Wilfried Zaha says Charlotte FC "mean business" after what he labelled a statement win over Atlanta United.

Zaha, who joined Charlotte on loan from Galatasaray, marked his MLS debut in style, scoring in a 2-0 win for Dean Smith's team in front of a huge crowd at Bank of America Stadium.

The former Crystal Palace forward, who spent the first half of this season on loan at Lyon but made just four Ligue 1 appearances, volleyed home Charlotte's second goal on Saturday.

And the 32-year-old believes Charlotte made a statement of intent at the start of their fourth MLS campaign.

"I think it's a statement," Zaha told MLS Season Pass post-game.

"Me coming here to score goals, the whole team are working hard and we're just taking opportunities as well, so that shows to every other team in the league that we mean business this season.

Zaha's preparations for his debut were disrupted by the birth of his daughter in London, where he travelled back from just two days before the clash with Atlanta.

"It's been an amazing week. I've managed to witness the birth of my daughter, so I feel like that's given me extra power, extra strength going into this game," he added.

"The group's amazing, we worked hard and we got the win that we needed."

Zaha had a relatively quiet match otherwise, converting with his only shot, while he only created one chance.

Elsewhere in MLS, the Philadelphia Union hammered FC Cincinnati 4-1, while Orlando City claimed a 4-2 win over Toronto FC.

Luciano Acosta, meanwhile, scored his first FC Dallas goal but could not help his new team overcome the Colorado Rapids in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

There were also wins for Real Salt Lake, the New York Red Bulls, the New England Revolution, Minnesota United, the San Jose Earthquakes, the Portland Timbers and Los Angeles FC.

San Diego FC's first home game finished 0-0 against St. Louis City SC, while the Chicago Fire and D.C. United drew 2-2.