Charlotte FC vs Nashville SC: 1 v 1 battles to watch

By Brian Maurer

Charlotte FC is coming off a disappointing road performance against the Colorado Rapids. They are back home this weekend where they are undefeated in 2025. This Saturday's test is against Southeastern rivals Nashville SC who have also started the season in good form, recently winning three straight before losing to FC Cincinnati last Saturday.

Both Charlotte and Nashville are tied on points with 10 and aiming to solidify themselves higher up the table, making this an early-season contest that feels like there are significant consequences within the rivalry matchup. Here are three 1 v 1 player battles that could be key to earning the result:

Patrick Agyemang vs Walker Zimmerman

Patrick Agyemang scored in his last start at Bank of America Stadium but struggled to keep that momentum going on the road in Colorado. He will face up against a tough backline this weekend, headed by USMNT center-back Walker Zimmerman. Agyemang will need to put serious pressure on the MLS veteran to try and destabilize Nashville's backline.

Ideally, he does this by getting himself into some one-on-one situations early and connecting with a Pep Biel through ball into space behind Zimmerman. Similar to the goal the young striker scored against Cincinnati a few weeks ago.

Charlotte FC's left-back vs Ahmed Qasem

Now that Tim Ream, Souleyman Doumbia, and Andrew Privett are all available for selection at the same time we will get a sense of which direction Dean Smith is thinking of taking the left side of the backline heading forward.

This weekend, whoever ends up playing left back for Charlotte will be up against newly acquired Nashville winger Ahmed Qasem. The Swedish winger is tied for the club lead in goals and has provided a new dynamic to the Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge-led attack. Limiting dynamism will be key to Charlotte's backline success, and a big part of that will be the role of Charlotte's left flank.

Ashley Westwood vs Edvard Tagseth

Edvard Tagseth is another new signing on BJ Callaghan's roster, and he has been a key piece to implementing Nashville's new look attack. The Norwegian midfielder is a good ball progressor and will look to impose some control on the road. Charlotte's veteran captain, Ashley Westwood, will need to establish early that new, exciting young signings don't get to establish control in the Carolinas.

Summary

This rivalry matchup has many exciting layers to it. The one that stands out the most is Charlotte FC coming in with a solidified and established playing style and starting eleven going up against Nashville SC's new look and new style led by Callaghan. Smith's group needs to continue showing that continuity at home as they have struggled earning points on the road.