Charlotte FC tops Orlando City 2-1 in first win of the season on strong performance by Keeper Marks
The fourth time was the charm needed to bring Charlotte FC's struggles to an end - at least for now. The club struggled to put points on the board in their first three matches with only one goal scored in as many weeks before their recent match against Orlando City SC.
Head Coach Christian Lattanzio spoke to the media after the match and expounded on the significant changes to the lineup. " I think it's only fair to give all the players opportunities," Lattanzio said during the post game press conference.
With the new lineup in place, Charlotte was able to manage the game well for most of the competition despite coming up short on the time of possession battle. Another area that the Queen cit club will need to focus on as the season rolls on are penalties. Charlotte received 6 yellow cards and 17 fouls during the match allowing Orlando to close the gap during the second half.
But thanks to the stellar play of goal keeper George Marks, Charlotte was able to withstand Orlando's punch and maintain their 2-1 lead at the end of regulation. "I really thought we imposed our style of play on them," Marks said after the game.
Charlotte FC's next matchup is back in Charlotte when the club hosts the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, March 25.
Charlotte FC Starting XI:
Marks (GK), Lindsey (Byrne 67’), Malanda, Tuiloma, Afful (Mora 83’), Jones, Bronico, Westwood (Santos 46’), Gaines (Jozwiak 68’), Copetti, Vargas (Bender 87’)
Orlando City SC Starting XI:
Gallese (GK), Halliday (Gonzalez 73’), Schlegel, Jansson, Santos (Smith 46’), Pereyra, Araujo (Lynn 82’), Thorhallsson (Angulo 46’), Ojeda, Torres, McGuire (Enrique 67’)
Goals:
26’ – CLT – Copetti (assist: Lindsey)
37’ – CLT – Vargas (assist: Afful)
57’ – ORL – Ojeda (assist: McGuire)
