Pep Biel started against Austin FC as Charlotte FC earned its first win of 2026.

Pep Biel’s second-half assist gave Charlotte FC a 3-1 win over visiting Austin FC on Saturday night.

Ethan Toclomati scored another goal for Charlotte (1-1-1, 4 points), which earned its first win this season.

Goalie Kristijan Kahlina made one save in the win.

An own goal by Charlotte put Austin on board in the 31st minute. Austin goalie Brad Stuver stopped nine of Charlotte’s shots. With the loss, Austin (1-1-1, 4 points) failed to score points for the first time this season.

In the 68th minute of the first half, Biel scored his second goal of the season by one-touching Riel Abada’s cross in the center of the penalty box to give Charlotte a 2-1 lead.

The Spanish midfielder added his second of the game in second-half stoppage time and his third of the season with a left-footed shot that beat a diving Stuber.

Charlotte thought they were 2-1 up in the 55th minute when Biel fired home an Ashley Westwood corner kick. However, a video review revealed that Biel’s strike hit Brandt Bronico’s arm in the box and the goal was ruled out for handball.

Charlotte dominated possession and had five shots on target for the first 45 minutes, but the two sides were tied 1-1 at halftime.

Austin brought down a man in the 25th minute after defender Guilherme Biro was immediately sent off for a foul on Charlotte’s Toklomati.

Charlotte was quick to exploit the Austin side of her man.

Toclomati converted Zaha’s cross into his first goal of the season in the 29th minute of the first half.

Charlotte’s lead was short-lived. but.

Two minutes later, Morrison Agyemang headed a shot from Austin defender Brednan Hines-Ike in the first half on Austin’s side, resulting in a Carolina own goal.

Next, Charlotte continues a five-game homestand when it hosts Miami next Saturday, while Austin visits Salt Lake.

–Field level media