Dean Smith is celebrating a momentous milestone as he signs a new three-year contract with Charlotte FC, extending his tenure with the club through 2027. The announcement comes on the heels of a significant victory, with Charlotte FC triumphing 4-1 over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium. Smith’s leadership at the club has seen a considerable rise in performance, leading to an exciting start for the team in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign.
Charlotte FC opened their season strong, gathering seven points from the first four matches, placing them among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Only Inter Miami, Philadelphia Union, and Columbus Crew have recorded more points than them so far this season, showcasing their competitive edge. Smith expressed his gratitude and excitement about the new contract: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being the head coach of Charlotte FC and I’m honored to sign a new contract with the club.”
Smith’s comments reflect his commitment to the team’s vision: “Everyone at the club is aligned in our vision to be a leader in Major League Soccer.” He further expressed gratitude towards the supporters, acknowledging their role in making the city feel welcoming for him and his family. “To our supporters, you have made our family feel welcome in this city and for that we’re grateful to each one of you. We will work together with the aim of consistently challenging for major trophies every season,” he added.
The match against the Earthquakes was a historic occasion, marking Charlotte FC’s first-ever game against San Jose. Smith's squad took an early lead thanks to Pep Biel, who scored unassisted in the 11th minute. The midfielder not only opened the scoring but also contributed two assists to the team, showcasing his emerging influence on the field.
Charlotte’s offensive continued to build as Ashley Westwood scored in the 36th minute, netting his first goal of the season. Idan Toklomati, a promising 20-year-old rookie forward, earned his first career assist on Westwood's goal, marking a significant achievement for the young player. By halftime, Charlotte was leading 3-0, with Brandt Bronico finding the net just before the break following an assist from Biel.
The second half saw Charlotte maintaining their dominance, with Kerwin Vargas adding a fourth goal in the 52nd minute. This goal marked Vargas' first of the current season and his 11th in his MLS career. The performance from Smith’s team was both powerful and cohesive, reflecting a well-constructed game plan.
While Charlotte celebrated, the San Jose Earthquakes struggled to find their footing after this decisive match. They were on a downward trajectory after losing two consecutive matches prior to facing Charlotte. In the lead-up to this match, Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena observed, “We had some decent scoring opportunities where we didn’t make the right pass at the right time.” Despite the setbacks, Arena remained optimistic, emphasizing the need for his players to demonstrate consistency as they navigate through the season.
San Jose did manage to score a consolation goal in the match when Cristian “Chicho” Arango converted a penalty kick in the 74th minute after Charlotte's Andrew Privett received a red card for a foul. This marked Arango’s third goal of the season. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina stood firm between the posts for Charlotte, completing the match with six saves, reinforcing his position as an essential player in the squad.
This remarkable victory means Charlotte remains unbeaten at home in six consecutive matches, signaling their strength on familiar turf. The team will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face the Colorado Rapids next week. Conversely, San Jose will be hosting the Seattle Sounders, seeking to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing start to this season.
In terms of stats, Charlotte FC’s performance this season has been notable, with an impressive record of three wins, one loss, and one draw, moving them to the top half of the Eastern Conference standings. Their achievement will undoubtedly encourage the team to aim high as they continue to challenge for playoff positions and beyond.
As the 2025 season progresses, fans on both sides eagerly anticipate their respective teams' journeys, with each match promising further excitement and drama as the weeks unfold. Charlotte's potential to challenge for significant accolades under Smith's stewardship creates a thrilling narrative for fans to follow.
