MONTREAL — Pep Biel was the lone scorer as Charlotte FC spoiled CF Montreal's home opener with a 1-0 win on Saturday.
Biel's goal for Charlotte (5-2-1) was his third of the season.
Montreal (0-6-2) has now gone all eight games this season without leading once.
Montreal controlled the opening phases of the game and even came within inches of scoring on a corner, but George Cambell’s header hit the post.
Just seven minutes later, Biel made no mistake as Charlotte struck first against the run of play.
As many teams who take an early lead on the road, Charlotte retreated into low block, content with conceding possession, defending their lead, and looking to hit back on the counter.
New signings Hennadiy Synchuk and Giacomo Vrioni made their debuts as substitutes for CF Montreal.
TAKEAWAYS
Montreal: Montreal was inefficient in front of goal and it once again cost them any kind of result. Dominating the tempo and getting touches in the penalty area can only get you so far without a final product.
Charlotte: Charlotte have hit paydirt with Biel in a major way, the Spanish attacker is operating at an MVP level and has continued to put the team on his back with the absence of Wilfried Zaha.
KEY MOMENT
One lone mistake ended up being the deciding factor. A missed touch from Fernando Alvarez led to an immediate counterattack that was finished off by Biel. It was Charlotte’s only moment of true danger and ended up delivering victory.
KEY STAT
This was Charlotte’s first win away from home this season.
UP NEXT
Both teams will be back in action at home on Apr. 19.
Montreal will host Orlando City SC while Charlotte faces San Diego FC.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2025.
Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press
