June 27, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
Charlotte FC captain Ashley Westwood is reluctantly taking his first break from the action this season due to yellow card accumulation. Having played every minute until now, his forced absence provides a rare opportunity to reflect on the team’s journey so far.
“Incredible” is how Westwood succinctly sums up the season to date.
Fans of Charlotte FC share his enthusiasm, as the team currently sits 4th in the Eastern Conference and 7th in the Supporter’s Shield standings-an all-time high for the young club. This success includes a remarkable stretch where they’ve lost just once in their last ten matches, a run that has captivated even the national pundits.
Westwood credits their achievements to various factors, particularly the adaptability they’ve demonstrated this year.
“The most impressive thing has been the way we’ve been able to change tactics and change things during games,” Westwood said. “Which just goes to show the lads have taken the work on board.
“They listen and are starting to know the roles of every individual which, for me, it’s incredible.”
Head Coach Dean Smith and his staff have been instrumental in crafting this adaptability. Each match sees a specific game plan tailored to the opponent, though the team’s core principles remain consistent with a strong emphasis on defensive solidity.
This year, Charlotte FC has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a team with defensive vulnerabilities to one of the stingiest defenses in Major League Soccer. They now lead the league in clean sheets and have conceded the second-fewest goals, an impressive turnaround that speaks volumes about Smith’s influence and the players’ buy-in.
The improvement is even more notable considering last season’s struggles, where defensive lapses often led to disappointing results. The backline, bolstered by better familiarity with each other and a simplified defensive scheme, has been critical to this success.
While the backline deserves much of the credit, Westwood’s influence on the team’s defense is equally significant. Having played for Burnley, a club renowned for its staunch defensive mentality, he knows a thing or two about being solid defensively. His role as captain and midfield anchor has been pivotal, providing both leadership and tactical nous.
While going back to the basics has helped the team, behind their defensive prowess is a team with a never-give-an-inch…
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