Wilfried Zaha scores and assists on MLS debut as Charlotte FC blank Miguel Almiron's Atlanta United in win

Wilfried Zaha had an MLS debut to remember with the winger playing a role in both goals scored for Charlotte FC on Saturday as they defeated Atlanta United 2-0 in MLS action.

The Ivory Coast international missed Week 1 due to the birth of his newborn child, but he left his mark with a goal and an assist in the second half in his first MLS game.

CLT took their initial lead through Spaniard Pep Biel, who was fed by Zaha from close-range in the 49th minute. Six minutes later, Zaha doubled the lead himself, smashing home a low-driven volley after an initial attempt from U.S. international Patrick Agyemang was parried away by Brad Guzan.

Courtesy of Zaha's heroics, CLT took all three points in their first home match of the year, and remain undefeated through two weeks after drawing the Seattle Sounders 2-2 on Matchday 1.

Zaha joined Charlotte on loan from Turkish side Galatasaray until January 2026 with an option to extend the loan through June 2026 earlier this year.

Zaha is largely noted for playing for a decade in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Cardiff City where he scored 68 goals in 305 appearances.

With CLT, he joins a budding franchise being led by former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith.

Charlotte return to action next weekend for MLS Matchday 3, where they will take on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.