2024 Goalkeeper of the Year earns eighth career nod to TOTMD lineup.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Monday, February 23, 2026) – Charlotte FC Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina was named to the first MLS Team of the Matchday for 2026 season following a career-high 10-save performance in the Club’s season opener draw at St. Louis CITY SC.

Kahlina’s nod to the TOTMD marks his eighth time earning the weekly honor since joining The Crown in 2022.

The keeper has steadily improved in each season opener, making one, four, three, five and finally 10 saves in each of the Club’s kickoff matches, respectively. Additionally, Kahlina has steadied The Crown’s backline to holding at least one point in each of the last three openers. Out of seven Eastern Conference teams playing on the road, CLTFC was only one of two clubs to claim a point (Red Bull New York at Orlando City), setting the Club up for a fifth-place spot in the table heading into Matchday 2.

Coming up next for The Crown is another Western Conference road trip, this time to 2024 MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy on Saturday, February 28. Kickoff at Dignity...