Charlotte FC returned home to The Fortress on Saturday night and delivered a compelling 3-1 victory against Austin FC.
In front of a raucous crowd, The Crown got back to their winning ways behind goals from Idan Toklomati (29’) and Pep Biel (68’, 90+3’).
Biel was truly the performer of the match. His second goal completed his brace and all but iced the game for The Crown. It was a sensational left-footed strike that sailed past Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
The first action of real consequence transpired in the 23rd minute when Austin defender Guilherme Biro was shown a red card, reducing his side to 10 men. Biro dug his boot into Charlotte striker Idan Toklomati’s heel, prompting the ejection from the match.
Toklomati opened the scoring up shortly thereafter. Idan neatly placed home a pass from teammate Wilfried Zaha, as the pair connected for The Crown’s first home goal of 2026.
The lead was short-lived, however. Austin equalized minutes later, as a Charlotte error incurred an own goal and a level score of 1-1.
Despite tense moments in the early stages of the second half, Biel’s first goal ultimately put The Crown up for good.
His second was the icing on top of a stellar outing and an emphatic exclamation point.
It was also a notable night for a pair of Charlotte’s youngsters. Morrison Agyemang made his first start a week after posting his first team debut in Los Angeles. Additionally, Aron John, whom The Crown signed on a short-term agreement prior to the match, made his first team debut, being subbed on late in the match.
The Crown return to action next Saturday as they host Inter Miami at 7:30PM at Bank of America Stadium.
MARCH 14 // CHARLOTTE vs. MIAMI
The Crown continues their early season action on March 14th at 7:30 p.m. against Inter Miami CF. The first fans to arrive will receive the limited-edition Crown Hat presented by Atrium Health.
