Deadspin: Charlotte FC rolls 4-0, as Orlando City fails to clinch playoff spot after unbeaten streak ends
Charlotte strikes early
Charlotte took the lead in the sixth minute. Ashley Westwood sent a free kick into the box, where Henry Kessler headed the ball past Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
The hosts made it 2-0 in the 49th minute. Allan Saint-Maximin carried the ball forward from midfield, moved past a defender near the box and scored.
Late goals seal the win
In the 81st minute, Rodolfo Aloko drew a penalty after Ivan Angulo pushed him as he prepared to shoot inside the box. Crepeau saved Saint-Maximin’s attempt, but the rebound reached Abdoulaye Doucoure, who scored in his Charlotte debut.
Aloko completed the scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time, volleying in a cross from Tyger Smalls. Saint-Maximin received a red card in the 89th minute after an altercation with Orlando defender Wilder Cartagena.
Playoff stakes and goalkeepers
Orlando City, with a 12-14-7 record and 43 points, saw its five-game unbeaten run end. The team had not been shut out in a league match since May 9 against Inter Miami, and now must wait until next Saturday to learn its playoff fate.
Charlotte improved to 15-10-8 and 53 points, keeping its push for a top-four position alive. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made seven saves for Charlotte, while Crepeau stopped two shots for Orlando. Saint-Maximin will miss Charlotte’s road game against Inter Miami on Saturday.
Key points
- Charlotte FC defeated Orlando City 4-0 on Saturday.
- The loss ended Orlando’s five-game unbeaten streak and delayed its playoff clinch.
- Doucoure scored in his Charlotte debut after Crepeau saved a penalty.
- Charlotte reached 53 points and continued its push for a top-four spot.