New York City FC secured a 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Friday night, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The win at Bank of America Stadium gave New York City a 2-1 edge in the Best-of-3 series.
The match began with both teams aware that only a win would keep their playoff hopes alive. Charlotte had previously tied the series with a penalty shootout win, setting up this decisive third game.
New York City Head Coach Pascal Jansen made one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Hannes Wolf for Raúl Gustavo. Early pressure from Charlotte saw Wilfried Zaha nearly score in the 10th minute, but Thiago Martins blocked his attempt. Djibril Diani also missed a header for Charlotte shortly after.
Nicolás Fernández Mercau almost opened scoring for New York City in the 27th minute, but Tim Ream blocked his shot. Charlotte’s Brandt Bronico missed an opportunity in the 34th minute by sending his shot over the bar.
The deadlock was broken during first-half stoppage time when Nico Fernández scored after intercepting a cleared corner and finishing past Kristijan Kahlina.
In the second half, Alonso MartÃnez doubled New York City’s lead after receiving a pass from Maxi Moralez and scoring under pressure from Nathan Byrne. Following this goal, play became more physical as Charlotte tried to get back into the game.
Andrés Perea was substituted due to injury in the 75th minute, replaced by Raúl Gustavo. Shortly after, Hannes Wolf’s cross nearly set up another goal for MartÃnez, but Charlotte’s defense intervened.
Charlotte managed to reduce the deficit in the 81st minute when Idan Toklomati scored following Archie Goodwin’s flick toward goal.
Late substitutions saw AgustÃn Ojeda and Julián Fernández come on for New York City as they defended their lead through 12 minutes of added time. In stoppage time, Nico Fernández scored again after receiving a pass from Wolf and finishing from a tight angle.
Fernández was substituted before full-time as Strahinja Tanasijević entered for the closing moments. The result confirmed New York City’s progression to face Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
