Forward Finishes His First Goal of Season in Perfect USMNT Send-Off
Patrick Agyemang couldn't have scripted a better farewell before joining the U.S. Men's National Team for the CONCACAF Nations League finals. On Saturday night, the 24-year-old striker netted his first goal of the 2025 MLS season, helping Charlotte FC secure a commanding 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati at home.
After a scoreless first half, Charlotte broke the deadlock when Liel Abada scored his first goal of the season. Just four minutes later, Agyemang doubled the lead with a trademark finish that showcased his distinctive attacking style.
The goal came from a direct, vertical play that has become Agyemang's signature. Adilson Malanda played a ball from the back to Pep Biel, who threaded a perfectly weighted through ball for Agyemang as he charged toward Cincinnati's center backs. The striker took the chance clinically, driving a low strike past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano while on the run.
"It's cool to go into camp after scoring a goal; it's something I ideally wanted," Agyemang said following the match. "In the first few games, I didn't get a goal or assist or anything, so to have this heading into camp is cool."
The timing couldn't be better for Agyemang, who learned earlier in the week that he had been selected for Pochettino's 23-man squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches. With forwards Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi both sidelined with injuries, Agyemang has a genuine opportunity to make an impact on the international stage.
Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith acknowledged the striker's recent frustrations before Saturday's breakthrough: "Today, I thought his running gave Cincinnati real problems; he got the reward with his goal, and it will take him into the U.S. fixtures with a lot of confidence."
The victory improved Charlotte's record to 2-1-1 (7 points), while Cincinnati fell to 2-2-0 (6 points). Cincinnati's evening worsened when they lost 2022 U.S. World Cup center-back Miles Robinson to an apparent leg injury before halftime.
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