Chelsea lose to Charlotte FC in preseason friendly

Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw, and ended up losing on penalty shootout to MLS side Charlotte FC.

Chelsea started the game the brighter of the two sides, controlling the tempo of the game and creating numerous chances.

Christian Pulisic scored on the half-hour mark, as he pounced on a deflected Michy Batshuayi shot, to score with a fine lob over the goalkeeper.

The first half ended 1-0 in our favour, and Thomas Tuchel made wholesale changes for the second-half.

Tuchel made 10 subs at half time, and Chelsea never really had control. The team had a few decent opportunities through Mount and Sterling, but nothing came out of it.

Ethan Ampadu and Conor Gallagher in midfield couldn’t cope with the American pressing in the second half.

Charlotte then levelled the score minutes before the final whistle, as Trevoh Chalobah gave away a penalty while trying to block the shot from Romero. It was an unfortunate incident as the ball hit his hand.

Rios converted the penalty to make it 1-1 for the home side.

Chelsea then lost the tie on penalty shootout 5-3. Charlotte converted all their kicks, while Conor Gallagher missed the third kick for Chelsea.

Up next for Chelsea in their last match of the American tour is against Arsenal in Orlando on Saturday. New signing Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to feature in this game.