Cincinnati snatch stoppage-time draw to deny Charlotte in six-goal MLS thriller
Charlotte FC were denied a vital away win when Cincinnati struck deep in stoppage time to rescue a 3-3 draw in a six-goal MLS contest.
Late collapse leaves Charlotte level in fourth
The visitors had looked set to take all three points, only to surrender their advantage at the end of the match. The result leaves Charlotte level on points with New England Revolution in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, showed enough resolve to pull themselves back into the game on home soil, although Charlotte will view the dropped points as a costly defensive lapse.
Squirrel causes unusual first-half interruption
There was an unexpected pause in the 35th minute when a squirrel ran onto the pitch and crossed the field. Supporters responded with laughter and cheers as stadium staff attempted to remove the animal.
Play was stopped for three minutes before the squirrel was safely guided away and the game could continue. It was another unusual MLS animal interruption, following the widely shared appearance of a raccoon in Philadelphia two years ago.
Turning points
- A squirrel entered the field in the 35th minute, forcing a three-minute break in play.
- Charlotte and Cincinnati produced six goals in an open contest.
- Charlotte held a lead late on but failed to see out the away victory.
- Cincinnati found a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a point.
What happens next
Charlotte now head to Audi Field to face D.C. United on Saturday, September 19, in the final match of their three-game road trip. The Crown need a stronger defensive display as they seek to protect their top-four position.
Cincinnati will aim to take momentum from their late recovery into their next fixture after refusing to accept defeat at home.
Key takeaways
- Charlotte remain level with New England Revolution in fourth in the Eastern Conference.
- A late concession turned a potential Charlotte win into a draw.
- The match was halted for three minutes because of the squirrel on the pitch.
- Charlotte’s next test comes away to D.C. United on September 19.
