"Westwood will miss Charlotte's midweek game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the MLS season, during Saturday's 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati. The Crown are now winless in four games, having lost three in a row prior to the Cincinnati match, and in Westwood, they will be without their captain and a player who has started 11 of their 12 games and played 1,024 minutes this season."
"Asked how much Westwood's absence will hurt Charlotte, Smith said: "I'll tell you on Wednesday night after the game! But listen, he's been pivotal for us. We know that. "But we have got people waiting in the wings, ready for opportunities. I spoke a lot about having more depth this season, certainly in midfield. "So we've got people who can come and step in for him, but they are big boots to fill because I think he's been having a good season.""
"Charlotte were 2-0 down against Cincinnati before Idan Toklomati and Pep Biel struck in the space of two minutes at the start of the second half. The Crown are eighth in the Eastern Conference, only behind NYCFC on goal difference. As they approach their final three games before the World Cup break, Smith wants more stability from his side."
""We need more consistency," Smith said. "I asked the players, on the first day I came here, to get bums off seats. We weren't giving them anything to cheer about. "I challenged them to go and play with a tempo, an energy. We have an amazing record at this place, at home, and that's a reason - because the supporters here enjoy the game, it's entertainment for them and they make an atmosphere. "Number two, we respond to that as well. We normally put in a performance because of that, and I don't think we did that in the first half.""
Ashley Westwood will miss Charlotte’s midweek match against New York City after receiving his fifth yellow card of the MLS season in a 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati. Charlotte are winless in four games, including three straight losses before the Cincinnati result. Westwood has started 11 of 12 games and played 1,024 minutes, making his absence significant for the captain and midfield stability. Dean Smith said the replacement will have big shoes to fill, while emphasizing that Charlotte has midfield depth available. Smith also called for more consistency, tempo, and energy, noting that Charlotte’s home record and supporter atmosphere require stronger first-half performances.
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