By Favian Renkel
In a match that offered younger players a chance to impress, Charlotte FC and CF Monterrey — both already eliminated from Leagues Cup 2025 — still delivered goals and notable performances in their final Phase One clash.
The biggest storyline before kickoff came with Sergio Ramos starting on the bench for Monterrey, even with no path to the Knockout Stage. On the field, Charlotte goalkeeper David Bingham kept the match scoreless in the first half, including a key save that denied Monterrey an early lead.
Charlotte broke through after the interval with two goals in quick succession. Bill Tuiloma opened the scoring, and just three minutes later Tyger Smalls netted his first of the season. Bingham continued to stand tall, making another crucial stop to protect the advantage.
The 2-0 win gave Charlotte its first regulation victory in Leagues Cup since 2023, along with a clean sheet to close out the tournament. Charlotte finished Phase One with four points, while Monterrey ended with two in a disappointing campaign before turning its focus back to Liga MX.
REACTIONS
- Charlotte FC Head Coach Dean Smith:
- We got some minutes into some players who arent playing regularly... that was the important part. It’s an opportunity for players who werent playing regularly to put their name on the teamsheet.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Charlotte FC:
- Bill Tuiloma scored the first goal of the game which ended up being the game winner.
GAME NOTES
- Charlotte gets their first win in regulation at Leagues Cup since the 2023 tournament.
- Tuiloma and Tyger Smalls, who scored the other goal for Charlotte, were players who made the most of their playing time.
- Monterrey exits Leagues Cup without a win in regulation for the second straight year.
- Monterrey decided to leave key players like Sergio Ramos, German Berterame and Jesús Corona on the bench.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards
- Charlotte FC: Nathan Byrne, Ashley Westwood
- Monterrey: Héctor Moreno, Francisco Valenzuela
LOOKING AHEAD
- Monterrey returns to Apertura 2025 action on Monday against Club León.
- Charlotte has a tough test in league play this Sunday against Cincinnati. Charlote enters the match on a 4-game winning streak in MLS play.
