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THE CROWN VS THE BLUES

The night Charlotte FC made their international debut.

By Charlotte FC

July 22^nd, 2022

The Charlotte FC vs. Chelsea FC international friendly was a night to remember. Being able to play English Premier League side Chelsea FC was more than just a great experience, it was one of those nights the Carolinas will remember forever.

AND IT WAS ELECTRIC.

Not just on the pitch, but the entire stadium atmosphere. The CLTFC supporters have always been one of the best parts of home matches, but this night was unlike any other.

Roaring, chanting, hollering - the fans helped make this night a fairytale.

Chelsea brought their all.

Taking an early lead in the first half, Christian Pulisic put the Blues up 1-0.

But Charlotte never backed down.

FOR FULL PHOTO ALBUM, CLICK HERE. OR KEEP SCROLLING FOR MORE FUN.

It all came down to the final moments of the match. Down 0 - 1 in stoppage time, it was Academy player Brian Romero that changed the course of the match. He drew a penalty on his first touch, leading to a Daniel Ríos equalizer and sending the boys to a penalty shootout.

NEXT UP: PENALTY KICKS.

Ríos, Makoun, Walkes, Mora, & Jóźwiak were up for Charlotte. Havertz, Chilwell, Gallagher, & Sterling were up for Chelsea. Goalkeepers Sisniega and Mendy were all that stood between heartbreak or triumph.

VICTORY

It was a night filled with notable moments both on and off the pitch. From jersey swaps between players with ties to players who met on the pitch for the first time, it was special.

The respect of the game was truly in the air.

BUT THE REAL MOMENT TO REMEMBER WAS A SPECIAL ONE.

The minute 16-year-old academy player Brian Romero took the field was the moment of the match. As he was announced, the crowd went wild and tears welled in people's eyes. The dream of dreams.

The entire night was one for the books. Yes, on paper it was just a friendly, but to Charlotte FC, the players on the pitch, and our fans in the stands, it was way more than that.

This night will forever go down in history as the night Charlotte FC made all the moments of the match count in their international debut.

FOR FULL PHOTO ALBUM, CLICK HERE.

Footnotes

Photos by Taylor Banner, Alana McCallion, Elizabeth Otten, Laura Wolff, & Krista Jasso. Videos by Brittany Alvarado, Ian Kunsey, & Madeline Crumpler. Story by Anna Magee. Graphics by Ryland Tunney.

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FootNotes

Photos by Taylor Banner, Alana McCallion, Elizabeth Otten, Laura Wolff, & Krista Jasso. Videos by Brittany Alvarado, Ian Kunsey, & Madeline Crumpler. Story by Anna Magee. Graphics by Ryland Tunney.

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