Charlotte FC vs Nashville SC Player Matchup Preview: Ashley Westwood vs. Eddi Tagseth

By Rylee McKinney

Ashley Westwood on Matchday 5 (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Undefeated at home, Charlotte FC returns to The Bank this weekend to face off against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC. 

Last week, Charlotte continued their home streak with a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union. Nashville, despite its overall success so far this season, suffered a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire. 

After Matchday six, Charlotte rose to third in the Eastern Conference standings while Nashville held on to first. 

The Crown earned a 2-1 home win and an unfortunate 2-1 road loss against Nashville. The Coyotes concluded their 2025 season in sixth in the EC while Charlotte FC finished in 4th. Yet, this season reflects a powerful Nashville as they continue to dominate the standings. 

Last season, Nashville SC made serious momentum under head coach B.J. Callaghan, showing significant improvement over its 2024 season. With Callaghan last season, the squad recorded a 12-match unbeaten streak in MLS play. The squad even secured their first trophy in club history after defeating Austin FC 2-1 in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup finals. The win demonstrated Nashville’s standout attacking line, with Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar both scoring goals in the final match. Their U.S. Open Cup victory also secured Nashville a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. 

Also, back in 2025, striker Sam Surridge set a new Nashville SC record for goals in a single MLS regular season with 24. Surridge also tallied 29 goal contributions in league play. At his side is Hany Mukhtar, who remained the creative heartbeat of the team. Surridge’s chemistry with Mukhtar is one for the history books as they became the seventh pair of teammates in MLS history to combine for over 40 goals in a single season. 

Before the 2026 season, Nashville SC initiated a soft reboot of its squad. This shift focused on parting ways with longtime veterans and welcoming new Designated Players, both of which increased the squad’s depth. Key departures for Nashville included former captain Walker Zimmerman. Now, Zimmerman starts as a center back for Toronto FC.  With Zimmerman’s departure, Nashville was able to sign Argentine winger Cristian Espinoza as a Designated Player in January 2026. 

So far this season, Nashville has been busy. They are currently balancing regular-season play with the Concacaf Champions Cup. Nashville took on Club America last night in Leg 1 of the Quarter-finals and again next Tuesday. These midweek matches are resultantly shaking up Nashville’s starting XI as Callaghan prioritizes rest and recovery for his usual starters. 

Charlotte FC also has some midweek matches on the horizon, as they begin the U.S. Open Cup next week. Head coach Dean Smith will likely have to pass along minutes to his bench during the Open Cup to preserve his Starting XI’s health. Charlotte FC has also said goodbye to its veteran centerback Adilson Malanda at the end of the 2025 season. Over the last few matchdays, The Crown has been experimenting with their back line, especially their midfield triangle. Charlotte’s back line has combined newcomers Harry Toffolo and Morrison Agyemang with veteran center backs Tim Ream and Nathan Byrne. Although there are some kinks, this defensive formation looks like it will stick.

Their midfield still appears to be heavily rotating, especially on the left wing. Previously held by Brandt Bronico, the left wing has been up for grabs this season. Djibril Diani and Brandt Bronico have thus been battling each week for the start. Despite the fluctuation, Pep Biel and captain Ashley Westwood are holding down the midfield, creating significant opportunities for Charlotte. 

This week’s matchup explores the fluctuating midfield spots for both Charlotte FC and Nashville SC: Ashley Westwood versus Edvard “Eddi” Tagseth. 

Ashley Westwood - Charlotte FC - Right Midfielder

Captain Ashley Westwood has been one of Charlotte’s most prized players. Signing on with Charlotte FC in 2023, the midfielder has been an essential playmaker and genuinely embraces the electric supporter culture. 

Westwood is most known for his leadership presence on the pitch, creating opportunities for his ‘mates whenever possible. Westwood even achieved 100 appearances for the Club in less than three seasons, becoming a marker of consistency for Dean Smith. 

Last year, Westwood made a total of 32 appearances, earning one goal and six assists. So far this season, Westwood has made all six appearances in regular-season play. Most recently, Westwood scored one of his “Westy-Bangers” against the Philadelphia Union in the 30th minute, once again proving that his age is no obstacle. 

Since arriving from the Premier League, Westwood has been a consistent starter. From his defensive endurance and long-range shot accuracy, Westwood can be considered a heartbeat for the Starting XI. Westwood’s intense connection with attacking midfielder Pep Biel and midfielder(s) Brandt Bronico/Djibril Diani helps the squad create unique and fast-paced opportunities. 

Eddi Tagseth - Nashville SC - Midfielder

Given that Nashville is advancing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Eddi Tagseth will most likely earn the start against Charlotte this weekend. In Nashville’s 4-3-3 formation, Tagseth usually falls into one of the midfielder positions, accompanying Patrick Yazbek and Alex Muyl. 

Tagseth recently received an extended contract back in February, securing a spot with the team through December of 2027. Originally signing on at the end of 2024, Eddi Tagseth quickly made himself a mainstay in Nashville’s midfield. In his first season alone, Tagseth appeared in 39 of the club’s 42 matches across all competitions, helping lead the team to its 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship. 

During the 2025 regular season, the Norwegian only earned two assists; yet, Eddi Tagseth was responsible for 29 chances created and made 139 defensive contributions. Although the Norwegian is not as attacking-minded, his ability to recover possession in the midfield is quite impressive. Additionally, his speed and “everywhere-all-at-once” player persona often disrupts the start of the opposition's offensive playmaking. 

Summary

Saturday's matchup will be one of endurance for Nashville as they continue to play in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Charlotte has the opportunity to capitalize on Nashville’s lack of recovery and use of second-string players. 

Charlotte’s Ashley Westwood will most likely be able to create key opportunities for The Crown, given Nashville’s expected rotation. However, Westwood will also be pestered by Tagseth’s energy and ability to force turnovers in critical moments. It will be interesting to see two defensive-minded midfielders go head-to-head, pushing each other to take more offensive action. 

Stats from TransferMarkt, FotMob, and MLS