Charlotte FC produced a fierce second-half response to defeat D.C. United 3-1 in Major League Soccer on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium. After Louis Munteanu gave the visitors the lead in the 55th minute, Charlotte overturned the match with goals from David Schnegg in the 64th minute, Will Cleary in the 66th minute and Pep Biel in the 77th minute.

The opening half was goalless, though not without its edge. D.C. United were combative and drew first-half yellow cards from Keisuke Kurokawa in the 34th minute and Silvan Hefti in the 44th, while Charlotte sought to establish their rhythm on home turf.

United broke through 10 minutes after the restart when Louis Munteanu scored in the 55th minute. The away side had a foothold in the fixture and ultimately finished with 17 attempts and nine corners, underlining the threat they carried even without the majority of possession.

Charlotte, however, responded with real authority. David Schnegg equalised in the 64th minute, restoring parity before the home side struck again almost immediately. Will Cleary headed Charlotte in front in the 66th minute, turning the atmosphere decisively in the hosts’ favour.

The comeback was completed in the 77th minute when Pep Biel scored Charlotte’s third goal. It was the defining moment in a spell of ruthless finishing from Charlotte, who converted three of their five shots on target. Biel was booked deep into stoppage time, but the result was already secure.

Charlotte finished with 60.7% possession and 11 total shots, making their control of the ball count when the match opened up after halftime. D.C. United will take little comfort from matching their hosts with five shots on target, having been unable to contain Charlotte’s rapid response after Munteanu’s opener.

The victory moves Charlotte FC’s record to 9-5-7, while D.C. United fall to 5-9-7. Charlotte next host Atlanta United FC on August 29, while D.C. United travel to face LAFC on the same day.

Goals

  • 55′ — Louis Munteanu (D.C. United)
  • 64′ — David Schnegg (Charlotte FC)
  • 66′ — Will Cleary (Charlotte FC)
  • 77′ — Pep Biel (Charlotte FC)