Full Time: Valiant Display Ends in Heartbreak for Charlotte FC

SEATTLE – When Charlotte FC head coach Miguel Ramírez said his team "wasn't going to fly six hours just to fight for a point" he meant it. Despite Charlotte FC losing 2 -1 against the Sounders, the Crown took the match to Seattle and made them earn the win.

The match started as you’d expect an away match in Seattle to go – all Sounders. They overran Charlotte FC as they peppered them with chance after chance.

Things were looking comfortable for the home side until Charlotte won a free kick right outside the penalty area. CLTFC midfielder Jordy Alcívar stepped up to take the free kick and sliced it across the keeper hitting the far post. After a lucky bounce, it fell right to Ben Bender who was at the right place at the right time to score on a wide open net to give CLTFC the lead against the run of play. The goal invigorated the Crown with confidence as their play improved after the goal.

CLTFC was able to hold on and keep their lead going into the first half despite some clear chances that Seattle didn’t capitalize on.

Seattle started the second half strong, but CLTFC was quickly able to take control of the match and set the tempo. But right after CLTFC nearly found the back of the net, Seattle responds with an equalizer from Jordan Morris in the 72nd minute.

And then 8 minutes later, after a quiet match, Seattle’s Raúl Ruidíaz scored a brilliant curler with his first shot of the night to give Seattle the lead.

Valiant Effort

Many predicted that the Sounders would have a comfortable night against the MLS newcomers. But the Crown had something to say about that.

Despite traveling to Seattle fatigued after playing two matches in the past six days, they opened up the scoring to gain an early lead. And even when CLTFC conceded the equalizer, they responded well and continued to compete and make things difficult for the Sounders.

Soccer is a cruel sport and it took yet another goal of the week contender for Seattle to earn all 3 points.

CLTFC need to keep their heads high after their valiant effort against the odds. They went head-to-head against the CONCACAF Champions League Winner and competed in every minute.

After an exhausting week, Charlotte FC will get a long break to recover and reset as a rematch against the New York Red Bulls awaits them June 11th.