NewKerala.com

Key Points

Charlotte FC booked their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs with a decisive 3-0 victory over Inter Miami. The match's pivotal moment came when goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina saved a clever Panenka penalty attempt from Lionel Messi. This win extends Charlotte's club-record form, tying their longest winning streak and setting a new points record. The team now aims to secure home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

Key Points: Messi Penalty Miss Sees Charlotte FC Clinch MLS Playoff Berth

  • Kahlina saves Messi's 31st-minute Panenka penalty to shift match momentum
  • Charlotte ties club record with ninth consecutive league victory
  • Team sets new club-high points record with 53 and four games left
  • Wilfried Zaha and Pep Biel provide crucial goals and assists for the attack
2 min read

MLS: Charlotte FC seal playoff berth as Inter Miami fall after after Messi misses penalty

Charlotte FC secures a third straight playoff spot with a 3-0 win over Inter Miami after goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina saves a pivotal Lionel Messi Panenka penalty.

"We can’t be unfair and cling to the penalty; if there’s someone who helped us win in the season, it’s been Leo - Javier Mascherano"

Charlotte, Sep 14

Lionel Messi’s rare penalty miss proved pivotal as Charlotte FC clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive season, defeating Inter Miami CF 3-0 on Saturday.

The match turned in the 31st minute when Messi, brought down inside the box, attempted a Panenka penalty. But Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina read it perfectly, standing tall to catch the effort and deny Miami what could have been a crucial opening goal. Moments later, Charlotte seized control and never looked back.

With the result, Charlotte continued their record-breaking campaign, amassing 53 points (17W-11L-2D) with four matches remaining. Their ninth consecutive victory ties the all-time club record for longest winning streak, while the 53 points mark a new club high. Bank of America Stadium has been central to their rise, boasting a league-best 12 home wins, as per MLS.

Dean Smith's squad, currently third in the Eastern Conference, now has their sights set on securing home-field advantage in Round One’s Best-of-3 Series.

Charlotte’s rise has been especially impressive given the midseason transfer of USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang to Derby County for a club-record fee. Israeli U22 Initiative signing Idan Toklomati has stepped up with 11 goals and four assists, while Wilfried Zaha, on loan from Galatasaray, has chipped in seven goals and 10 assists despite injury setbacks. Spanish playmaker Pep Biel has been the team’s most consistent creative force, with 22 goal contributions (10 goals, 12 assists).

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano admitted the team is still heavily reliant on Messi’s magic and will not be clinging to the missed penalty for any longer

"We can’t be unfair and cling to the penalty; if there’s someone who helped us win in the season, it’s been Leo," said Mascherano.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Charlotte's team building is impressive! Losing Agyemang but still performing shows good management. Indian football clubs should learn from their transfer strategy and youth development approach.
A
Arjun K
Messi is human after all! But Mascherano is right - one missed penalty doesn't define his contribution. Still the GOAT in my books 🐐
S
Sarah B
As an Indian football fan, it's refreshing to see teams beyond the big names succeed. Charlotte's home record (12 wins!) shows how important fan support is. Hope ISL teams can build such fortress home grounds!
V
Vikram M
Miami's over-reliance on Messi is concerning. At 37, they need to build a proper team around him rather than expecting magic every game. Other players need to step up!
M
Michael C
That penalty miss changed the entire momentum of the game. Football can be cruel sometimes - one moment of overconfidence costs you the match. Respect to Charlotte for capitalizing on the opportunity!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50