Charlotte FC vs New England Revolution Match Preview: Predicted Starting XI and Player Matchup
- TopBin90 Football
- 6 minutes ago
- 4 min read
By Rylee McKinney - @rylees_roster and Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704
Charlotte FC takes on New England Revolution for the second time this season, this time at home. Tonight’s match feels special, with the World Cup Break around the corner.
The MLS regular season will return in late July. So, the Queen City will be looking for a statement from Dean Smith’s squad.
As the Eastern Conference currently stands, Charlotte sits in 7th place, just within the playoff cutoff. Their competitors, New England, sit in a dominant 3rd place.
A win tonight keeps Charlotte in the top 7 before the break.
Last time CLTFC played NER was in early May, falling 1-0 on the road to a last-minute penalty. The match itself was 90 minutes of missed opportunities, with both teams struggling to finish headers, free-kicks, or shots from distance.
But their last matchup was a true testament to Charlotte’s ability to compete with teams in the top five standings despite their recent drop in points.
In the last match preview, the matchup to watch was between Luca Langoni and David Schnegg. This week’s matchup transitions into the midfield: Ashley Westwood vs Griffin Yow.
Ashley Westwood - CLTFC - Right Midfielder
Charlotte’s long-time captain, Ashley Westwood, has been nothing but a steady leader over the seasons. His passion for the game goes unmatched as he heartily defends his teammates and brings critical experience year in and year out.
Before Charlotte, Westwood earned significant Premier League minutes, first with Aston Villa and later with Burnley.
Since joining The Crown in January of 2023, Westwood adopted the Charlotte culture like a homegrown player.
In his first season with Charlotte, he started in 30 regular-season matches, recording three goals and two assists. By his second year, Westwood started in 36 matches, earning two goals and five assists. His playmaking ability has been steady with each season in Charlotte.
Despite being 36 years old, Westwood’s elite tactical vision and precise distribution from the midfield make him a massive asset to the Queen City.
The 2026 season has felt slightly different for Westwood, but most importantly for the team as a whole. With only one goal and one assist in his 13 matches played, the midfielder seems to be on the back burner.
Most notably, Westwood appears to be struggling with composure, earning six yellow cards so far this season.
Due to yellow card accumulation, Westwood sat in the stands against NYCFC on Matchday 13. Although he jumped along to the Poznan, his efforts were sincerely missed on the pitch, resulting in a 1-0 loss.
Carles Gil - NER - Attacking Midfielder
New England’s pride and joy, Carles Gil, is a dynamic midfielder who can play in the attacking and center midfield positions.
Gil’s dynamic abilities are best illustrated through his creativity. With five goals and three assists so far this season, Gil will be a dangerous player in Charlotte’s defending third.
Coined Carles “The Maestro,” Gil wears the Revolution badge with pride. The 33-year-old shows no signs of slowing down, currently leading New England in both goals and overall goal contributions.
As of now, Gil has an xG of 4.49 and an xA of 2.88 compared to Westwood’s .88 xG and 2.83 xA.
Not to mention, the last three times New England Revolution beat Charlotte, Gil scored the game-winner, making this matchup especially interesting.
Summary
With the World Cup break looming, Charlotte FC has a prime opportunity to make a statement against one of the Eastern Conference’s strongest sides.
While New England enters the match with confidence and with one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers in Gil, Charlotte has already shown it can compete with top-tier opponents despite recent setbacks.
Westwood’s leadership and midfield presence will be crucial if The Crown hopes to control the tempo and avoid another narrow defeat.
A result tonight could provide Charlotte with much-needed momentum and keep their playoff ambitions alive heading into the summer pause.
Predicted Starting XI
Defensive Unit
Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina has had an up-and-down month this May, with the Croatian goalkeeper having some uncharacteristic struggles in Charlotte’s latest matches. It is likely Kahlina will remain in goal for Charlotte’s last match until the World Cup break, with the break being a chance to rest and regroup. Tim Ream is certain to start against New England, a week before he could return to Charlotte in a US National team kit. Nathan Byrne suffered a lower-body injury and could be replaced by Will Cleary for tonight’s match. Morrison Agyemang, while developing well, could also be replaced tonight by Henry Kessler, who is fit. David Schnegg is expected to return fresh off his first goal for the club.
If Byrne is out and Kessler is given the start, then Tyler Miller, Andrew Privett, and Morrison will be available as subs. Kessler could easily still be on the bench as well.
Midfield
The midfield is unlikely to change after last week's win. Captain Ashley Westwood, along with Brandt Bronico and defending Man of the Match Pep Biel, will hold down the midfield. Bronico could be replaced with Luca de la Torre or Djibril Diani, as Dean Smith has yet to find his go-to midfield group. Diani is the most likely candidate to replace Bronico and might even be the slight favorite as the starter.
If Bronico starts, de la Torre, Diani, and Aron John will be available as Subs.
Forward line
16 months after joining Charlotte FC, we may witness Wilfried Zaha’s last match with a crown on his shirt as he continues to negotiate his contract with the club. He will be joined by Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas on the forward line. Vargas, especially, has been spoken highly of by Dean Smith and continues to add offensive depth to the forward line
Archie Goodwin, Rodolfo Aloko, Liel Abada, and Tyger Smalls will be available as subs
Predicted Starting XI
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