Kristijan Kahlina makes 2 saves in a 3-1 shootout, and Charlotte gets its first-ever playoff win

By: The Associated Press Posted: 9:18 PM CDT Friday, Nov. 1, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kristijan Kahlina made two saves in a 3-1 shootout after the teams played to a scoreless draw in regulation, and Charlotte beat Orlando for its first-ever MLS Cup playoff win on Friday night.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/11/2024 (703 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Charlotte stayed alive in the best-of-three series with Orlando, which will host Match 3 on Nov. 9 for a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Kahlina dove to his left to deny Nicolás Lodeiro on Orlando’s first attempt, and Patrick Agyemang scored for Charlotte for a 1-0 edge. Robin Jansson sailed it over the crossbar on Orlando’s second PK, and Karol Swiderski rolled it into the bottom corner for a two-goal advantage.

Charlotte FC's Brandt Bronico, back, leaps over Orlando City defender Dagur Thorhallsson for the header during the first half of game 2 of an MLS Cup soccer playoff game, Friday Nov. 1, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. (Jonathan Aguallo/The Charlotte Observer via AP)

Kahlina ended it with a save of Duncan McGuire’s shot in front of an announced crowd of 40,238.

Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese helped keep it scoreless in the first half, highlighted by a reaction save of Liel Abada’s close-range header on a counterattack in the 23rd minute.

Orlando appeared to take the lead in second-half stoppage time on Facundo Torres’ goal but Lodeiro was called offside in the build-up.

Kahlina only needed to make one save in regulation.