South Charlotte Today

Charlotte FC’s Ashley Westwood, Andrew Privett, and Kristijan Kahlina Named to MLS Team of the Matchday

Jul 15, 2024

A signature away victory over league-leaders FC Cincinnati lands all three players on the Team of the Matchday.

CHARLOTTE, NC (Monday, July 15, 2024) – Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood, defender Andrew Privett, and goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina earned spots on the MLS Team of the Matchday following their performances in a 3-1 away victory against Supporter’s Shield leaders FC Cincinnati.

Westwood contributed significantly offensively with primary assists on all three of Charlotte FC’s goals. His three-assist performance set a club record. During a dominant opening 30 minutes, Westwood’s looping cross found Iuri Tavares for a 20th-minute goal. Two minutes later, he forced a turnover and threaded the ball to Liel Abada for another goal.

Cincinnati responded with a goal from Lucho Acosta in first-half stoppage time and gained momentum early in the second half with a penalty opportunity due to an unfortunate handball by Adilson Malanda. However, Kahlina made a crucial save on Acosta’s penalty attempt, diving to his left and pushing the ball away. This save was one of six in the match and shifted momentum back to Charlotte.

Kerwin Vargas completed the scoring for CLTFC in the 66th minute with a header from Westwood’s corner kick delivery. From there, Kahlina combined with Privett and the rest of the defense to contain Cincinnati's comeback attempts. Privett nearly scored his first professional goal from a free kick but was denied by an offsides call.

Kahlina and Privett have been key contributors to one of the best defenses in the league this season. The team has kept nine clean sheets in 2024. Kahlina ranks sixth in saves this season with 77 and holds a post-shot Expected Goal total of +6.3 per FBRef.com, second in the league. Privett is notable for playing every minute of all 23 matches this season.

Head Coach Dean Smith, Ashley Westwood, and Kristijan Kahlina addressed media following the match.

Next up for CLTFC is an away game against defending MLS Champions Columbus Crew on Wednesday, July 17th at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For reference, here is the full MLS Team of the Matchday:

F: Christian Ramírez (CLB), Brian White (VAN), Cucho Hernández (CLB)

M: Facundo Torres (ORL), Ashley Westwood (CLT), Santiago Moreno (POR), Cristian Dájome (DC)

D: Max Arfsten (CLB), Andrew Privett (CLT), Ruan (MTL)

GK: Kristijan Kahlina (CLT)

Coach: Wilfried Nancy (CLB)

Bench: Stefan Frei (SEA), George Campbell (MTL), Darlington Nagbe (CLB), Nemanja Radoja (SKC), Obed Vargas (SEA), Evander (POR), Ryan Gauld (VAN), Deandre Kerr (TOR), Logan Farrington (DAL)