Charlotte saw off DK United 3-1 in the MLS Regular Season on Friday night, a result that keeps them fifth while sending their visitors further adrift in eleventh. The hosts had been chasing form, and though the opening exchanges offered little certainty, they eventually paid for DK United's sloppy start. And here's the thing — three goals in the second half decided everything, but the match was never straightforward until it was.
L. Munteanu broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, finishing from a well-worked move that caught DK United out of position. Their reply came eight minutes later when D. Schnegg equalised, and for a while it looked like the visitors might have something to lose. But W. Cleary restored the lead just before the hour mark, and by then Charlotte were back in control.
P. Biel sealed it in the 77th, slotting home after DK United's goalkeeper had pulled off a stunning save to deny Cleary moments earlier. Peglow picked up a yellow card in the 68th, and the substitution pattern told its own story — Charlotte brought on three players in the 65th, then DK United responded with four at the 75th. Nothing worked for the visitors after that.
Charlotte dominated possession at 61 per cent and created five big chances compared to DK United's two. Their expected goals figure of 1.81 sat comfortably above the opponents' 1.27, and the shots tell a similar tale — both sides registered five on target, but Charlotte's accuracy sat at 45 per cent against 29. Possession meant little without penetration, and DK United found themselves pulled out of position repeatedly.
The result matters in the table. Charlotte sit on 35 points from 22 games, ten wins and five draws, while DK United remain on 25 after five victories and ten draws. The gap between them widens, and the visitors have hit a wall after their draw with Houston two weeks ago. Charlotte's recent run — three wins and two draws in five — suggests momentum is turning.
