Raheem Sterling netted his first Chelsea goal but saw his side beaten 5-3 on penalties by Charlotte FC.
The England winger, signed for £47.5million from Manchester City last week, was among ten changes made by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at half time, Sterling had a quiet game with his best chance saved at the near post by substitute keeper Pablo Sisniega late on.
It was Christian Pulisic who put Chelsea ahead in the first half in his homeland with a classy finish from close range, lobbing keeper Krisija Kahlina. Charlotte forward Daniel Rios equalised a minute from time from the spot after rookie defender Trevoh Chalobah had handled.
