NYCFC Ends Charlotte FC 9-Game Win Streak to Clinch Playoff Spot

New York City FC secured a playoff spot by defeating Charlotte FC 2-0, with Alonso Martínez scoring two penalty-kick goals and goalkeeper Matt Freese making a key penalty-kick save. This victory marked New York City's second win in eight meetings against Charlotte and extended their unbeaten run to three games. Charlotte's nine-game winning streak, which tied the post-shootout era record, was halted by this loss. Martínez opened the scoring early in the match and added his 17th goal of the season in the second half, while Freese's penalty save contributed to his eighth clean sheet of the season. Both teams now have 53 points, trailing the Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union by four points, with Charlotte having only three regular-season games remaining. The match underscored the competitive intensity as both teams vie for top positions in the playoffs.