Charlotte FC - the newest MLS franchise - is having their first home match EVER on my birthday. Was there ever a chance I wasn't going to go? Thanks to A and the boys, who got me tickets, and boy was I stoked they did.
We got the Bank of America Stadium early in the hope of getting into some of the festivities, but the party started on the other side of the stadium as supporters groups marched in together. We got into our seats well before kick off, even after trying to get food and into the merchandise store and the atmosphere was electric. Charlotte has some shit sports fans. Once things start to go south, season ticket holders don't bother to show and the atmosphere at some Panthers and Hornets games have been close to funeral-like. Lets hope FC can keep the fans interested. Though the thought of sitting in that stadium during the summer, and the high cost of tickets, is what stopped us becoming season ticket holders.
Just before kick off and sad but amazing moment happened. The poor young lady who was to sing the national anthem had her mike cut out, but 74,000 people picked up the slack and gave a rousing rendition, the likes I've never heard at any sporting arena before.
There was no sitting down during any of the game, and Charlotte had a huge advantage of the home crowd. I kept forgetting the kids were there and gave the referee and Chicharito plenty of stick when absolutely needed. Play was even throughout the whole game, but nerves made Charlotte commit more small mistakes. It was their 2nd game ever after all. Ultimately the Galaxy's pressure paid off when a minute after Fuchs and Bender had chances in quick succession, the Galaxy moved the ball upfield for Alverez to perfectly drift one over Kahlina's head from a shot outside the box, giving us the only goal of the game. Rios could have tied it up in ht e last minute of injury time but, alas, his headed from 6 years out went straight to the keeper.
Obviously the result was disappointing, and I'm sad that none of the Charlotte players got to score in front of that crowd, who has to be mentioned. The stadium was full! 74, 479 people is a MLS record and not one of them was quiet for the whole 90 minutes. Everyone was on their feet, willing the team on, and the supporters section behind the goal was absolutely rockin'! Ma, we need to sit in that section for at least one game.
I hope Charlotte can get their first win soon, and that us locals keep interest and support this team, though I am skeptical (but more than happy to be proven wrong).
LA Galaxy 1 - E. Alvarez (77) defeated Charlotte FC 0
Attendance: 74,479
Charlotte FC: K Khalina, G. Corujo, C. Makon, C. Fuchs, J. Lindsay, A. Franco, B.Bronico (S. Ruiz), C. Ortiz (B. Bender), J. Mora (M. Gaines), K. Swiderski (D. Rios), Y. Reyna (C. Hegardt).
LA Galaxy: J. Bond, R. Edwards, N. DePuy, S. Coulibaly (D. Williams), J. Araujo, V. Vasquez (K. Kljestan), M. Delgado, R. Raveloson (E. Alverez), D. De Souza (J. Joveljic), K. Cabral (S. Grandsir), J. Hernandez
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