Ivorian attacker Wilfried Zaha says Charlotte FC “mean business” after what he labelled a statement win over Atlanta United.
The former Crystal Palace attacker, who joined the MLS side on loan from Galatasaray, marked his debut in style, scoring in a 2-0 win for Dean Smith’s team in front of a huge crowd at Bank of America Stadium.
Zaha, who spent the first half of this season on loan at Lyon but made just four Ligue 1 appearances, volleyed home Charlotte’s second goal on Saturday.
“I think it’s a statement,” Zaha told MLS Season Pass postgame.
“Me coming here to score goals, the whole team are working hard and we’re just taking opportunities as well, so that shows to every other team in the league that we mean business this season.
Zaha’s preparations for his debut were disrupted by the birth of his daughter in London, where he travelled back from just two days before the clash with Atlanta.
“It’s been an amazing week. I’ve managed to witness the birth of my daughter, so I feel like that’s given me extra power, extra strength going into this game,” he added.
“The group’s amazing, we worked hard and we got the win that we needed.”
Zaha had a relatively quiet match otherwise, converting with his only shot, while he only created one chance.
