
Wilfried Zaha: Photo credit: Charlotte FC media
Striker Wilfried Zaha turned back the clock in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match on Sunday to deliver a performance reminiscent of his peak English Premier League days.
Wilfried Zaha regains the lead for @CharlotteFC!
After conceding just two minutes earlier, Zaha puts his team in front again. pic.twitter.com/umWUEfd1BB
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 5, 2026
The Ivorian, who set and broke records at Premier League side Crystal Palace, was at his best for American outfit Charlotte FC.
Zaha, who once had a stint with Manchester United in 2013 before rejoining Palace a year later, scored the winner as the MLS side beat Philadelphia Union 2-1.
Charlotte captain Ashley Westwood had put the hosts ahead with a 30th-minute strike after making the most of a defensive lapse.
It took 40 minutes for Philadelphia to draw level through a goal from Danley Jean Jacques. The game seemed headed for a draw until the 34-year-old Zaha had the final say with a late clincher.
The Ivorian restored the lead for The Crown; meeting a delivery from the right, he opened his body and volleyed the ball into the top-right corner to seal the victory.
The former Palace man has now scored two league goals in six appearances for the MLS side this season.
The Crown sit in third place on the log with 11 points, level with fourth-placed Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and two points behind leaders Nashville SC.