Charlotte FC Locks Up Playoff Spot With 1-0 Win Over Nine-Man D.C. United

In a wild match at Audi Field, Charlotte FC clinched a home playoff spot by beating a short-handed D.C. United 1-0. The hosts crumbled early, losing two men before the half-hour mark.

The ball hit the net in minute 33. Zaha struck gold after quick moves with Petkovic near the box. His shot curved past the backup keeper, who had stepped in after the starter's exit.

The game turned chaotic when D.C.'s main keeper, Barraza, touched the ball outside his area: a clear red in minute 21. Things got worse when Herrera lost his cool and slammed his head into Zaha just nine minutes after.

The ref stayed busy, flashing five yellows after the reds. Byrne and Hopkins saw cards before the break. After halftime, three more warnings came out: one each for sub Stroud, Zaha, and Charlotte's Williamson.

Between the posts, Kahlina stood strong for his 11th clean sheet. His team kept the ball for most of the match, firing 13 shots while D.C. managed eight tries at goal.

Charlotte's grip on this matchup keeps getting tighter. They've now gone five straight without a loss to D.C., scoring seven times and giving up just once. On the road, they've set a new club best with six wins.

The standings tell the tale: Charlotte FC has climbed to third in the East at 18-13-2. Meanwhile, D.C. United can't escape the basement, stuck at 5-18-10.

The season's final test comes at Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte faces top-ranked Philadelphia Union on Oct. 18. The 6 p.m. kickoff pairs with a big thank-you to the fans who've backed the team all year.