In Pep Biel, Charlotte FC trusts to provide a spark 

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte FC players celebrate Pep Biel's (16) first goal in a 3-1 win against Austin FC March 7, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium. Wilfried Zaha's (10) pass led to Biel's finish.

Charlotte FC needs more of last week’s Pep Biel. 

The wing, who missed the 2025 playoff stretch with assorted injuries, returned to Bank of America Stadium with a brace in the Crown’s 3-1 win against Austin FC for their first win of the season. Biel, who led Charlotte in goals (12) and assists (10) last year, showed no ill effects from knee and hamstring ailments that sidelined him for the playoffs. In addition to scoring twice against Austin, he had a goal disallowed on a hand ball.

“I’m very happy for the two goals, the third one almost there,” Biel said, “but I'm happy to help the team.”

The Crown needed any help it could get after opening the season with a draw and loss in road matches. Biel was the spark, and Austin going down a player in the first half compounded Charlotte’s advantage.
“Pep was excellent,” coach Dean Smith said. “He’s energetic. He’s one who’s got high ceiling technical skills … and when he’s on it, he’s very difficult to play against. [Against Austin] he was on it; he’s back to full fitness and looked like he really enjoyed the game.”

Breaking through on the home pitch – the first of four straight matches in Charlotte – put Charlotte in a good place mentally.

“I think it is very important, always, to win at home,” Biel said. “So now we just keep working to win the game.”

Smith agreed.

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Pep Biel battles for possession of the ball in Charlotte's 3-1 win against Austin FC in their Bank of America opener on March 7. Biel scored a pair of goals in the win.

“I think it will give them a lot of confidence, because I questioned individual performances for the first two games,” he said. “I can't question today. I thought they showed great teamwork and togetherness … patience as well. And sometimes you have to have that, you know. I think Austin’s a good team, and they’ll beat a lot of teams this season, so to be as composed as we were, to have as much control as we had as well, I was really pleased, and the lads can take a lot of confidence.”

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