Charlotte FC season comes to an end to the New York Red Bulls

Elias Manoel scored a hat trick for the first goals of his MLS Cup playoff career and the New York Red Bulls romped to a 5-2 victory over Charlotte FC on Wednesday in the Eastern Conference Wild Card game in Harrison, New Jersey.

John Tolkin also scored and had two assists for the Red Bulls, who had to win their final three matches of the regular season just to secure the eighth seed and the right to host ninth-seeded Charlotte.

Tom Barlow added the Red Bulls' fourth goal to help secure passage to a first-round series against Supporters' Shield-winning FC Cincinnati. The best-of-three set will begin Sunday night in Ohio.

Daniel Edelman and Luquinhas each added two assists for the Red Bulls, who matched their highest-scoring performance of the regular season.

Kerwin Vargas and substitute Patrick Agyemang scored after halftime for Charlotte, each time cutting the visitors' deficit to two. However, Charlotte FC would get no closer in the late stages of the first playoff match in their two-year club history.

Vargas closes his season having scored in his last three games in all competitions.

Though the outcome was not what the club and their supporters wanted. Charlotte FC has nothing to be ashamed of. The season started with tragic news of the passing of Anton Walkes giving the club and supporters heavy hearts to deal with before the first kick of the season. 

As the season got underway there were some highs and lows the club encountered. The club garnered some worldwide attention in the middle of the season with radio broadcaster Will Palaszczuk made a goal call that reached decibel levels to the tune of Mickey Mouse. Will was featured in news stores around the world as the video of his goal call was aired throughout news outlets and websites globally. 

After Leagues Cup play the team struggled to close matches out giving up late goals that would either lead to draws or late match losses on some occasions. The team left at least 25 points on the board from several straight results ending in a draw. 

There are positives to end the season considering this club has scored at least 40 points on the table in their first two seasons and made the playoffs in just year two. 

What does the off season hold for the club? Questions linger about Karol Swiderski and if last night was the last time we will see him in Charlotte FC kits. Will Christian Lattanzio be the team coach to start off year three for the crown? These questions and more will be answered during the off season and Rowan County Weather will be right here to provide you with the updates and news as it unfolds.