Chelsea continued with their pre-season tour in USA against Charlotte FC. This was Chelsea's second match in their pre-season in preparation for next season. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel named a strong first XI for this contest. Chelsea seemed to start strongly making a few better chances against a quite impressive and energetic Charlotte side. USMNT star Christian Pulisic have the visitors the lead when he converted from close range.
[Pictured] Chelsea players celebrate opening the scoring against Charlotte. © gettyimages.
Chelsea however looked a shadow of themselves with rather an unimpressive performance. Charlotte's FC winger was a menace on Chelsea's right wing with his busts of pace. As the game progressed Charlotte were looking like the better side. Chelsea new signing Raheem Sterling came from the bench in the second half to make his debut. Sterling showed glimpses of the player he is with his perfect timed bursting runs. He won his team a string of freekicks when he was brought down on several occasions.
[Pictured] Raheem Sterling in action for Chelsea. © gettyimages.
Chelsea created little clear chances in the second half. Charlotte on the other hand were more resilient and looked determined to get something from this match. Charlotte's efforts were paid in the dying minutes of the match. In the second minute of stoppage Chelsea's defender Trevor Chalobah handled the ball in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Charlotte's Rios stepped up and made no mistake from twelve yards. The crowd erupted ecstatically, Charlotte had scored in the last minute to deny the premier league heavyweights a win. This was a great result for Charlotte FC and players and fans could not hide their bewilderment. Seconds later the referee blew the final whistle and the stalemate was to be decided by spot kicks. Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell converted cooly from the spot kicks. However, Connor Gallagher endured a night to forget after he missed his penalty with a panenka effort that he got terribly wrong.
[Pictured] Connor Gallagher reacts after missing his penalty. © gettyimages.
Charlotte FC players converted all their penalties to claim the victory. Although it was just but a friendly match Chelsea were surely disappointed. Chelsea will face fierce London rivals Arsenal next in their final match on their USA tour. Chelsea could build on the loss and come better in their next match. Chelsea manager will demand more from his players after what he saw. It is hardly two weeks to the commencement of next season and Chelsea surely need to tune themselves better before then.
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