Charlotte FC players say continuity is a key to success in 2026

By Brian Maurer

Charlotte FC players after their Game 2 road win on PKs against NYCFC in the 2025 playoffs (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC's Kristijan Kahlina and Nathan Byrne have each discussed the value of the continuity the team currently has, as there has been far less turnover of the roster than in previous seasons.

In Byrne's first preseason scrum of 2026, he highlighted how key he felt keeping the core of a team is to success. "I think with any good team that's really successful over a long period, not just in short bursts, is that you do have that core base...wherever I've been, you add a few good quality players, and you keep the core of what you've been doing...that obviously ends with us wanting to be champions," said Byrne.

As things stand, five of Charlotte's 18 players on their senior roster are entering their first preseason with the Crown (Luca de la Torre, Archie Goodwin, Tyler Miller, David Schnegg, and Harry Toffolo). One fewer than the six current senior roster players who were entering their first preseason in 2025. Midfielder Eryk Williamson was also a new signing entering camp last year, plus Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Souleyman Doumbia were added later in the spring.

Charlotte FC's 2026 senior roster (18 of the 20 max)

Player	Preseasons with CLTFC	Total CLTFC Appearances (All Comps)
Brandt Bronico	5	147
Kristijan Kahlina	5	139
Kerwin Vargas	4	129
Ashley Westwood	4	112
Nathan Byrne	4	102
Andrew Privett	4	81
Liel Abada	2	66
Djibril Diani	3	63
Tim Ream	2	46
Pep Biel	2	40
Idan Toklomati	2	37
Wilfried Zaha	2	35
Archie Goodwin	1	9
Harry Toffolo	1	6
Baye Coulibaly	2	2
Luca de la Torre	1	-
Tyler Miller*	1	-
David Schnegg*	1	-

In 2026, there looks to be nearly half as many players entering their first full preseason and/or being new spring window signings for Charlotte, and only a couple of the preseason debutants will be considered starters on opening day.

On the other side of the continuity equation, seven senior roster players will be entering at least their third preseason with the Crown. Another six will be making their second full preseason.

By the end of 2026, Charlotte could have four players with 150 club appearances and as many as eight with 100. Byrne could get to 150 as well, but he would have to be available for almost every game, and the Crown would need to make a few deep tournament runs.

The core of the group is certainly well-established for Charlotte FC; it will now depend on whether that continuity can make the difference in terms of winning trophies in 2026.

*Tyler Miller and David Schnegg are not confirmed to be on the senior roster yet, as roster compliance isn't until February 20. I am assuming they will be based on their recent salaries.