Vargas and Toklomati found the net for the team’s fourth-straight win.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Charlotte FC aimed to continue its winning streak Saturday, hosting Toronto FC at Bank of America Stadium amid a sweltering heat wave.
Turns out, it was no sweat for the black and blue.
Scoring didn’t happen until the back half of the match. The most notable action that happened in the first half: a yellow card for Toronto midfielder Maxime Dominguez.
But after the break, Charlotte hit the pitch running. Striker Idan Toklomati found the net at the 60-minute mark, assisted by midfielder Brandt Bronico. Just five minutes later, midfielder Kerwin Vargas kicked it in for a second goal, aided by winger Wilfried Zaha.
To note, Vargas was the subject of Saturday’s special giveaway for fans, presented by Rugs.com. The first fans at the gates were able to score a collectible bobblehead of him.
Time ticked on and Toronto didn’t have a reply, even with stoppage time factored in. Charlotte defended the fortress 2-0, earning its fourth win in a row and another three MLS standings points.
The win was also a fitting one for team captain Ashley Westwood; Saturday marked his 100th appearance for the team.
The black and blue are home again on Thursday, July 31, for phase one of the Leagues Cup. Their opponent from Liga MX is FC JuΓ‘rez. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
The next two matches after that are also Leagues Cup showdowns. On Sunday, August 3, Charlotte takes on Chivas de Guadalajara at the Bank, with kickoff slated for 7:50 p.m. Eastern. Thursday, August 7, will see the black and blue take on C.F. Monterrey in Uptown, with a 7:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff time.
The next MLS game for Charlotte is a road match against FC Cincinnati on Sunday, August 10. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Eastern at TQL Stadium. An official away watch party presented by Modelo will be hosted at Blinders Sports Lounge, located at 225 West Tremont Avenue in Charlotte.
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