Westwood won't be happy until Charlotte lift silverware as Crown host Dallas

Westwood demands silverware after finding 'most love' of his career at Charlotte

Ashley Westwood has declared he will not be content until he lifts a trophy with Charlotte FC, as the Crown prepare to host an in-form FC Dallas side at Bank of America Stadium this weekend.

The English midfielder, who joined Charlotte in January 2023, has become a cornerstone of the club's rise under Dean Smith. But despite the affection he feels in North Carolina, silverware remains the missing piece.

"Since I've got here, [it's the] best decision that we've made and, thankfully, Zoran [Krneta, general manager] and the club put some faith in me, and I'd like to think I've paid them back," Westwood said. "This is the most love I've ever felt in my career and, I've said it, I won't be happy until I win something here.

"I came here to build this club and help build it, so I had a determination to stick to my word. [Zoran] showed enormous faith in me signing with one ankle, so that was in my mind. I didn't want to let him down. I didn't want to, more importantly, let myself down and let the family down. I've moved them all this way, so I can't just move them here and then mess them up again. It was a determination to come back from it."

A record of consistency

Westwood, signed by general manager Zoran Krneta, has made 139 appearances across all competitions for Charlotte, scoring nine goals and providing 16 assists. This season he has registered 12 goal contributions (three goals, nine assists) — his best return since 13 in the 2010-11 League Two campaign with Crewe Alexandra.

Head coach Dean Smith, who recorded his 50th win in all competitions on the Charlotte bench against D.C. United on September 25, has built a side that now sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, two points behind the Chicago Fire ahead of the Dallas visit.

Charlotte headed into the international break with a defeat to Chicago that ended an eight-game unbeaten league run (W5 D3) which began after losing to the Fire on August 1.

Dallas arrive with momentum

FC Dallas also have silverware ambitions this term. They signed off for the extended international break with a 1-0 home win over Los Angeles FC, Osaze Urhoghide scoring the only goal in the 34th minute. That left Eric Quill's side third in the Western Conference, three points behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps, and extended an unbeaten run to six matches dating back to late August — including an undefeated September (W4 D1).

The Toros have two further away matches after their trip to Charlotte — the Texas Derby against Houston Dynamo and a visit to Sporting Kansas City on October 31.

Players to watch

Charlotte – Allan Saint-Maximin: The forward has been pivotal since joining after the World Cup, with Charlotte losing just once and averaging two goals per game across his nine appearances. Prior to his arrival, the team had lost seven of 18 games this season, and Saint-Maximin will be hoping to continue his and Charlotte's fine form.

FC Dallas – Petar Musa: Only Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (21) has scored more than Dallas' Musa (18) this season in the race for the Golden Boot. Musa leads MLS with 17 goals inside the box and boasts the lowest minutes-per-goal ratio among current MLS players with at least 600 minutes, scoring once every 95 minutes.

Prediction

This will be the first meeting between Charlotte and Dallas in MLS league play; the two sides drew 2-2 in the 2023 Leagues Cup group stage, with Charlotte winning 4-1 on penalties. Opta gives Charlotte a 42.7% win probability, with a draw at 26.7% and Dallas at 30.6%.