Charlotte FC announced the signing of English midfielder Ashley Westwood on Jan. 7, 2023. The Nantwich, England native inked a contract extension with the Club through 2026, with a Club option for 2027, on Sept. 10, 2024.
In the 2024 campaign, the Cub’s captain led the squad in games played (33), games started (33), assists (six), and key passes (53) among outfield players. Additionally, Westwood appeared in all three of the Club’s playoff matches against Orlando City SC, where converted his penalty attempt in Game 2 to secure CLTFC’s first-ever playoff victory. Westwood was also named MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 26 following a three-assist performance on the road against then-Supporters' Shield leading FC Cincinnati.
In his debut season in MLS, the former Premier League midfielder played 30 Major League Soccer matches where he served as the club’s captain and added seven goal contributions. A spectacular goal in Chicago helped the Crown to a crucial three points during a late season playoff push, which eventually culminated in the Club securing a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time.
Prior to joining the club, Westwood had an illustrious career in the English Premier League, where he amassed 286 appearances with Aston Villa and Burnley, where he scored 12 goals and added 32 assists. Following the 2018-19 season, Westwood was honored as Burnley’s Player of the Season by both his teammates and supporters.
Westwood began his professional career with Crewe Alexandria of League Two, where he broke into the club’s First Team at age 19 with a 6-goal, 36-appearance campaign. The Nantwich native went on to make 123 League Two appearances with Crewe Alexandria. After helping the club earn promotion to League One via the playoffs in the 2012-13 season, Westwood joined Aston Villa at 22-years-old and where he went on to make 30 appearances and notch seven assists in his first season.
2024 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Started in all 33 of his regular season appearances, totaling 2,970 minutes. Served as captain for the 2024 season. Netted two goals and contributed a team-leading six assists. Named MLS Player of the Matchday following a three-assist performance in an away victory over FC Cincinnati. Totaled 108 accurate long balls, good for eighth best in MLS. Led the team in key passes with 53. Leagues Cup – Started in both of the Club’s 2024 Leagues Cup matches, totaling 180 minutes. Converted his penalty attempt in the shootout victory over Cruz Azul on July 31. MLS Cup Playoffs – Started all three matches in Charlotte FC’s Round One matchup against Orlando City SC, tallying 270 minutes and converting the match winning penalty attempt in Game 2.
2023 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Started in all 29 of his regular season appearances, totaling 2,531 minutes. Served as captain for the 2023 season. Made his MLS debut on Feb. 25 against the New England Revolution. Scored three goals and notched four assists. U.S. Open Cup – Appeared in two matches off the bench, totaling 22 minutes. Leagues Cup – Started in all five of Charlotte’s Leagues Cup matches, recording 421 minutes. Recorded an assist in the Club’s Group Stage opener against FC Dallas. MLS Cup Playoffs – Started and played all 90 minutes in the Club’s Wild Card match at New York Red Bulls.
