Pep Biel stars against Austin FC as Charlotte FC earns first 2026 win

Pep Biel's second-half brace lifted Charlotte FC to a 3-1 victory over visiting Austin FC on Saturday night.

Idan Toklomati scored the other goal for Charlotte (1-1-1, 4 points), which won for the first time this season.

Keeper Kristijan Kahlina made one save in the victory.

A Charlotte own goal put Austin on the board in the 31st minute. Austin keeper Brad Stuver stopped nine Charlotte shots. With the loss, Austin (1-1-1, 4 points) failed to pick up points for the first time this season.

Biel gave Charlotte a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute, one-touching the cross from Liel Abada from the center of the box for his second goal of the season.

The Spanish midfielder added his second of the match in second-half stoppage time, putting his left-footed strike past a diving Stuver for his third of the season.

Charlotte thought it had taken a 2-1 lead in the 55th minute as Biel one-timed Ashley Westwood's corner kick in; however, after video review, it was revealed that Biel's strike was directed off the arm of Brandt Bronico in the box, and the goal was waved off for handball.

Charlotte controlled the first half possession and five shots on target through the opening 45 minutes, but the two sides were tied 1-1 at halftime.

Austin went down a man in the 25th minute after defender Guilherme Biro was sent off with a straight red for his foul on Charlotte's Toklomati.

Charlotte was quick to take advantage of an Austin side down a man.

In the 29th minute, Toklomati tapped in a cross from Zaha for his first of the season.

Charlotte's lead was short-lived; however.

Two minutes later, Austin defender Brednan Hines-Ike's strike from the Austin side of the half was headed in by Morrison Agyemang for a Carolina own goal.

Up next, Charlotte continues its five-match home stand, hosting Miami next Saturday, while Austin visits Salt Lake.

--Field Level Media