North Charlotte Today

Charlotte FC experienced a narrow 1-0 loss to Atlanta United over the weekend, a setback at a crucial point in the season. Head coach Dean Smith and captain Ashley Westwood expressed their frustration post-match, emphasizing the need for improvement.

“Disappointing. Disappointing result, for parts a disappointing performance,” stated Coach Smith.

Captain Westwood acknowledged the team's underperformance and stressed the importance of returning to form. “Another disappointing performance, and at this stage of the season, we can’t have many more of them; otherwise, we will regret it,” he warned.

The match followed a familiar pattern for Charlotte FC: strong defense but inconsistent attack. Despite creating more opportunities than in their previous game against New York Red Bulls, they failed to convert these chances into significant threats.

“The final third, again, was our undoing,” said Smith. He elaborated on poor shot choices and easy saves for Atlanta’s goalkeeper as key issues.

As the game progressed into an end-to-end affair without goals from either side, Pep Biel's first start provided some hope. His chemistry with teammates showed promise in the first half.

“With Pep now, we are starting to link with him; they’re starting to get used to what he’s about,” noted Smith. However, he emphasized ongoing work needed in their final third link-up play.

The international break offers Charlotte FC a chance to regroup before their final seven matches of the season. Westwood highlighted the importance of hard work during this period and a return to fundamental strategies that had previously brought success.

“We’ve been flat; it’s not been good enough,” said Westwood. “We’ve gone away from what we were doing before the break... We need to go back to the basics.”

As they prepare for the next phase of the season, Charlotte FC aims to refocus and recapture their playoff-contending form.