Atlanta United loses to Charlotte FC, ending rare win streak

Charlotte’s speed proved too much, and it was not too long before the Crown got on the board in the 22nd minute as Charlotte striker Idan Toklomati knocked in a short-distance goal with no United defenders in front of him.

“I think it’s the first home game where the opponent was better than just from the first minute to the last minute,” United manager Gerardo Martino said.

When asked if there were any positive takeaways, he answered: “No. Nada.”

Right off the bat, Charlotte dominated possession. In the first half alone, it had eight shots, four on target, with 17 touches in the box. With two big chances missed in the first 45, it could have been a much more lopsided game if not for Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos, who made multiple saves and displayed fearless decision-making by playing off his line to prevent multiple scores.

However, Charlotte made it 2-0 quickly after halftime when winger Liel Abada sent a shot past Hoyos in the 48th minute to seal the victory.

“They started on the front foot, and we didn’t,” United striker Fafà Picault said. “It’s always the best defense is the best offense, and I think we were a bit monotone. That just wasn’t enough for a team like them, and they capitalized.”

United came into Saturday’s match on a three-game win streak for the first time and three points out of the playoff hunt. Now at 6-13-3 (21 points), the Five Stripes drop a spot to No. 13 — four points outside playoff qualifiers.

The Crown traveled to Atlanta sitting in fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, firmly in the playoff picture, having won all but one league match since returning from the World Cup break in July. With three more points, Charlotte improves to No. 4 in the East.

Saturday’s match was the final regular season meeting between the highway rivals this season. They previously battled to a 2-2 draw in July, and United knocked Charlotte out of the U.S. Open Cup round of 16 on the road in April. The all-time series record now stands at 6-3-1 in Charlotte’s favor.

United defender Matt Edwards started at left back for Elías Báez, who missed the match serving a one-game suspension after accumulating five yellow cards this season. Báez started all of his 19 appearances this year. Edwards, 23, made his sixth appearance in the starting lineup this season.

While it was a humbling loss for the Five Stripes, help is on the way. The recent signings of forward Breel Embolo and midfielder Mauricio Amaro were both listed as out because of the visa process, but that could change soon. United chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said earlier this week that he’s hopeful Embolo’s status will be resolved in the next week. Meanwhile, Amaro was signed two weeks after Embolo, but his timeline remains unclear.

Before United’s next match, Atlanta might have at least another new name on the roster, as Henderson indicated the club isn’t done making moves before the summer transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Martino said they are evaluating both the winger and midfielder positions for another addition. A winger might have become extra pertinent as Miguel Almirón subbed off in the 70th minute because of an “adductor” issue. It’s not clear whether the United captain will miss time.

Up next, United travels to Inter Miami looking to rebound in a tough challenge. Miami is No. 2 in the conference and just pulled off a 7-1 defeat where Lionel Messi scored four goals, but Martino isn’t worried about Atlanta falling back into losing habits.

“I have the certainty that it won’t,” Martino said. “I think as we get the full roster that it won’t be a problem.”