South Charlotte Today

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 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 basics has helped the team, behind their defensive prowess is a team with a never-give-an-inch attitude. “It’s our ability to stay in the game and grind it out. We laugh now in there [that] we know we can outwork any team."

“It creates a real strong togetherness. The lads are embracing it. Anyone who comes into the group knows how hard you have to work and how fit you must be."

“If you're not that, you get left behind.”

The camaraderie and collective effort within the squad have fostered a sense of unity that is palpable both on and off the pitch. This determination is often described on social media as “having that dog in you.” Westwood highlights this “doggedness,” pointing to players like Brandt Bronico who embodies this mentality and has become synonymous with it among fans and teammates alike.

Westwood himself exemplifies this spirit through his relentless work rate. Despite being older than many of his peers, he ranks second in distance covered among all MLS players this season. His dedication serves as a benchmark for the team, setting standards he expects from himself and his teammates.

A team’s identity often mirrors its leadership, and Westwood’s example reflects Charlotte FC's character. He emphasizes that leadership is a collective effort extending beyond just him or Coach Smith; leading by example permeates throughout creating an environment where every player sets high standards contributing towards success.

“When you've got a mate that will run for you next to you," he says "it makes you do same thing.”

This year Charlotte FC boasts depth across nearly every position continually driving each other toward improvement; competition for starting spots remains fierce pushing teammates elevate performances fostering culture excellence accountability ensuring preparedness stepping up when called upon.“It keeps everyone pushing together," states Westwood "It's lads underneath starting eleven setting standards too creating powerful group.”

Growth extends beyond individual performances; collective mentality instilled preseason emphasizes relentless pursuit improvement refusal complacency aware maintaining current form requires sustained focus effort approaching second half season.“We just can’t get complacent now because when doing well that's downfall thinking cracked winning doing well keeping standards working hard."

Looking ahead Westwood envisions further development while defense cornerstone believes next phase involves greater control asserting dominance opponents evolution defensively solid dictating play ultimate test growth.“I think we know what can do defensively next part game controlling dominating teams growth hardest thing do.”

As season progresses Charlotte FC strives build impressive start guided by Westwood's leadership collective ambition squad strong foundation clear vision future poised continue ascent establishing themselves top teams MLS.