New York City FC win the first game in their best-of-three against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday night, 1-0 with a first half display from star striker Alonso Martinez. The win comes against a Charlotte team that had the most wins at home in the regular season, showing just how strong NYC has been heading into the playoffs.
It was first half dominance from City as they controlled the pace of the game and had the better chances. Attacking midfielder Andres Perea hit the crossbar after a good passing sequence. The pressure continued until Martinez dribbled into the box and past the defense before placing ball past the Charlotte keeper.
The second half saw a more aggressive approach from both teams. Physicality was on the menu as both clubs chipped away at each other, generating few chances. By the 71st minute four NYC players had accumulated yellow cards, showing just how gritty both teams approached the final 45 minutes.
Late in the contest it was Charlotte who pushed the game but couldn’t create any chances of note against MLS Goalkeeper of the Year candidate Matt Freese. City were able to hold on, taking the first game and forcing a potential eliminator on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
A win over the weekend would see NYCFC through to the next round of the playoffs, potentially seeing the club go face-to-face with local rivals Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference semi-final. First, the task at hand will be Saturday’s game, where a boisterous Yankee Stadium will greet the team.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Gray, Martins, Haak, Gustavo (72′ Wolf), O’Toole, Perea, O’Neill, Moralez (82′ Ojeda), N. Fernandez (90′ J. Fernandez), Martinez (90′ Reid)
Charlotte FC: Kahlina; Byrne, Ream, Malanda, Toffolo, Diani, Westwood, Bronico (78′ Goodwin), Vargas (86′ Cambridge), Toklomati, Abada (65′ Smalls)
SCORING SUMMARY:
34′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martinez (1) assisted by Andres Perea
DISCIPLINE:
36′ (NYCFC) Aiden O’Neill – YELLOW CARD
56′ (NYCFC) Tayvon Gray – YELLOW CARD
68′ (NYCFC) Raul Gustavo – YELLOW CARD
71′ (NYCFC) Justin Haak – YELLOW CARD
90′ (NYCFC) Kevin O’Toole – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank