FORMER Celtic winger Liel Abada netted his first goal for new club Charlotte FC in their 3-2 MLS win over Toronto FC last night.
The Israel international, who left the champions in an £8million move early last month, snapped up his opportunity in the 70th minute to put his side 2-1 ahead.
In a typical electrifying burst from the tricky flanker, he picked up a loose pass on the right, swept past a befuddled defender and slid a low shot past stranded keeper Sean Johnson.
NUMBER ONE…Liel Abada acknowledges the acclaim of his new fans.
Abada whipped off his top to celebrate with his new fans as he was given a rousing acknowledgement from the celebrating home crowd.
The former Hoops fans’ favourite added to Kerwin Vargas’ first-half strike, but Prince Osei Owusu replied twice for the visitors with the scoreline tied at 2-2 with five minutes to go. Substitute Patrick Agyemang claimed the winner.
However, it was Abada who was all smiles at the end as he enjoyed his first start for the MLS outfit.
His hopes of a winning debut for Charlotte were scuppered a fortnight ago when Cincinnati produced a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 stalemate, as CQN reported.
However, Abada, 22, who signed a four-year deal with the American club, was smiles better on this occasion.
