North Charlotte Today

Charlotte FC aims to rebound against C.F. Montreal as they look to conclude the season on a high note with seven matches remaining. Here are the details ahead of the match:

**Match:** C.F. Montreal vs Charlotte FC

**When:** Saturday, September 14

**Where:** Stade Saputo, Montreal, CA

**Kickoff:** 7:30 p.m. ET

**Watch:** MLS Season Pass on Apple TV – How to Watch & Listen

**Listen:** WFNZ 92.7 FM (English) & WOLS 106.1 FM (Spanish)

Midfielder Ashley Westwood has become a fan favorite since joining Charlotte FC before the start of the 2023 season. His connection with the club and its supporters has been strong from the outset. On the field, he’s played more minutes than any other outfield player for Charlotte this season. His leadership and consistent performance have been rewarded with a new contract, extending his stay at the club through 2026, with an option for 2027.

Reflecting on his journey, Westwood shared, "The minute I walked through the door it felt like home. The fans have taken to me, which is always a great feeling. My family has settled in, and Charlotte is an amazing place, with an incredible football club. I’m just happy to be here and excited to stay for many more years."

Head Coach Dean Smith expressed his delight in having Westwood commit long-term: "He's our All-American hero; even though he's a Brit we call him an All-American hero," said Smith. "We're happy to have him. His influence, personality, character, but on top of that his professionalism and what he's shown in games is the reason why he's earned that new contract and we're happy that he signed."

Westwood’s contract extension brings positive news during a challenging period for the team. Despite recent setbacks against New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United, Westwood remains focused on leading the squad back on track.

"We know what we want to do; we are aiming for top four," stated Westwood. "We've got a good run. The last two games were disappointing; we know that. We haven't performed to what we can, and it's about putting that right against Montreal on the weekend."

As Charlotte FC approaches its final stretch of matches, Westwood’s influence will be crucial for their success.

C.F. Montreal has struggled following Wilfried Nancy's departure and currently sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference in 13th place—seven positions behind Charlotte FC—and winless in their last four games.

Despite this difficult run of form jeopardizing their playoff hopes, Montreal is only five points away from securing a playoff spot. Club president Gabriel Gervais remains confident in head coach Laurent Courtouis: "The expectations are the same; we want to reach the playoffs," Gervais stated.

Charlotte FC’s Dean Smith acknowledges Montreal as a potential threat despite their poor form: "If you don’t respect them it’ll be at your peril because they’re a good footballing team," said Smith.

The match will also feature MLS icon Ignacio Piatti being inducted onto C.F. Montreal's Wall of Fame during halftime.

In their third season under Head Coach Dean Smith's leadership, CLTFC aims for a top-four finish rather than just squeezing into playoffs like previous years.

This summer saw impressive road performances by Charlotte FC against top teams like FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew but was followed by mixed results upon returning from Leagues Cup action.

Smith and his players hope to use their upcoming road match against C.F.Montreal as momentum towards achieving their goals for this season.

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