New York City FC win again in Charlotte to eliminate Charlotte FC from the MLS Cup Playoffs on Friday night. Two goals from Nico Fernandez punctuated a particularly decisive win for the visitors and delivering them to rivals Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference semi-final.
The first half saw much of the same from the previous two games. It was a midfield battle where little was produced from either side. Charlotte did have moments where they appeared to be building up into the game but couldn’t find anything substantial. The moment came for NYC in stoppage time when Fernandez dribbled from his own box, down the field and scored to open the game. The magical effort showed just how special the mid-season signing is and how he is quickly becoming City’s difference maker.
The second half saw NYC return with confidence and pushing for the second goal. They found it in the 50th minute when Maxi Moralez lobbed a pass over the head of the Charlotte defense, finding the team’s leading goal-scorer Alonso Martinez. The Costa Rican beat the only defender and slotted his shot past the keeper to double the lead.
Charlotte did attempt a comeback with an 81st minute goal, their first in the three-game series. However, it wasn’t enough as a stoppage time brace from Fernandez meant that City would see their way past the opposition.
NYC impressed with two away wins against one of the toughest home teams in the league. Now, they will have to take that road form to Philadelphia where they will play the best team in the league and potentially continue their run deep into the MLS Cup Playoffs.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Wolf, Gray, Haak, Martins, O’Toole, Moralez (90′ J. Fernandez), O’Neill, Perea (75′ Gustavo), N. Fernandez (90′ Tanasijevic), Martinez (90′ Ojeda)
Charlotte FC: Kahlina; Byrne, Ream, Malanda, Toffolo, Diani, Westwood, Bronico (61′ Goodwin), Vargas (78′ Abada), Toklomati, Zaha
SCORING SUMMARY:
45′ (NYCFC) Nico Fernandez (1) unassisted
50′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martinez (2) assisted by Maxi Moralez
81′ (Charlotte FC) Idan Toklomati (1) assisted by Archie Goodwin & Harry Toffolo
90′ (NYCFC) Nico Fernandez (2) assisted by Hannes Wolf & Agustin Ojeda
DISCIPLINE:
67′ (NYCFC) Andres Perea – YELLOW CARD
67′ (NYCFC) Aiden O’Neill – YELLOW CARD
87′ (Charlotte FC) Archie Goodwin – YELLOW CARD
90′ (Charlotte FC) Tim Ream – YELLOW CARD
90′ (NYCFC) Nico Fernandez – YELLOW CARD
photo from NYCFC