Charlotte FC Extends Win Streak With Zaha 1-0 Cincinnati Victory

Wilfried Zaha scored a late volley in the 85th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Charlotte FC over FC Cincinnati, extending Charlotte's win streak to five and completing a season sweep of Cincinnati. The match turned in Charlotte's favor when Cincinnati midfielder Tah Brian Anunga received a red card in the 70th minute, forcing Cincinnati to play with ten men. Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made seven crucial saves to earn his seventh clean sheet of the season, including key stops in stoppage time. Cincinnati's Roman Celentano set a club record for most minutes played but could not prevent the loss, which denied Cincinnati a chance to take the lead in the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield races. Despite missing captain Ashley Westwood due to suspension and leading scorer Pep Biel due to injury, Charlotte managed to control the game and relied on Zaha's seventh goal of the season and Toklomati's assist. Cincinnati remains winless in four straight matches against Charlotte and will next play the Portland Timbers, while Charlotte prepares to host Real Salt Lake.