Charlotte FC manager Christian Lattanzio faced an uphill battle to secure a 1-1 draw against NY Red Bulls on Saturday.
The action-packed stalemate left the Crown at the 14th spot on the log, with some teeming fans - having the notion that the odds were against them.
Afful was named as captain of the Crown to replace injured Ashley Westwood as they fought their way back to restore parity in the 74th minute as substitute Vinicius Mello floated a beautifully weighted pass to the far side of the penalty box where Kerwin Vargas was waiting to square to Copetti who was in the middle. NYRB defender Andres Reyes had to make an interception but in doing so deflected it back into his own net.
Brazilian striker Elias Manoel notched for the visitors in the 43rd minute after an individual mistake from Charlotte that had them going into recess a goal down despite an overall sound performance.
By: Pascal Nii Gogoe Amoah
