Charlotte FC Tops the Eastern Conference Table, Now One Point Away from Supporters' Shield
With a 3-0 win over an impressive San Diego side, Charlotte FC secures their 8th straight regular season home win - and Andrew Privett finds his first major league goal.
A dominant three goal performance has Charlotte FC atop the Eastern Conference table again - and within one point of Supporters’ Shield leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.
Charlotte FC delivered one of their most cohesive performances of the season, with five different players contributing directly to the team’s goals.
[Editor’s note: the quote below has been updated to better reflect Smith’s post-match comments]
“That was as close to [a full performance as] we’ve had this season,” said Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith at a post-match press conference. “I thought we played really well in the first half ... that’s probably the best we’ve played with the ball as well, our passing was really crisp at times, the only thing is we probably should have scored more than we actually got.”
Charlotte FC vs. San Diego FC
Saturday April 19
7:30 PM EDT
Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, NC
Final Score: 3-0
Charlotte FC Goals
Liel Abada 11’ (Assist: Biel)
Patrick Agyemang 39’ (Penalty)
Andrew Privett 57’ (Assist: Westwood)
Liel Abada opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on the Crown’s early dominance and a brilliant pass through traffic by Pep Biel, who now has nine goal contributions on the season and leads MLS with six assists.
In the 39th minute, Charlotte earned a penalty, thanks to Patrick Agyemang who converted the opportunity his first penalty goal in MLS league play.
Agyemang’s impact extended beyond the scoresheet. He drew two important yellow cards from Andrés Reyes, forcing San Diego FC to play with 10 men and unraveling their defense. Reyes’ dismissal disrupted San Diego’s rhythm and gave Charlotte more room to dictate tempo.
In the 57th minute, Charlotte put the game away with a clinical set-piece. Ashley Westwood delivered a perfect ball into the box off a free kick, and Andrew Privett rose to meet it with a header, scoring Charlotte’s third. The goal was a textbook execution of a designed play and a reward for consistent pressure.
While Privett’s goal was the icing on the cake of a 3-0 win, it had special meaning as the center back’s first-ever MLS goal.
“[It was a] long time coming for sure, so it’s good to finally get one,” Privett told reporters after the match. “We got the foul and [Charlotte FC captain Ashley Westwood] went over and told me he's just going to rip it across the front of the goal and to run across and just I just went on that near post and just put my face to the wall and get a head on it, so all it needed was a touch.”
Privett’s last goal was in 2022 - for Penn State. It was the same year where he had a goal contribution against Patrick Agyemang’s Rhode Island side, and back when the MLS defender was still playing as a collegiate midfielder.
Soccer Sheet Staff’s Man of the Match Picks
Rebekah: Ashley Westwood
Ashley gets my vote for Man of the Match for his goal contribution and successful execution of a set piece - something Charlotte FC has struggled with for almost four years now. Andrew Privett told the press that the Captain explained the play in detail, which made it easier for Privett to get this first-ever MLS goal.
Sam: Patrick Agyemang
He drew two yellow cards that added up to a red, and converted his first penalty for the club. If Pat did that every match he’d be the MVP.
Yara: Pep Biel
While Charlotte’s goals came from Abada, Agyemang, and Privett, it was Pep Biel who orchestrated the match from the midfield with exceptional composure, vision, and technical skill. Biel was instrumental in linking defense to attack, completing 87% of his passes, maintaining tempo, and constantly drawing defenders out of position.
Whether it was switching play, advancing the ball in transition, or pressing San Diego’s backline, Biel showcased why he’s become such a vital piece of Charlotte’s midfield engine this season. A performance full of intelligence and maturity Biel was everywhere tonight.
(Biel was also the club’s choice for Man of the Match)
Coming up next …
Charlotte FC will take to its home pitch once again when they face the New England Revolution on Saturday April 26, 2025, hoping to extend their winning streak and solidify their dominance atop the Eastern Conference.
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