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

Kristijan Kahlina makes 2 saves in a 3-1 shootout, and Charlotte gets its first-ever playoff win | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte FC's Brandt Bronico (13) watches play during the first half of game 2 of an MLS Cup soccer playoff game against Orlando City, Friday Nov. 1, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. (Jonathan Aguallo/The Charlotte Observer via AP)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Kristijan Kahlina makes 2 saves in a 3-1 shootout, and Charlotte gets its first-ever playoff win | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte FC’s Ashley Westwood, center, and Patrick Agyemang (33) discuss a foul during the first half of game 2 of an MLS Cup soccer playoff game against Orlando City, Friday Nov. 1, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. (Jonathan Aguallo/The Charlotte Observer via AP)

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