Major League Soccer
Charlotte 3-1 DC United: Biel and Cleary fire home comeback win
A second-half flurry of goals sealed Charlotte's victory at Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte secured a convincing 3-1 victory over DC United at Bank of America Stadium, with a strong second-half display turning a goalless first half into a commanding win.
The match began evenly, with neither side able to break the deadlock before halftime. DC United had opportunities but were kept at bay by Charlotte's defense, leaving the score level at the break.
The deadlock was broken in the 55th minute when L. Munteanu scored for DC United, assisted by Peglow. However, Charlotte responded swiftly.
D. Schnegg pulled one back for Charlotte in the 64th minute, followed just two minutes later by W. Cleary, who found the net with an assist from P. Biel. The home crowd erupted as Charlotte took the lead.
P. Biel added a third goal for Charlotte in the 77th minute, capitalizing on a pass from L. Abada. The goal effectively sealed the victory for the hosts.
Discipline issues surfaced late in the game, with T. Smalls receiving a yellow card for Charlotte in the 85th minute and P. Biel picking up a late booking in stoppage time.
DC United also had their own disciplinary concerns, with K. Kurokawa and S. Hefti both booked in the first half, and Peglow collecting a yellow card in the 68th minute.
Despite the loss, DC United's efforts kept them competitive throughout, though Charlotte's clinical finishing in the final third proved decisive.
The result moves Charlotte up to fifth in the Eastern Conference with 32 points from 21 games, while DC United remain in 11th place with 24 points.
Referee Elijio Arreguin oversaw a match that delivered plenty of drama and a satisfying conclusion for the home supporters.