Charlotte FC beats short-handed Austin FC 3-1

Pep Biel scores two goals as Charlotte FC overcomes Austin's early red card

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In a Saturday night matchup, Charlotte FC defeated Austin FC 3-1 despite Austin playing a man down for most of the game. Pep Biel scored two goals for Charlotte, including the game-winner in the 68th minute, while Idan Toklomati added another goal. Austin's Guilherme Biro was shown a straight red card in the 25th minute, forcing Austin to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match. An own goal by Morrison Agyemang briefly tied the game at 1-1 before Charlotte pulled away for the victory.

Why it matters

This result is an important early-season win for Charlotte FC, who were looking to bounce back after a draw in their previous match. The red card to Austin FC proved to be a pivotal moment, as Charlotte was able to capitalize on the man advantage to secure all three points. The game also highlighted the depth and scoring ability of Charlotte's attack, with multiple players contributing to the victory.

The details

Charlotte FC took the lead in the 29th minute when Idan Toklomati scored his first goal of the season, finishing off a cross from Wilfried Zaha. Austin equalized shortly after through an own goal by Morrison Agyemang in the 31st minute. But Pep Biel put Charlotte back in front in the 68th minute, scoring off a cross from Harry Toffolo. Biel then added a third goal in stoppage time to seal the win for Charlotte.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Guilherme Biro was shown a straight red card in the 25th minute.
  • Idan Toklomati scored Charlotte's first goal in the 29th minute.
  • Morrison Agyemang scored an own goal to tie the game at 1-1 in the 31st minute.
  • Pep Biel scored the game-winning goal for Charlotte in the 68th minute.

The players

Pep Biel

A forward for Charlotte FC who scored two goals in the match, including the game-winner.

Idan Toklomati

A midfielder for Charlotte FC who scored the opening goal for his team.

Guilherme Biro

An Austin FC player who was shown a straight red card in the 25th minute, forcing Austin to play a man down for the remainder of the game.

Morrison Agyemang

An Austin FC player who scored an own goal to tie the game at 1-1 in the 31st minute.

Brad Stuver

The goalkeeper for Austin FC who made 9 saves in the match.

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What they’re saying

“We must capitalize on opportunities when the other team is down a man, and that's exactly what we did tonight.”

— Pep Biel, Forward, Charlotte FC (Charlotte Observer)

“The red card was a tough break, but the team fought hard and I'm proud of the effort they put in despite being shorthanded.”

— Josh Wolff, Head Coach, Austin FC (Austin American-Statesman)

What’s next

Charlotte FC will look to build on this win as they prepare to face off against Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC next weekend. Austin FC will aim to bounce back from the loss when they host the Seattle Sounders in their next match.

The takeaway

Charlotte FC demonstrated their ability to capitalize on an opponent's misfortune, using the man advantage to secure a crucial early-season victory. The game also highlighted the depth of Charlotte's attack, with multiple players contributing to the scoring. For Austin FC, the red card proved to be a pivotal moment that they were unable to overcome, despite a valiant effort from the shorthanded squad.