On a hot and humid July evening, the team took on USL Championship side Charlotte Independence in a preseason friendly match at American Legion Memorial Stadium. It was the first time that the club’s fans had the opportunity to see their team in action, and they were not disappointed.
The match got off to a fast start, with Charlotte FC dominating possession and creating several chances in the opening minutes. However, it was Charlotte Independence who took the lead against the run of play, with Enzo Martinez scoring from the penalty spot after a handball in the box.
Undeterred, Charlotte FC continued to press forward, and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 16th minute when Caleb Wiley scored his first goal for the club. The 21-year-old midfielder, who had been signed from UNC Charlotte earlier in the year, received the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Wiley’s goal sparked a period of sustained pressure from Charlotte FC, and they added two more goals in quick succession to take a 3-1 lead. The second goal came from defender Christian Fuchs, who had joined the club from Leicester City earlier in the summer. The Austrian international rose highest to meet a corner kick and powered a header into the back of the net.
The third goal was scored by none other than Caleb Wiley, who pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it past the Charlotte Independence goalkeeper. It was a dream start for the young midfielder, who had only been on the pitch for 22 minutes.
The remainder of the first half saw both teams create chances, but neither side was able to add to the scoreline. Charlotte FC continued to dominate possession and looked dangerous on the counterattack, while Charlotte Independence relied on set pieces and long balls to try and create opportunities.
The second half was a more even affair, with both teams making several substitutions and Charlotte FC taking their foot off the gas. Charlotte Independence pulled a goal back in the 68th minute, with Martinez scoring his second of the night from a free kick, but it was too little, too late.
The match finished 3-2 to Charlotte FC, with Caleb Wiley’s brace and Christian Fuchs’ goal ensuring that the club’s first ever match would be one to remember. The performance was a promising sign for the team’s fans, who had been eagerly anticipating the start of the season.
Atlanta’s performance in their first ever match was impressive, with Caleb Wiley and Christian Fuchs both scoring in the first half to help secure a 3-2 victory over Charlotte Independence. The match was a positive sign for the team’s fans, who will be hoping for more of the same when the regular season gets underway.
