Charlotte FC Defender Adilson Malanda Named to MLS Team of the Matchday

Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda earned a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday after his opening goal and defensive performance against NYCFC at Banks of America Stadium this past Saturday night in front of a crowd of over 62,000 fans. 

Malanda opened the scoring in just the eighth minute from a corner kick. Brecht Dejaegere delivered the ball to the front post, where Iuri Tavares – making his MLS debut as a starter after leading Crown Legacy FC in goals in 2023 – headed the ball off the crossbar and down onto the line. Malanda was then on hand to power it into the net from point blank range to give Charlotte the advantage.

The 22-year-old Frenchman had five interceptions, four recoveries, four ground duels won, and three tackles over the course of 90 minutes. 

Next up, The Crown has three straight away matches over the next three weeks, starting with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, March 2nd at 7:30 p.m. ET. Currently the weather forecast for Vancouver has a 60% chance of rain during the day with a 30% chance by first kick. A high of around 45° with a low of around 32°

For the full MLS Team of the Matchday, please see below:

F: Antony (POR), Christian Benteke (DC), Lionel Messi (MIA) 
M: Brian Gutiérrez (CHI), Riqui Puig (LA), Asier Illarramendi (DAL), Robin Lod (MIN)
D: Omar Campos (LAFC), Adilson Malanda (CLT), Dagur Thorhallsson (ORL)
GK: Drake Callender (MIA)

Coach: Phil Neville (POR)

Bench: Sean Johnson (TOR), Dante Sealy (DAL), Deybi Flores (TOR), Aidan Morris (CLB), Eryk Williamson (POR), Carles Gil (NE), Emil Forsberg (RBNY), Mateusz Bogusz (LAFC), Cristian Arango (RSL)