After momentous win over NYCFC, Charlotte FC returns home vs. Orlando. How to watch
Brandt Bronico called it “probably the most special goal I’ve ever scored in my life.”
It mattered a lot to his club, too.
Charlotte FC shocked the MLS world on Wednesday night when it soundly defeated defending MLS champion New York City Football Club, 3-1, thanks to a go-ahead goal from Bronico late in the second half.
The Charlotte 49er alum’s first goal of the season couldn’t have come at a better time: The Charlotte FC win put it at 10th in the Eastern Conference table and boosted the team’s point total to 32 — just two points behind 5th seeded Columbus — as it heads into a critical match versus Orlando at 7 p.m. Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
“I played a little higher up the pitch tonight,” Bronico told reporters post-match. “(Head coach Christian) Lattanzio approached me and asked if I’d be comfortable doing that, and I said, ‘Yeah, whatever you need me to do for the team, I’ll do for the team.’ That was the mindset going into tonight, and I’m happy it worked out.”
Wednesday’s win resurrected a season that, for a moment, looked lost. That was the prevailing feeling, at least, after the team’s 3-2 loss to Chicago Fire, the news that key defender Guzman Corujo would be out for the remainder of the season with an injury and then the subsequent 5-0 loss to Los Angeles FC.
Now it heads into a match against Orlando, which is just barely in the seven-team playoff picture for now, with a renewed sense of belief in itself.
“(This win is important) in creating the belief — the belief that we can go away against some of the biggest teams, play with courage and get the result,” Lattanzio said on Wednesday night.
Orlando defeated Charlotte, 2-1, in April.
When and where is the Charlotte FC match on Sunday?
When: 7 p.m. kickoff
Where: Bank of America Stadium
Opponent: Orlando City (9-10-6)
What channel is Charlotte FC vs. Orlando on?
Charlotte: WAXN
Raleigh/Durham: WNGT
How to stream
Streaming: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ (subscription needed) or at CLTFC live at www.charlottefootballclub.com/live
How to listen
Local radio: WFNZ 610AM/92.7FM
