Raheem Sterling makes Chelsea debut in shootout defeat to Charlotte FC - in pictures

England forward played the second half of the pre-season friendly at the Bank of America Stadium

Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes and Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling compete for the ball during the second half of a friendly match on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Charlotte, NC. AP

Raheem Sterling looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium. Getty

Raheem Sterling scores his penalty during the shoot out between Chelsea and Charlotte. Getty

Charlotte forward Kerwin Vargas looks to drive past Chelsea defender Trevor Chalobah. AP

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher heads the ball in front of Charlotte midfielder Derrick Jones. AP

Charlotte defender Anton Walkes checks on midfielder Derrick Jones after a collision. AP

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount moves the ball past Charlotte midfielder Derrick Jones. AP

Charlotte midfielder Benjamin Bender tussles with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount. AP

Charlotte defender Christian Makoun drives past Chelsea midfielder Kenedy. AP

Connor Gallagher reacts after missing a penalty kick during the shoot out. Getty

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel after the pre-season friendly match at Bank of America Stadium. Getty

Daniel Rios of Charlotte celebrates after scoring a penalty during the shoot out. AFP

Raheem Sterling during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Charlotte. AFP

Raheem Sterling runs with the ball during the pre-eason friendly match between Chelsea and Charlotte. Getty

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi runs with the ball. Getty

Chelsea full-back Reece James takes a corner kick. Getty

Charlotte defender Guzman Corujo slide tackles Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech. AP

Hakim Ziyech attempts a shot on goal during the pre-season friendly match at Bank of America Stadium. Getty

Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring the first goal. Getty

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho makes a pass during the pre-season friendly match. Getty

Michy Batshuayi runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match. Getty

Charlotte midfielder McKinze Gaines tries to keep the ball from Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic. AP

Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn cheers with fans before the match between Charlotte and Chelsea. AP

Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring Chelsea's first goal. AFP

Chelsea forward Kai Havertz takes a penalty during the shoot out. Getty

Raheem Sterling made his first appearance as a Chelsea player on Wednesday night but was unable to lead his new team to victory against MLS side Charlotte FC.

Sterling, signed last week from Manchester City, was one of 10 changes made by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel at half time at the Bank of America Stadium, and he showed early glimpses of his ability.

The England forward was denied a first goal after a good save from Charlotte goalkeeper George Marks, which would have given Chelsea a 2-0 lead. United States international Christian Pulisic, playing in a stadium just 500 miles from his home town, struck in the 30th minute to break the deadlock for the Blues.

However, Charlotte were given a lifeline in injury time when a Trevoh Chalobah handball gave the hosts the chance to equalise from the penalty spot. Daniel Rios duly converted the penalty to send the match into a shootout, which Charlotte won after Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher's poor effort was comfortably saved.

Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, and Sterling all scored their penalties for Chelsea but Charlotte were faultless from the spot with midfielder Kamil Jozwiak slotted home the winning kick.

While there was a first appearance for Sterling, fellow new signing Kalidou Koulibaly is yet to get his first minutes in a Chelsea shirt. The Senegalese defender, signed from Napoli, could feature in Chelsea's final pre-season match in the United States when the Blues take on London rivals Arsenal in the Florida Cup in Orlando on Saturday.

Chelsea then have one more pre-season game against Udinese in Italy on July 29 before beginning their Premier League campaign away to Everton on August 6.

For the best photos from Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Charlotte, scroll through the gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

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