Charlotte FC losing streak continues as a clinical Atlanta United exposed the home side's defense to earn all three points on the night. All three goals in 0-3 loss were scored in the first half, digging the Crown into a deep hole they couldn't climb out of.
First Half
Lineup: Sisniega, Byrne, Malanda, Tuiloma, Bronico, Jones, Westwood, Jóźwiak, Shinyashiki, Świderski, Copetti
A loose pass by Brandt Bronico to Kamil Jóźwiak in Charlotte's own half caught the crown out of position. The ball landed to Thiago Almada who was able to find a trailing Caleb Wiley on the far side who had a wide open 1v1 with the Pablo Sisniega and no mistake to put Atlanta ahead early.
It only took seven minutes for Atlanta to double their lead with an individual effort from Atlanta's DP winger, Luiz Araújo. He received the ball on right corner of the penalty box, took a touch to create separation and switched the ball to his stronger left foot, hit the ball with a low, clean strike that made it 0-2.
What could have easily deflated Charlotte didn't dampen their spirits as they responded well by creating two back-to-back scoring opportunities. One in the 15th minute minute within the box that was heroically defended by Atlanta and the other in 17th that was a decent effort from Derrick Jones from an awkward position that flew just over the crossbar.
In the 29th minute, Charlotte looked to have a golden opportunity to start the comeback after a penalty was awarded in their favor but after a prolonged VAR check it was called back much to the discontent of players and fans.
At the end of the half, Charlotte created another flurry of chances but with nothing to show for it. Instead Atlanta once again got the better of Charlotte's defense and increased their lead to three.
Second Half
Lineup: Sisniega, Byrne (67'), Malanda, Tuiloma, Bronico, Jones, Westwood, Jóźwiak, Shinyashiki (67'), Świderski (82'), Copetti
Substitutes: Vargas (67'), Shinyashiki (67'), Santos (82')
In the second half, Atlanta were content to sit back and play more conservatively with their 3-0 lead. The game didn't see any scoring opportunities until the 74th minute when substitute Kerwin Vargas whipped in a speeding cross from the right side that reached Enzo Copetti who just couldn't redirect it from a tough angle.
Next week, Charlotte FC travel south to Orlando as the search for the first points of the season continues.
