Kerwin Vargas and Pep Biel scored in the first 10 minutes of the second half as Charlotte FC achieved a record by scoring six goals, defeating the New York Red Bulls 6-1 on Saturday night.
Biel assisted Idan Toklomati for a header in the 14th minute, helping Charlotte (2-1-2, 8 points) maintain control despite New York taking 10 shots and having over 60% possession in the first half.
After scoring four times in their first four games, Charlotte took advantage of Red Bulls’ mistakes, sealing the victory early in the second half.
Vargas capitalized on an error by New York’s Omar Valencia, who failed to intercept a pass from Djibril Diani. Vargas then scored with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner.
In the 52nd minute, New York’s Gustav Berggren received a red card for a foul on Toklomati, leading to a free kick.
Biel took the free kick, and his left-footed shot from outside the box found a gap in New York’s wall, scoring again in the bottom left corner.
Wilfried Zaha scored in the 68th minute, matching the record of four goals previously set five times. Archie Goodwin added to the score with a goal in the 77th minute and another in stoppage time.
Julian Hall scored a late goal for New York, which attempted 23 shots during the match.
Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made seven saves and played a crucial role with consecutive stops on Mohammed Sofo and Valencia shortly after Charlotte took a three-goal lead.
New York (2-2-1, 7 points) matched a team record by allowing six goals for the fourth time, the first since a 6-2 loss to Inter Miami on May 4, 2024. The Red Bulls have been outscored 9-1 in their two losses under first-time coach Michael Bradley.
New York goalie Ethan Horvath conceded six goals on 10 shots.