South Charlotte Today

It had been a while since we last heard from Charlotte FC’s head coach, Dean Smith. Following the team’s early exit from the Leagues Cup group stages, Charlotte FC found themselves in a rare period of inactivity, with no matches scheduled.

The goal was always to attempt a deep run in the Leagues Cup, but Smith has taken this two-week break as an opportunity to regroup and refocus his team for the final stretch of nine matches in the season.

“It’s been like a mini little preseason which has been good for us,” Smith began. “It’s a long season, I didn’t realize how long it was here... As unfortunate as it was to go out of Leagues Cup it wasn’t a bad thing as well to get a bit of a breather, reset a little bit, go over the basics, and reflect on what we’ve been doing.”

While the players enjoyed a brief pause, the Charlotte FC front office has been operating at full steam ahead. The last 72 hours leading up to the transfer window’s closing yesterday August 14th at 11:59 PM were particularly hectic, with the club working tirelessly until the final moments to bolster the squad.

Smith, alongside General Manager Zoran Krneta and Director of Scouting Thomas Schaling, has been involved in securing reinforcements ahead of the team’s return to MLS play.

“The aim of the window is to come out of it looking better,” said Smith, reflecting on the club’s objectives during the transfer window. “Having a better squad and an improved team, and I think we’ve got that.”

“Pleased with the business we’ve done. Disappointed on some we’ve missed but that's the way business goes throughout the window.”

Charlotte FC made significant moves by signing U.S. Men’s National Team star center-back Tim Ream from Fulham and Spanish attacking midfielder Pep Biel from Greek powerhouse Olympiacos. These acquisitions were crucial as a left-footed center-back and an attacking midfielder were top priorities for the summer.

Tim Ream, with over a decade of experience in both the English Championship and Premier League, adds a wealth of knowledge to an already formidable MLS defense.

“He’s been a welcomed addition,” Smith said. “I’ve wanted a left-footed center back, and to get somebody at the caliber of Tim shows the Club’s ambition.”

Biel is expected to enhance Charlotte’s attacking options. He is known for his creative play and goal-scoring ability and should be a major boost in the attacking third.

“Creativity; he scores goals,” Smith explained when describing what Biel brings to the team. “He’s one who’s been on our list for a long time;the club scouted him before I was here."

Smith is already familiar with Biel having followed his rise during his time at Brentford. Biel made a name for himself with Copenhagen in Denmark where he became one of their standout players—a journey that Smith has keenly observed.

This transfer window was one of Charlotte FC's most active periods. While not every target was secured, Smith expressed overall satisfaction with both ambition shown by management and support received.

“It’s been a good window for us because of ambitions shown by club,” Smith said.“I feel really supported.I know numbers offered/agreed w/players/clubs show ambitious owner.GM also worked hard based London last 10 days.”

“We are now looking/talking players/clubs who I talked when Premier League manager.This shows ambition club.”

Smith eager work nearly complete squad offering competition almost every position believes depth will provide strength needed final push season.Charlotte FC may still have residual activity from transfer window but all eyes nine remaining matches

“The last two-three weeks since Leagues Cup exit solely focused playoff push” shared smith.“Getting mindset what takes where need be.Players responded really well”

As season enters final third Charlotte FC well-positioned secure playoff spot October.When asked about approach remaining matches response simple

“Win them” chuckled smith.“We take lot confidence last three games away home.All tough games came five points good performances all three games.We certainly take positives that”

Some worry lack competitive play during two-week break but confident preparation training bear fruit face New York Red Bulls Bank America Stadium August 24th

“The lads ready;we ready Red Bull sure”