MLS: Wilfried Zaha responds to criticism with two assists in Charlotte FC win

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After five consecutive defeats in Major League Soccer and growing criticism of marquee signing Wilfried Zaha, Charlotte FC and their Ivorian star responded on Saturday with a 3-2 victory over top side Columbus Crew.

Zaha provided two assists, including on the match winning strike from Pep Biel, as Charlotte put an end to their poor run in thrilling fashion. Columbus opened the scoring through Nigerian forward Ibrahim Aliyu but the response was swift from the hosts.

United States national team striker Patrick Agyemang leveled a few minutes later and then doubled his tally five minutes later, getting on the end of a perfect pass from Zaha to give Charlotte a halftime advantage.

Columbus leveled the match in the 65th minute but it was Biel who produced an excellent finish from Zaha's lofted pass into the penalty area to give Charlotte all three points. Despite the recent struggles, a strong start to the 2025 campaign has Charlotte in 7th place in the Eastern Conference through fifteen games.

Zaha, on loan from Turkish giants Galatasaray, now has four goals and two assists in thirteen games. Charlotte will be in action again on Wednesday when they travel to face New York Red Bulls.