Austin FC beats Charlotte FC, 1-0, in non-conference match

CHARLOTTE — Austin FC defeated Charlotte FC, 1-0, Thursday night in a non-conference match at the Bank of America Stadium.

Austin’s Felipe committed a hard foul on Charlotte’s Titi Ortiz, which set the tone for what would be a physical battle throughout the night. Both sides came out unafraid to try and impose themselves as the struggle for control ensued in the opening minutes, Charlotte FC reported.

As the first half progressed, the Crown were slowly coming out on top of the tug-of-war. Charlotte pressed high, suffocating Austin in their own half for large portions of the match. But despite creating chances, and limiting Austin’s, CLTFC couldn’t break through going into the half.

Charlotte did not let up their pressure in the second half, coming literal inches away from scoring the opener when a chip from Titi Ortiz hit the post in the 52nd minute. It looked like the match was in CLTFC’s control but once again it took a wonder goal to silence Bank of America Stadium.

It was a rocket from Austin substitute Daniel Perreira that bounced off the crossbar and in the goal that put Austin undeservedly ahead. As disheartening as it was to concede, CLTFC kept their head high and continued to push for the equalizer.

For the rest of the half, Austin had to resort to sitting in a low block to defend against the relentless flurry of Charlotte attacks. Ultimately, CLTFC’s lack of quality in the final third allowed Austin to slip away with a fortunate win.

Charlotte FC hosts Austin FC at Bank of America Stadium

Charlotte FC was without 13 of their players due to injury, but mostly health protocols, in their last match against Montreal, the team said.

Charlotte FC lost 2-1.

In Thursday’s match, the following players are not expected play: Charlotte: Vinicius Mello (injured), Adam Edouard Armour (injured), Pablo Sisniega (injured), Harrison Afful (injured), Christian Fuchs (injured).

“At the time, we are monitoring the situation on a daily basis. We have a few guys back, I don’t want to go too much into the names, but we have a few guys back. A few others we are waiting, but little by little I’m getting all the squad back.”

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte FC and Austin square off in non-conference action.

Charlotte is 6-2-0 in home games. Charlotte is 3-6 in one-goal matches.

Austin is 4-3-1 in road games. Sebastian Driussi leads the second-ranked scoring team in the Western Conference with nine goals. Austin has scored 31.

The matchup Thursday is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

TOP PERFORMERS: Karol Swiderski has scored four goals with one assist for Charlotte. Benjamin Bender has two goals over the last 10 games.

Driussi has scored nine goals and added three assists for Austin. Diego Fagundez has two goals and four assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Charlotte: 3-5-2, averaging 1.0 goal, 3.7 shots on goal and 5.3 corner kicks per game while allowing 1.2 goals per game.

Austin: 5-3-2, averaging 1.7 goals, 3.8 shots on goal and 4.3 corner kicks per game while allowing 1.5 goals per game.

NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY -- AUSTIN: Frederik Kleemann (injured), Jhojan Manuel Valencia Jimenez (injured).

Charlotte FC and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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