New York City FC enter Friday night with a do-or-die scenario against Charlotte FC in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. A win and they will advance to play Philadelphia Union. A loss and they will see themselves out in the first round, frustrated again from a lack of progress into the MLS Cup Playoffs. Familiarity between the two clubs will make the meeting even more interesting. Only one goal has been scored between the two of them in open play, with expectations that another defensive fight is on the horizon.
“They’ve studied us and know us well,” said Nico Fernandez in the pre-match media availability. “I think the game will be decided on small details, and hopefully we’ll be up for the challenge.”
The only player to score a goal in either game is Alonso Martinez. The Costa Rican star striker has been the linchpin for NYCFC’s offense all season, meaning that he will need to find his scoring legs in order for the away side to advance. On the opposite end is Wilfried Zaha, a Premier League veteran who missed the opening game due to suspension but showed little in the attack at Yankee Stadium for Charlotte.
Other questions have arisen as to whether or not players like Hannes Wolf will see the field at the start of the game. While NYC are not the youngest team, they have only a few veteran players with knockout game experience like Wolf. Head coach Pascal Jansen addressed his veteran leadership earlier in the week.
“Shared responsibility has been a key value from day one,” said Jansen to the media. “When you’re 20 or 21 and you step up to take an important penalty there’s a chance you can miss. Your team has to be there to pick you up, get you ready for the week and prepare for Game 3. That’s exactly what we did.”
The season is riding on City’s away performance which has been formidable in 2025. Jansen’s men have won six games in the regular season away from the five boroughs, not including Game 1’s victory against one of the best home teams in the league. Charlotte will hope that they have put one bad performance aside. However, they have yet to hit the back of the net in 180 minutes of regulation time in the playoffs.
photo from NYCFC