Charlotte FC's Stock Up, Stock Down: Three goals are not enough as Charlotte FC allows a stoppage-time equalizer
By Billy McGee (@iambillymcgee)
Charlotte FC extended their unbeaten streak to seven games with a 3-3 draw against FC Cincinnati. Pep Biel made club history in the match as Toklomati and Abada continue scoring for The Crown.
Here’s a look at our stock up, stock down in another draw.
Stock Up
Allan Saint-Maximin - Although the stat sheet did not look that great for Maxi, his actual impact on the field was immense. Two of the three goals would not have happened if it were not for him lifting a pass over the defense to find Liel Abada for Charlotte’s first goal and sending the cross in that Rodolfo Aloko played to Idan Toklomati for the third goal. He has had an immediate impact since joining the team in the summer transfer window and continues to impress week after week.
Pep Biel - The Spanish midfielder created the joint-most chances in the match (three) and won a penalty, which he took himself, putting it away, giving Charlotte the 2-1 lead in the 17th minute. With the goal, he surpassed Karol Swiderski for the most goal contributions in club history with 49. Biel’s 19 goal contributions this season are tied for the fourth most in MLS.
Scoring early - Charlotte FC scored two goals in the first 20 minutes against Cincinnati, giving them four first-half goals in the past four games. Getting on the board early and taking leads in the first half helps lead to wins. Even if they only got one point from this game, continuing to find early goals in the long run will lead to more positive results, which will be much needed in the race for a top-four spot in the conference.
Squirrelinho - With Charlotte up 2-1 in the 35th minute, play was temporarily halted when a squirrel made its way onto the pitch. It scampered around for a little bit before being chased into the tunnel by an FC Cincinnati staffer.
Stock Down
Holding leads - The Crown held a 2-1 lead coming out of halftime, but conceded just six minutes into the second half, losing the lead. They recaptured the lead in the 55th minute, but could not hold on late, giving up a stoppage-time goal for a draw. It is the second time in the last six matches that they have allowed a goal in the 90th minute or later to drop points. If they were able to prevent both late goals, the extra four points would have them at 44 points instead of 40, putting them in third, just one point behind Inter Miami for second. With just six points separating second and fifth, these will be crucial points for playoff seeding.
