Charlotte FC’s 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers was just what the doctor ordered – multiple goals scored, a clean sheet, and key players opening up their 2024 scoring accounts.
Heading into this game, the Portland Timbers boasted the league's third-best attack but struggled with a leaky defense, conceding the second-highest number of goals. Charlotte capitalized on this vulnerability, scoring a brace, and becoming only the second team this season to keep the Timbers from scoring.
The weather may have tried to interfere but the boys in the blue were on a mission to restore Charlotte’s home form.
“I said to you before I thought last week was a step in the right direction in terms of performance, not results...,” said Head Coach Dean Smith following the match. “We're restricting teams to smaller chances, which is what we have to do, and we're creating the bigger chances in games.”
The evening also marked a historic milestone for the Club, as they netted their 100th goal of all time. Nikola Petkovic, who made his first start at home, announced himself to fans with a stellar overall performance topped by an impressive first goal in MLS.
Petkovic could have likely had one or two more goals after generating great opportunities. With each wasted opportunity, it was clear that frustration was building within the 21-year-old, but his coach reassured him that he would get other opportunities.
“I just said keep doing what you're doing, getting in the right areas, and you'll get another opportunity,” Smith recalled what he told the Serbian at the half.
Despite his youth and the intense pressures of the game, Petkovic displayed remarkable mental fortitude by converting his next scoring opportunity. Symbolically, he pointed to his head as he broke the deadlock for Charlotte.
“I didn’t think too much,” responded Petkovic when asked what he saw on his goal. “It was instant. I received the ball, try to nutmeg, and then just shoot.”
Petkovic wasn’t the only player who opened his 2024 scoring account, Enzo Copetti who started on the bench, came on and sealed Charlotte’s win with a valiant solo effort.
“I'm really pleased with him [Copetti],” started Smith. “He wasn't too happy about not starting, and I gave him my reasons for that, but he’s responded in the best possible way. He made his goal himself, so I’m really pleased for him.”
“I'm really pleased with him [Copetti],” started Smith. “He wasn't too happy about not starting, and I gave him my reasons for that, but he’s responded in the best possible way. He made his goal himself, so I’m really pleased for him.”
Charlotte found themselves missing key starters, with wingers Kerwin Vargas suspended due to yellow card accumulation and Liel Abada sidelined with injury. Once more, The Crown turned to their youth pipeline, with three Crown Legacy graduates—Patrick Agyemang, Iuri Tavares, and Nikola Petkovic—earning starting spots, while Tyger Smalls made an impact off the bench. It was a collective team effort, showcasing the team’s depth, which is crucial for sustained success.
“I keep talking about it's a squad game,” explained Smith.” The players who come on got to run harder and faster than the ones who come off and make an impact. That's what the subs have done again today, so I’m really pleased with how we played.”
After the match, the locker room celebrations were subdued, with the players fully focused on the challenging month ahead. The team's goal remains clear – to restore Bank of America Stadium to its status as a feared fortress.
“We have 3 more games at home (this month),” previewed Petkovic. “This is our home. Here, we need to smash everyone like tonight.
Upper Bowl Open & Deck of Cards Giveaway presented by Bojangles
The Upper Bowl is OPEN and tickets are starting at $15! Get there early to receive custom Charlotte FC playing cards presented by Bojangles.
