After drawing 0-0 in regulation, Charlotte FC defeated Cruz Azul in the penalty shootout 4-3 and advanced to the Leagues Cup 2023 round of 16. The hero of the match was Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, who made three decisive saves in the penalty shootout and earned man of the match.
The 31-year old Croatian did exactly what he needed to do: keep the ball out of the net for 90 minutes. He followed that up with key saves in the penalty shootout to help his tea advance.
Cruz Azul came into this match with previous Leagues Cup experience from the penalty spot. In their final game of the group stages, the drew 1-1 with Atlanta United FC and sent the match to penalties. They defeated the Major League Soccer side 5-4 in the shootout to earn the extra point and entry to the round of 32.
But La Máquina didn’t have the same luck against Charlotte FC. Cruz Azul sent six kick takers to the spot, but this time they had to face Kahlins. He saved Uriel Antuna’s shot in the second round. He stopped Carlos Rotondi in the third round. Then, in the final round, he stoped Kevin Castaño to hand Charlotte the 4-3 penalty shootout win and a ticket to the round of 32.
Kahlina is quite the penalty kick specialist. Prior to this match, in the last ten penalty kicks he faced, he stopped six shots and only allowed four goals. He maintained his high averaged stopping half of Cruz Azul’s shots.
Following the match, the Croatian goalkeeper had a message for the Charlotte FC supporters: “Thank you to all the fans for coming and supporting us until the end. Thank you to all those people who couldn't come and support us from all sides, we feel you. Thank you very much, keep the crown!"
Can Kahlina continue at this devastating form through the rest of the knockout phase?
