Atlanta United vs. Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC Dismantles Atlanta United 3-1
Meram Scores Two Goals
Atlanta Latinos Magazine – Charlotte FC was simply the better team. Less than two months ago, Atlanta thumped Charlotte 3-0. On Saturday night, the tables were turned.
Justin Meram recorded two goals on the night, including the game winner. His first goal came in the 18’ of the match. It was his first goal of the season.
Charlotte tacked on a second goal early in the second half. Atlanta’s Andrew Gutman committed a foul in the box, which lead to a penalty kick in the 52’. Charlotte’s attacker Karol Swiderski cashed in the penalty, his third goal of the season.
Shortly thereafter in the 57’, Meram earned the brace. Kamil Jozwiak was credited with the assist, which was his team leading third of the season.
Atlanta finally rallied with a score in the closing stages of the game. Juan Purata headed in a corner kick from Thiago Almada in the 87’. But it was too little, too late. Charlotte held on for the 3-1 victory.
Statistically, Atlanta led in several key categories. Atlanta held 57% of possession and took five more shots than Charlotte; however, shots on goal were 4-2 in Charlotte’s favor. Charlotte was buoyed by a huge, and very vocal, traveling crowd.
Atlanta has a quick turnaround for its next match. It is home again on Wednesday, May 17th to face Colorado.
Notes…Purata scored his first goal of the season. As a defender, he continues to be an effective scorer on headers from corner kicks…Almada recorded his seventh assist of the season, which ties him for the MLS lead…attendance was announced as 43,427.
