marks came up big all night for the Crown and in the 83rd minute he received some extra help from the post as Colorado's Bryan Acosta was just inches away for breaking Charlotte's heart and tying the match for his team. Unfortunately, that moment came through in the 91st minute, George Marks rushed out of his goal in what looked to be a routine stop but just couldn't hold on to the ball and it fell to Colorado's Michael Barrios who had an open net to equalize on.

Following the match Head Coach Christian Lattanzio addressed the media saying "It's Christmas everyday for us" referring to other teams being able to be almost gifted wins by the club.

You can watch the full press conference below.

Following the match Brandt Bronico was asked about the season so far and addressed the fans who certainly appear to be frustrated with how the season has gone to this point. 

Charlotte FC will Columbus Crew next weekend at Bank of America Stadium.