Charlotte FC wins rivalry road match against Atlanta 3-2 courtesy of late-match goals

Charlotte FC headed down I-85 on Saturday for a rivalry face-off with Atlanta United, fresh off a 2-1 win during a rare midweek match against D.C. United at home. The black and blue were aiming for another win against their MLS rival after they won during the home opener earlier in the season.

The scoring got started early in the match, albeit for Atlanta. Midfielder Tristan Muyumba kicked it in for a goal with an assist from fellow midfielder Bartosz Slisz 19 minutes into the match.

Atlanta was up 1-0 at the half, but Charlotte had an answer right after getting back on the pitch. Striker Idan Toklomati kicked it in for a goal at the 46-minute mark, assisted by forward Kerwin Vargas. 13 minutes later, striker Wilfried Zaha found the net with a boost from midfielder/winger Pep Biel, putting Charlotte up 2-1 well into the back half of the match.

Charlotte wasn't done scoring, however. For the black and blue's third goal of the night, it was Biel's turn to find the net with Zaha's assistance at the 77-minute mark. That officially made it a 3-1 game for Charlotte, with time running out for Atlanta to answer.

Atlanta United did muster a goal at the 86-minute mark courtesy of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, assisted by midfielder/winger Miguel Almirón. But the match ticked on into stoppage time, and the home team couldn't tie up the score to at least leave the pitch with a draw. Charlotte FC was able to win against their league rival by just one goal again, chalking on three more MLS standing points.

Charlotte is back home on Saturday, July 26, with kickoff against Toronto FC set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The club is partnering with Rugs.com for a special collectible giveaway; the first fans to arrive at Bank of America Stadium will snag a limited-edition Kerwin Vargas bobblehead.