Miguel Angel Ramirez thanks Charlotte FC fans after first home match 'party'

Charlotte FC head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez was full of praise for the club's supporters after they played their first-ever home match on Saturday night.

Despite falling 1-0 to the LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer's latest club had plenty to shout about as 74,479 fans packed into Bank of America Stadium. In the process, Charlotte FC broke the league's attendance record previously held by Atlanta United, laying down an early marker in what could become a great rivalry.

Speaking to reports in the aftermath, Ramirez gave a glowing assessment of the evening even if he didn't get the result he wanted.

"I am the happiest coach in the world," said the Spaniard. "I cannot describe it in words the energy and I would like to thank everyone that joined us in this party because it really was a party. If we would win maybe we can party.

"Thank you, North Carolina, South Carolina, everyone that came today. I want to request I would like to see them back in the next game.

"I believe that we can feel proud today because most of the time we were better than LA, that is a top contender with top players and in the second half, we were much better. At the end, we had a last chance. We had the possibility to score but I’m very happy, very happy."

For right-back Jaylin Lindsey, Saturday's match held even more significance as his first match in his home city after joining from Sporting Kansas City this offseason.

After years of watching NFL side Carolina Panthers and International Champions Cup matches from the Bank of America Stadium stands, he described the role reversal as the game of a lifetime.

"First of all, that was probably the best game to be a part of, I’ve been part of my entire life," Lindsey said.

"Walking off the pitch, I sat right in the middle of the field and was just trying to soak it all in. I was picturing myself seven or eight years ago in the nose bleeds watching Panthers games and countless ICC games in the summer, European teams.

"To know that I’m that person on the field, it was just unbelievable and why I’m just so proud of myself to be here and the team, how we played. It was just a great night."

Next up, Charlotte will look to further ignite this southern rivalry when they travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Atlanta United on Sunday.