Charlotte sits seventh in the Eastern Conference standings after Sunday’s win.
CINCINNATI β Wilfried Zaha scored a brilliant goal off a header from Idan Toklomati in the closing minutes to giveΒ Charlotte FC a win on the road over FC Cincinnati, and extend the team’s MLS winning streak to five.
Zaha’s goal came in the 85th minute. Β The ball was deflected high in the air near the goal, leading to a challenge between Toklomati and a Cincinnati defender. Toklomati headed the ball in Zaha’s direction, with the English phenom finishing the job with an effective goal.
The score broke the scoreless deadlock and led to a 1-0 win for Charlotte (13-11-2).Β
Cincinnati (15-7-4) played with 10 men after midfielder Tah Anunga was sent off in the 70th minute after stomping on Djibril Diani’s leg in pursuit of the ball. Anunga’s red card followed a VAR review.
Bookings were an active part of Sunday’s match. Cincinatti players received four yellow cards along with Anunga’s red. Charlotte received two yellow cards with Kerwin Vargas nd Eryk Williamson being marked by the referee. All seven of the cards came in the second half.
Cincinatti attempted 17 shots, with seven being on goal, but Kristijan Kahlina thwarted every attempt to secure Charlotte’s second straight clean sheet in MLS competition.Β
The win extends Charlotte FC’s undefeated streak to six in MLS matches. Charlotte’s last loss was against Chicago Fire FC on June 28. The streak began with a draw against Orlando City SC and has featured five wins since then.
Charlotte’s winning streak has squeezed the team into playoff contention as the season winds down. The Queen City hopefuls are seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, 10 points out of first place and three points ahead of the play-in spot with eight matches remaining.