Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel, right, shoots against Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
By The Canadian Press
May 16, 2026 | 8:26 PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Pep Biel had a goal and an assist, Kerwin Vargas added two assists and Charlotte FC beat Toronto FC 3-1 on Saturday night.
Charlotte rested U.S. national team defender Tim Ream for what the team said was “load management” and said the 38-year-old will be available next weekend. Ream returned May 9 after missing 4 1/2 games because of a groin injury.
Wilfried Zaha scored in the 19th minute — with assists from Vargas and Biel — to give Charlotte a 1-0 lead. It was the third goal this season for Zaha, and his 13th in 43 career appearances. Biel’s helper was his fifth.
Derrick Etienne Jr. took a pass from Jonathan Osorio three minutes later and scored for the second time to tie it 1-1. Etienne has 22 goals in 229 career matches. Osorio’s assist was his third, matching his total in each of the past two seasons.