Charlotte FC claimed a hard-fought 2-1 Major League Soccer win over D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday, with Allan Saint-Maximin delivering the decisive goal in the 71st minute.
The visitors took a first-half lead through Ashley Westwood, who found the net in the 22nd minute to put Charlotte in control at the interval. D.C. United had already shown plenty of attacking intent, however, and came out with renewed purpose after the break.
That pressure paid off almost immediately. Lucas Bartlett levelled the match with a header in the 47th minute, giving the home support hope of a turnaround. D.C. United continued to press the issue, finishing with 30 shots and 10 on target, but Charlotte stood firm when it mattered most.
With the match finely balanced, Saint-Maximin produced Charlotte’s match-winning moment in the 71st minute. The goal restored the visitors’ advantage and proved enough to secure all three points, even as D.C. United searched for a late equaliser.
Charlotte controlled 55.6 percent of possession and made their efficiency count, scoring twice from seven shots on target. D.C. United, who had 44.4 percent of the ball, will rue their inability to turn sustained attacking volume into more than Bartlett’s second-half goal.
The result lifts Charlotte’s momentum heading into next Saturday’s fixture against Chicago Fire FC, while D.C. United will look to respond when Vancouver Whitecaps visit Audi Field.
Goals
- Charlotte FC: Ashley Westwood 22′, Allan Saint-Maximin 71′
- D.C. United: Lucas Bartlett 47′
