Patrick Agyemang found an opening in a match with few scoring chances as Charlotte FC defeated visiting Nashville SC 1-0 on Saturday night, continuing a trend of strong home results.
The second-half goal was a boost in a clash between teams needing to make moves in the standings.
Charlotte (5-5-2, 17 points) avenged a one-goal loss nearly two months ago at Nashville (2-4-5, 11 points), which has won only one of its last six matches.
Of Charlotte's 17 points, 16 have come on its home pitch. It also has two consecutive wins, both at home.
Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made three saves for his fourth clean sheet of the season.
Goalkeeper Joe Willis of Nashville also stopped three shots, but he didn't have much of a chance on Agyemang's blast, which came from the left side.
Agyemang scored in the 52nd minute after a missed shot by Kerwin Vargas. Agyemang's third goal of the season allowed him to snap a stretch of three consecutive matches without a goal or an assist.
After receiving the pass about midway between midfield and the box, Agyemang did a solid job in controlling the ball. He took it into the box before firing a left-footed shot as the defense was unable to fully recover.
Charlotte cranked up aggressive play and was called for 16 fouls vs. 10 for Nashville.
Nashville had the only two shots on goal in the first half.
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