NYCFC Takes Playoff Opener In Charlotte

 

NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese leaps to make a save. Photo courtesy of NYCFC.

New York City Football Club took the first game of Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Tuesday night with a thrilling 1-0 win over Chatlotte FC.

Since this is a best-of-3 series, NYCFC can clinch it on Saturday afternoon in the second game at Yankee Stadium. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.

The lone goal in this one came in the 34th minute.

NYCFC kept it in Charlotte's zone, and they attempted a clear by the box that Andres Perea headed away, and Andres Martinez chased it down on the right side.

Martinez then slipped through six Charlotte defenders to get right to the center of the box, and he fired it by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

Alonso Martinez celebrates his goal. Photo courtesy of NYCFC.

This was Martinez's second career playoff goal, as he also scored on November 2, 2024, in the second game of the opening round against FC Cincinnati at Citi Field, a series NYCFC won.

Martinez now has 35 MLS goals, including playoffs, now third-most in NYCFC history, passing teammate Maxi Moralez, who has 34.

NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese earned the clean sheet as he made four saves. 

Freese now has two shutouts in the MLS Cup Playoffs, as he also had one in Game 3 against Cincinnati last year on November 9, 2024, a game that was 0-0, but NYCFC won in a shootout, 6-5.

This was Freese's ninth clean sheet in MLS games this season, incl. playoffs, and he has notched 100 saves as well.

Perea's assist on Martinez's goal was his first career goal contribution in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

NYCFC Head Coach Pascal Jansen said or the win, "We played a very strong, solid first half on both sides, out of possession and in possession. The moment itself was special because 'Tico' (Martinez) showed his individual qualities and scored the goal. The second half was less clean on the ball, but we defended well (enough) to keep the clean sheet. Those things together helped us secure this important victory today."

Jansen said of Martinez's performance and influence, "Alsonso has been maginificent for us. The growth he's shown throughout the season is tremendous. His mentality (to) improve every day is what brings him to this level. He scored a special goal at a special moment in a special game, and hopefully he can continue (this form) and keep us at a high level during the playoffs."