Charlotte FC signed forward Kerwin Vargas to a new contract through the 2027 MLS season. The extension announced Thursday includes an option for 2028 for the 22-year-old Colombian.
Adilson Malanda scored his first career MLS goal as host Charlotte FC held on for a 1-0 victory over New York City Football Club as coach Dean Smith made a winning debut.
Kerwin Vargas scored his second goal in as many matches and Charlotte FC clinched their first-ever trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs by holding on to a 1-0 victory over Lionel Messi and visiting Inter Miami on Saturday.
Kerwin Vargas produced a goal and an assist, but Charlotte FC twice gave back the lead against short-handed Inter Miami en route to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., that damaged the visitors' playoff hopes.