Efraín Álvarez scored a golazo in the second half to spoil Charlotte FC's record-setting inaugural home opener, as the LA Galaxy beat the expansion side 1-0 Saturday night in front of a rocking crowd at Bank of America Stadium.
With a record-setting 74,479 fans in attendance – the biggest standalone crowd in MLS history – Charlotte showed energy to start the match, but the pace of play was ultimately dictated by the Galaxy, who outshot the home side 15-1 in the opening 45 minutes. Had it not been for the performance of goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, Charlotte could have easily fallen behind in the first half.
And although Charlotte tightened things up at the back in the second half, they had no answer for Álvarez's wonder strike. In the 77th minute, the 19-year-old Homegrown midfielder sent a stunning distance shot off the far post and in, silencing the home fans and giving the Galaxy the deserving 1-0 win.
Goals
- 77' – LAG – Efraín Álvarez | WATCH