Game Thread: Philadelphia Union 2 vs Charlotte FC 2; Final

Game Updates

90+10′- Full-time whistle blows. Against the odds, the Union claw back to secure a point after trailing 2-0 deep into the second half.

90+9′- Agyemang is booked with a yellow card for a high challenge, making contact with an opponent’s face.

90+7′- Gazdag confidently steps up to the penalty spot and slots the ball into the lower right corner, leveling the score in dramatic fashion during stoppage time.

90+4′- Mbaizo is taken down inside the box by a reckless challenge from a Charlotte player. The referee doesn’t hesitate to award a penalty. Gazdag, as usual, prepares to take it.

90+1′- The fourth official indicates there will be 7 minutes of added time.

78′- As Charlotte’s medical team attends to an injured player near the touchline, their trainer receives a yellow card, presumably for time-wasting.

70′- UNION GOAL! Sullivan finds a sprinting Carranza in space. Carranza returns the favor, setting up Sullivan who finishes clinically. The score narrows to 2-1 in favor of Charlotte.

66′- Union’s coach, Curtin, makes another double substitution: Bedoya and Martinez make way for Sullivan and McGlynn.

65′- Play is temporarily halted as Martinez is down, clutching his knee. Medical staff rush to his aid.

61′- Charlotte extends their lead with a well-timed run and finish near the post, making it 2-0.

56′- The Union reacts with a tactical change, bringing on Carranza and Uhre for Donovan and Baribo.

55′- Charlotte’s Meram capitalizes on a defensive error by the Union, finding the net with a second-chance effort.

52′- Martinez receives a yellow card after a contentious challenge, with some theatrics from the Charlotte player adding to the drama.

46′- The teams are back on the pitch, and the second half is underway.

Half

45′- Halftime whistle sounds, bringing the first half to a close without any added stoppage time.

38′- A close call for Philly! Charlotte’s audacious bicycle kick attempt doesn’t pay off, but the ensuing scramble for the second ball forces a sharp save from Blake.

29′- Uncharacteristic error from Blake as he mishandles a back pass, gifting Charlotte a corner. However, the subsequent set-piece doesn’t trouble the Union defense.

27′- Bueno delivers a promising ball into the box, but it’s just out of reach for Baribo to make meaningful contact.

21′- Donovan showcases his agility, cutting inside and shifting the ball to his weaker foot. However, his shot doesn’t pack enough punch to test the keeper.

16′- Charlotte wins a corner from the far flag. The delivery sails to the back post, only to be deflected to the near post, where no Charlotte player can capitalize.

5′- Philly earns a corner. Wagner’s delivery from the near flag finds a teammate, whose header narrowly misses the target, bouncing off the post and cleared by Charlotte.

2′- Charlotte gets the game’s opening corner. The cross from the far flag targets the near post, but Philly’s defense is up to the task.

1′- Play commences in the Queen City. Philly, clad in dark navy blues, starts their offensive from left to right. In contrast, Charlotte shines in their bright blue attire.

Starting Lineups

Philadelphia Union

Tonight's Starting XI ⚡️

Watch FREE on #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/KritU6RjY3

📝 https://t.co/3x9fkv1YhI#DOOP | #CLTvPHI pic.twitter.com/oEu0qphGXb

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 20, 2023

Charlotte FC

Tonight’s Starting XI ⚔️#ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/Up7RxamwFC

— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) September 20, 2023

Injuries/Absences

  Philadelphia Union

• OUT: Leon Flach (core)

.  Charlotte FC

How to Watch

Where: Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, NC
When: 7:39 p.m.; Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Streaming: Apple TV – Free
English Announcers: Eric Krakauer, Lloyd Sam
Spanish Announcers: Diego Pessolano, Walter Roque
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic (Dave Leno, Sheanon Williams)

Officials