Charlotte FC wasted no time making an impact in its return to Major League Soccer action, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes en route to a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Crew at Bank of America Stadium.
In front of 25,470 supporters in Charlotte, The Crown received goals from Brandt Bronico, Liel Abada and Pep Biel to secure all three points following the club’s Leagues Cup campaign.
Charlotte could hardly have asked for a better start.
Just 29 seconds after kickoff, Bronico found the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Wilfried Zaha Schnegg and Abada were credited with assists on the opening goal.
Bronico’s strike was the third-fastest goal in Charlotte FC history. Only two goals from Yordy Reyna have come quicker, with Reyna scoring 26 seconds into a 2022 match against Chicago and after 28 seconds against Miami that same season.
Charlotte doubled its advantage only minutes later.
Abada earned a penalty and then stepped to the spot himself, converting in the ninth minute to put The Crown ahead 2-0.
The goal continued an impressive stretch for the winger, who has recorded five goal contributions across his last seven matches in all competitions with three goals and two assists.
Columbus managed to cut the deficit in half before halftime. Taha Habroune Adams scored in the 41st minute following assists from Brooks Lennon and Giaccone, sending Charlotte into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
The second half also brought the highly anticipated MLS debut of Allan Saint-Maximin.
Introduced at halftime, Saint-Maximin quickly demonstrated his ability to influence Charlotte’s attack. The Frenchman completed all 10 of his attempted passes and created two big chances during his 45-minute appearance.
Saint-Maximin also helped initiate the sequence that ultimately produced Charlotte’s insurance goal.
In the 73rd minute, Biel finished an attack assisted by Idan Toklomati Aloko and Nimfasha Cleary to restore Charlotte’s two-goal advantage at 3-1.
The goal was Biel’s 10th of the season and established a new Charlotte FC record for the fewest matches needed to reach double-digit goals. Biel accomplished the feat in just 19 matches, breaking his own previous club record of 23 matches set last season.
The MLS All-Star has now scored in three consecutive league matches and has recorded at least one goal contribution in six straight, producing four goals and three assists during that stretch.
Charlotte protected the two-goal advantage through the final whistle to complete a successful return to league competition.
The Crown will have little time to celebrate. Charlotte FC now heads back on the road for a midweek meeting with Toronto FC, marking the club’s first trip north of the border this season.
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