Charlotte’s Winning Run Snapped as NYCFC Clinch Playoff Berth
Saturday’s clash at Yankee Stadium carried major implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race. New York City FC entered the night sitting fifth with 50 points from 29 matches, while Charlotte FC arrived in the Bronx in third with 53 points and a nine-match winning streak. With Inter Miami lurking just behind NYCFC in the table and a congested race for playoff seeding, this matchup promised to be a pivotal late-season battle.
NYCFC came into the fixture off a thrilling 3-2 victory over Columbus, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Julián Fernández. Charlotte, meanwhile, was brimming with confidence after dismantling Inter Miami 3-0 thanks to a hat trick from in-form striker Idan Toklomati. Dean Smith’s side had already clinched a playoff berth but were fighting to lock down home-field advantage, reserved for the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. NYCFC, on the other hand, were seeking both revenge for a 2-0 defeat earlier this year and an opportunity to punch their postseason ticket.
The early stages of the match were balanced, with Charlotte holding more possession but NYCFC carving out the clearer chances. Just three minutes in, Alonso Martínez was played through on goal, only to be denied by Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Six minutes later, New York earned a penalty after Kahlina fouled inside the box. Martínez confidently dispatched the spot kick down the middle, giving NYCFC a 1-0 lead and bringing the crowd to life.
The first half settled into a tactical duel. Charlotte controlled much of the ball but struggled to create meaningful chances, while NYCFC looked threatening on the counter. Fouls and yellow cards disrupted the flow, with three bookings for Charlotte and one for the hosts, adding a tense edge to the contest.
Early in the second half, New York doubled their advantage. A handball by Toklomati gifted NYCFC another penalty in the 56th minute. Once again, Martínez stepped up and converted, netting his 17th goal of the season to put his side firmly in control.
Charlotte were handed a lifeline in the 67th minute when Wilfried Zaha drew a foul inside the box. Zaha took the penalty himself, but Matt Freese produced a brilliant save to preserve the two-goal lead. The moment underlined why NYCFC recently extended Freese’s contract through 2030, as his stop proved decisive in halting Charlotte’s momentum.
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From there, New York managed the game with discipline. Toklomati, Zaha, and Pep Biel were all kept quiet by a well-organized back line, and Charlotte’s attack never found its rhythm. NYCFC saw out the final whistle to secure a professional 2-0 victory.
The result not only snapped Charlotte’s remarkable winning streak but also clinched NYCFC a spot in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. With four matches remaining, including high-profile clashes against Inter Miami, Philadelphia, and New York Red Bulls, Pascal Jansen’s men will aim to build on this momentum to see if they can secure home-field advantage for the playoffs, as they currently sit fourth on the same points as Charlotte with a game in hand.
As for Charlotte, the focus remains on securing a top-four finish to guarantee home-field advantage in the postseason, but their aura of invincibility has been broken at what could be the most inopportune of times.
By: Jahvon Barrett / @JahvonBarrett
Featured Image: @Juanffrann / Rob Casey – SNS Group