By: Kian SIlva
CHARLOTTE FC SHUTS OUT NYCFC IN WEATHER-DELAYED MATCH
CHARLOTTE, NC – July 12, 2025 — Nearly 29,000 fans waited out a 90-minute weather delay at Bank of America Stadium, and Charlotte FC rewarded their patience with a composed 2–0 win over visiting NYCFC.
Idan Toklomati struck first in the 14th minute, reacting first to a low driven cross into the box by Pep Biel. From there, Charlotte kept their defensive shape tight and frustrated New York’s attacking efforts throughout the match.
NYCFC generated chances, finishing with 16 shots and 61% possession, but lacked sharpness in front of goal. Their clearest opportunity came just before halftime, when Kristijan Kahlina’s failed clearance found Andrés Perea, who slipped a pass into the path of Alonso Martínez. The Costa Rican’s shot was headed off the line by Adilson Malanda in a sequence that summed up the visitors' night.
In the 81st minute, the Colombian, Kerwin Vargas, put the game out of reach. After the initial shot was blocked, Vargas pounced on the rebound and volleyed a world class finish into the top left corner, and followed it by celebrating with the loyal Charlotte fans.
Although they lost, NYCFC maintained a playoff spot ahead of rivals NY Redbulls, by a single point. Charlotte, on the other hand, climbs the Eastern Conference table and finds themselves in the qualification playoffs position just ahead of the Chicago Fire.
FINAL SCORE: CHARLOTTE FC 2 – 0 NEW YORK CITY FC
Goals: Toklomati (14’), Vargas (81’)
Contriubted by: Kian Silva