Charlotte FC Survive Penalty Thriller to Force Game 3 in MLS Playoffs
In an intense Round One MLS Cup Playoff clash, Charlotte FC edged past New York City FC in a dramatic penalty shootout to keep their postseason alive. After 120 minutes of goalless tension at Yankee Stadium, goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina emerged as the hero, saving Agustín Ojeda’s final spot kick to give Charlotte a 7-6 victory on penalties and level the best-of-three series at 1-1.
Coming into the matchup, NYFC held the advantage after an impressive 1-0 win away from home in Game 1. That result was a massive statement, especially against a Charlotte side that posted the league’s best home record (13 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw). The absence of Wilfried Zaha, who missed the opener through suspension, proved costly in that first game as Alonso Martínez’s first-half solo strike gave New York a crucial edge heading back to Yankee Stadium.
For Game 2, Zaha’s return was the headline story. His presence gave Charlotte renewed hope, but NYFC started the brighter side. Backed by a lively home crowd, they pressed high early and nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when Maxi Moralez fired wide after a sweeping counterattack. Charlotte responded quickly, hitting the crossbar in the 13th minute after a fumble by NYFC keeper Matt Freese.
The visitors grew into the match as the half wore on, creating a string of near chances. Harry Toffolo and Ashley Westwood both came agonizingly close, striking wide and then off the post respectively before halftime. Despite their dominance in possession, Charlotte couldn’t find a breakthrough, and the first half ended 0-0.
Charlotte began the second half with more patience and composure, opting to play through the midfield rather than rely on hopeful long balls. This more measured approach saw them probe the NYFC defense, but it also left them vulnerable to counters from Nicolás Fernández and Moralez pulling the strings.
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As the minutes ticked by, Charlotte’s play became frantic again. In the 72nd minute, a poor clearance nearly gifted NYFC a goal from a Thiago Martins header, only for Kahlina to produce a stunning save to keep his team alive. Freese, meanwhile, enjoyed a relatively quiet half, dealing comfortably with the few shots that came his way.
Neither side could find the net, sending the match to penalties. From there, the drama escalated. Both sides traded perfect penalties until Ashley Westwood’s effort was denied by Freese, giving NYFC the upper hand. However, the advantage was short-lived as Julian Fernández would later step up and carelessly skew his effort well wide of the target, letting Charlotte right back into it. The shootout then continued deep into sudden death with both teams matching each other until the decisive moment.
Charlotte took the shootout 7-6, with Kahlina’s final save sealing a vital win. The result sends the series back to Bank of America Stadium tied 1-1, setting up a decisive Game 3 with everything to play for. Zaha’s return and Kahlina’s heroics have breathed new life into Charlotte’s playoff run, while NYFC will have to dig deep and find another road victory if they want to keep their MLS Cup dreams alive. Game 3 promises fireworks as both sides fight to advance to the next round.
By: Jahvon Barrett / @jahvonbarrett
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Joe Giddens – PA Images