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‘It’s the start of a journey’: In debut match, Charlotte FC falls to D.C. United, 3-0

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In its inaugural match in Major League Soccer, Charlotte FC fell 3-0 to D.C. United in the nation’s capital on Saturday night.

After Charlotte’s first goal in club history was taken away by a penalty, D.C. United scored three unanswered goals and controlled the match.

Time of possession and shots on goal was nearly equal, but the scoreboard was lopsided.

Charlotte FC’s first goal and lead in club history was short-lived. A 19th minute header into the back of the net by forward Titi Ortiz was quickly erased by an offsides call.

Forward Michael Estrada then came back strong for D.C. United. He netted two goals in the first half -- a penalty kick in the 37th minute and a strike after the 45th minute that deflected off a Charlotte defender into the goal -- putting Charlotte in a 2-0 halftime hole.

After the break, D.C. United’s Ola Kamara scored a close-range goal in the 65th minute off a ball deflected by Charlotte goalie Kristijan Kahlina.

Despite 10 attempts, Charlotte FC couldn’t get a shot past D.C. goalie Bill Hamid.

Head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez said there were some mistakes made, but that it’s to be expected for such a new team.

“We are competing very well, but we are very new -- young boys -- mistakes in the first half -- in two moments on the yard, they scored two,” said Ramírez.

Austrian defender Christian Fuchs said what matters to him is the team and that the fight is far from over.

“It’s the start of a journey -- (The) team that we are -- we’ve been together five weeks. Nobody ever said it’s going to be easy. (The) most important (thing) for me is team spirit,” said Fuchs.

Charlotte FC will next take the pitch for its home-opener at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, March 5 against the LA Galaxy.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte FC hopes to break attendance record for team’s inaugural match)