Chelsea lost 5-3 on penalties to Charlotte FC after it ended 1-1 after 90 minutes at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
Thomas Tuchel’s side could only back up their 2-1 victory over Club America with a draw after normal time, which sees them remain unbeaten in 90 Stateside during their pre-season tour of America.
Christian Pulisic put Chelsea ahead on the half hour mark in North Carolina after Michy Batshuayi's shot was blocked and fell into the path of the 23-year-old. He made no mistake, slotting past Kristijan Kahlina to send Thomas Tuchel's side into the interval with a lead.
10 changes were made at half-time, with Edouard Mendy the only surviving Chelsea player. Raheem Sterling was introduced to make his first appearance since joining the club from Manchester City.
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No goals were scored in the second half until stoppage time when Trevoh Chalobah handled in the area. Daniel Rios stepped up and slotted past Edouard Mendy to take the game to, surprisingly, penalties.
Conor Gallagher missed the only spot kick to see Charlotte claim a 5-3 win on penalties.
Here are five things Absolute Chelsea learned from the pre-season fixture.
1) Raheem Sterling makes first of many Chelsea appearances
The 27-year-old made his first appearance for the Blues, coming on at half-time to be in an attack alongside Mason Mount and Kai Havertz. He almost had a goal in the first five minutes, but Conor Gallagher’s ball to the back post was cut out just before the winger had an easy tap in. His movement was already noticeable, slowing down before finding that burst of pace to attract fouls from the Charlotte FC side. A good first run out for the attacker.
2) The final 45 minute fitness test
Just like against Club America at the weekend, Thomas Tuchel made wholesale changes at half-time. He completely changed the team at the interval against the Mexican side, and made another 10 changes against Charlotte FC, with Edouard Mendy the only player to complete the full 90 minutes. This is likely to be the final time the Chelsea head coach does this as he looks to ramp up the fitness demands and get them to be able to get, and play, 90 minutes under their belts.
3) Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic’s controlling importance
Thomas Tuchel opted to play Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in the first half in the midfield pivot before taking the pair off at half-time for Ethan Ampadu and Conor Gallagher. The pair offered control for the Blues and found spaces to slot passes into, continuing their partnership from last season.
4) Sterling, Havertz and Mount link up a sign of things to come
It’s likely that Chelsea could see an attacking trio of Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz be a frequent and consistent forward line for Tuchel next season. Early signs were already seen between Mount and Sterling, with both linking up the play well in the second half after coming on. Both almost got on the scoresheet, offering a glimpse of what is to come for the Blues next term.
5) Ethan Ampadu staking his claim for a spot in Chelsea team
After playing as a centre-back against Club America, the 21-year-old was deployed in midfield against Charlotte FC, showcasing his versatility to Thomas Tuchel. His performance did himself no harm in his wish to make it at Chelsea and be part of the first-team next season. His decision making in the midfield was excellent, as well was his passing and distribution. A real positive for Tuchel.
Absolute Chelsea