Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel, right, shoots against Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

By The Canadian Press

Pep Biel, Kerwin Vargas spark Charlotte to 3-1 win over Toronto FC

May 16, 2026 | 8:26 PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Pep Biel had a goal and an assist, Kerwin Vargas added two assists, and Charlotte FC beat Toronto FC 3-1 in Major League Soccer play on Saturday night.

Wilfried Zaha scored in the 19th minute — with assists from Vargas and Biel — to give Charlotte a 1-0 lead. It was the third goal this season for Zaha, and his 13th in 43 career appearances. Biel’s helper was his fifth.

Derrick Etienne Jr. took a pass from Jonathan Osorio three minutes later and scored for the second time to tie it 1-1. Etienne has 22 goals in 229 career matches. Osorio’s assist was his third, matching his total in each of the past two seasons.

Charlotte took a 2-1 lead in the 35th minute and carried it into halftime when Vargas’ third assist of the season set up defender David Schnegg’s first goal for the club. Schnegg’s only other goal came in 2024 with D. C. United.

Biel capped the scoring on a penalty kick in the 84th minute. His seventh goal came after Morrison Agyemang was fouled by Osorio. Biel has 39 goal contributions, including 20 netters, in his time with Charlotte, one off Karol Swiderski’s club record.