Kristijan Kahlina Saves Charlotte FC's Season with PK Save
Published on November 1, 2025 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
It felt a little bit like deja vu.
On the brink of playoff elimination in game two, like Charlotte FC were in 2024 against Orlando City, The Crown headed to a penalty kick shootout to try and save their season.
Like in 2024, Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristian Kahlina came up huge with a penalty kick save.
After a 0-0 draw, which featured clear-cut chances on both ends, a 7-6 penalty shootout win will force a third match at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m.
The future of the season, though, looked in doubt when Ashley Westwood's attempt was saved by NYCFC and USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Hope was sparked, though, when NYCFC forward Julián Fernández shot wide and leveled the shootout score.
The two teams would trade punches, with the next six Charlotte FC players converting their penalty kick attempts. In the eighth round, after Nathan Byrne converted his attempt, Kahli came up with the save that ended the match and sent the series back to the Fortress.
Kahlina came up huge in regular time, too, making five saves that kept New York City FC off the scoresheet on their home turf.
Despite not scoring a goal in the first two matches, like in 2024, Charlotte FC have a chance to advance to face the Philadelphia Union in the second round of the Audi MLS playoffs.
The decisive third match between The Crown and New York City FC will take place on Friday, September 7 at 7:00pm ET.
Playoffs are here at the Fortress! The Crown take on New York City FC for the final matchup of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series.
Major League Soccer Stories from November 1, 2025
- Priso Scores Late Goal as 'Caps Advance to Host Western Conference Semifinal - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- San Diego FC Falls to Portland Timbers in Penalty Kicks After 2-2 Draw at Providence Park - San Diego FC
- FC Dallas Exits Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs After Shootout Defeat - FC Dallas
- Whitecaps FC to Host Western Conference Semifinal on November 22 at BC Place - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Inter Miami CF Falls Against Nashville SC in Game 2 in Round One Best-Of-3 Series - Inter Miami CF
- Nashville SC Forces Game 3 in Its Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-Of-3 Series with 2-1 Win Over Inter Miami CF - Nashville SC
- Kristijan Kahlina Saves Charlotte FC's Season with PK Save - Charlotte FC
- Chicago Fire FC Eliminated from 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with 3-0 Loss against Philadelphia Union - Chicago Fire FC
- Philadelphia Union advance to the Conference Semifinals after securing Round One series victory - Philadelphia Union
- Philadelphia Union Are Moving On - Philadelphia Union
- Charlotte Wins 7-6 on Penalties - New York City FC
- FC Cincinnati Look to Secure Advancement in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs in Game 2 against Columbus Crew - FC Cincinnati
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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