Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina and midfielder Kerwin Vargas have been named to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Team of the Matchday for Matchday 39. This recognition follows Charlotte FC’s 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union, who had already secured the Supporters’ Shield.
Kahlina, who was awarded Man of the Match, made six saves during the game and achieved his 12th clean sheet of the season. This matches his previous single-season career high from his 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year campaign. He concluded the regular season leading MLS in total saves with 129, which is eight more than he recorded last year. His shutout tally places him tied for second in MLS this season alongside LAFC’s Hugo Lloris, trailing only Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Yohei Takaoka.
Vargas completed a strong season by scoring a goal and providing an assist against Philadelphia Union. The Colombian midfielder assisted Wilfried Zaha’s goal in the 24th minute and then scored himself in the 30th minute. Vargas ended his regular season with nine goal contributions—six goals and three assists.
Charlotte FC finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, setting up a Round One playoff matchup against New York City FC in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The first game of this best-of-three series will be held at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
The full Team of the Matchday includes forwards Anders Dreyer (San Diego), Victor Olatunji (Real Salt Lake), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami); midfielders Kerwin Vargas (Charlotte FC), Evander (Cincinnati), Djordje Mihailovic (Toronto), Amahl Pellegrino (San Diego); defenders Osaze Urhoghide (Dallas), Jackson Ragen (Seattle), Andrés Herrera (Columbus); goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina (Charlotte FC); coach Eric Quill (Dallas). Bench selections include Michael Collodi, Kaick, Jonathan Osorio, Dániel Gazdag, Niko Tsakiris, Miguel Almirón, Andrew Moran, Philip Zinckernagel, and Joseph Paintsil.
“Kahlina picks up third Team of the Matchday honor in 2025; Vargas earns his first career selection to the Team of the Matchday.”
