NYCFC Edges Charlotte 1-0 in Game 1 of MLS Cup Playoff Series
New York City FC takes a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series against Charlotte FC after Alonso Martinez's decisive goal.
Alonso Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute, showcasing his skill as he received a headed pass from Andrés Perea...
New York City FC took a crucial step towards the conference semi-finals after defeating Charlotte FC 1-0 in the opening match of their MLS Cup Eastern Conference round one playoff series. Alonso Martinez scored the decisive goal in the first half, capitalizing on a headed pass from Andres Perea to seal the win for the visiting team.
This just in... There's a new @MLS Goal of the Year Winner 🤷 https://t.co/VTpXPKXUye pic.twitter.com/xLHGDGGv8o
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) October 29, 2025
Despite having home-field advantage, Charlotte FC was without key players Pep Biel, who was injured, and Wilfried Zaha, who was suspended after being red-carded in their previous match. The 1-0 victory gives New York City FC a significant advantage in the best-of-three series, putting them just one win away from advancing to the next round, where they would face either Philadelphia Union or Chicago Fire.
JOB'S NOT DONE. pic.twitter.com/ZJJV7AJMQj
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) October 29, 2025
The team was weakened by the absence of Pep Biel, who was sidelined with an injury, and Wilfried Zaha, who was serving a suspension after being sent off in the regular-season finale against Philadelphia. Despite these key absences, Charlotte still managed to secure a victory.
Alonso Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute, showcasing his skill as he received a headed pass from Andrés Perea, expertly maneuvered past multiple defenders, and slotted the ball past Kristijan Kahlina with a precise right-footed shot. This impressive strike gave New York City FC a 1-0 lead over Charlotte FC in their best-of-three series. NYCFC's goalkeeper Matt Freese made crucial saves, including one in the 86th minute on Perea's header, to preserve the shutout and help his team take a vital advantage in the series.
UNREAL SOLO EFFORT FROM ALONSO MARTÍNEZ! 🤯
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 28, 2025
📺 Apple TV or FS1: https://t.co/QCY82lAYB0 // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/BsWYmEyWJf
The winner of this series will advance to face either Philadelphia Union or Chicago Fire in the next round. Philadelphia, the top-seeded team and Supporters' Shield winner, took a crucial step forward after beating Chicago in a penalty shootout in game one of their series.
This upcoming matchup promises to be intense, with Philadelphia's strong regular-season form facing off against the winner of this series. The team that advances will need to be prepared for a tough contest against a high-quality opponent.
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