Charlotte FC Stock Up, Stock Down: Nine straight wins for the Crown; Toklomati hattrick; Kahlina Denies Messi

By Sam Vanolinda

Photo Courtesy of Cisco Art/Topbin90

Sometimes you have to sit back and savor moments in time. For Charlotte FC and its fans, this is one of them.

While this season has had its lows, The Crown is now reaching heights that have never been achieved before in MLS history, and they have officially clinched a playoff spot with four matches to go.

They are now tied for the longest winning streak in MLS history, excluding the shootout era, and have the opportunity to stand above all next Saturday in New York City.

Even with Dean Smith relaying his instructions through an AirPod and hitting the Poznan in the Owners box, Charlotte was able to execute their game plan perfectly against the immensely talented Inter Miami team, winning 3-0 courtesy of an Idan Toklomati hattrick.

Many were expecting the worst when Pep Biel went down and Patrick Agyemang was sold to Derby County, but the team has reached a new level of chemistry on both sides of the ball since that point, and they have not stopped winning.

In a sold-out sea of mostly blue and spots of pink, many expected to be amazed by the performance of the greatest ever, Lionel Messi, but what they got was a master class performance from a striker who has risen into stardom faster than anyone could’ve imagined.

While I predicted that Toklomati could turn into a household name in an analysis I wrote about him in March, I never expected that to happen in just one year. 

Here’s whose stock went up or down in Charlotte’s triumph on Saturday night:

Stock Up:

Idan Toklomati:

The second hattrick in Charlotte FC history came at the perfect time from a 20-year-old who is taking the league by storm.

“I feel amazing. I cannot explain my feeling right now.” Toklomati said, courtesy of the club, after the match, “After I scored two, we get a penalty, and I look at Wilf and he says ‘you want a hat trick?“ I look back at him, like ‘oh my god, he’s an angel.’ I looked at him like an angel. After I scored the hat trick, I almost lost my mind. It was the best feeling I ever had.”

Toklomati’s hattrick was a proper striker's hattrick, with two confident finishes from great work rate and brilliant passes from his teammates, and a perfectly taken penalty. 

We have all noticed how hard Toklomati works since his first appearance with Charlotte FC, and now that hard work is paying off, both on and off the field.

“He gets in good areas, he knows where the goal is, where he wants to score goals.” Head Coach Dean Smith said post-match. “He arrived for his first two goals, finished them really well, and then took the penalty…He’s getting better and better. He’s loved in the dressing room, not just for his goals but for his all-round work ethic.”

Kristijan Kahlina:

The little Argentinian stepped up to the penalty spot. The entire crowd had their phones out, ready to witness a Lionel Messi goal, but Kahlina had other ideas.

While the save wasn’t incredibly acrobatic, with Messi attempting a Panenka shot to the left of the goalkeeper, Kahlina still read the shot and tipped it up to himself before catching the ball.

This was the moment the momentum swung. Seconds later, Vargas crossed the ball into the path of Toklomati, who finished calmly and sent the Bank of America stadium into a frenzy.

The sound after that goal even shook the press box. 

Kahlina had an outstanding game, adding on to the penalty stop with some crucial saves to keep another clean sheet. Kahlina finished with five saves and 2.09 goals prevented.

Drake Callender was brought into the team to put pressure on Kahlina, and pressure forms diamonds, because the Croatian has been crucial in this nine-game winning streak and looks as confident as ever.

Wilfried Zaha:

Zaha showed incredible leadership after he drew a penalty and handed it over to Idan Toklomati so he could score his hattrick.

Zaha could’ve been greedy. He put in the hard work to get the penalty kick for the team, but he decided to let the youngster have his moment.

It was a beautiful and slightly emotional moment for me, having watched Zaha for most of my life. Seeing him build chemistry with the Charlotte FC team has been a pleasure as the season has progressed.

Not only did Zaha draw the penalty, but he also drew another three yellow cards in this game. I have never seen a player draw fouls and put pressure on the opponent like Zaha has recently for the Crown.

In addition, he managed an MLS assist, after receiving the ball, shifting past Ian Frey, and delivering a precise pass inches away from Sergio Busquets into the path of Brandt Bronico, who set up Toklomati.

My favorite moment, however, was watching Zaha get back on the defensive end and steal the ball from Messi late into the game. Even when up 3-0, it shows the heart that Zaha has running back to defend against the greatest player ever.

What a life.

Pep Biel:

Pep Biel was able to return to the team on Saturday night, being subbed on in the 75th minute. 

With just four games left, having Biel return is adding fuel to a fire that is already burning intensely.

Despite Bronico playing very well in a higher-up role while Biel was recovering from the hamstring injury, Pep Biel was carrying the team early in the season. It will be amazing to have him back in the lineup.

In his short cameo, he looked like he hadn't lost a step, finding pockets of space and moving the ball forward like he has all season.

Brandt Bronico 

Bronico is such a hard-working player. He is willing to adapt to any position and role within the team.

He played as a shadow striker, behind Toklomati in a 4-4-1-1 while in possession, and contributed with an assist after combining amazingly with Zaha for the second goal of the game.

Bronico was creating chances on the attacking end and, as always, contributing on the defensive end with two interceptions, two clearances, and two recoveries.

Bronico’s versatility is what makes him a special player and why he continues to find his way back into the lineup season after season.

Stock Down:

Plastic Inter Miami "Fans"

Next time, wear blue.