NYCFC Beats Charlotte 1-0 in Playoff Opener

New York City FC defeated Charlotte FC 1-0 in Game 1 of the best-of-three MLS Cup Playoffs at Bank of America Stadium, with Alonso Martínez scoring in the 34th minute. Charlotte, missing suspended Wilfried Zaha and also without Pep Biel, generated pressure—including eight corners and numerous shots—but could not convert as Martínez’s composed finish beat Charlotte keeper Kristijan Kahlina; NYCFC keeper Matt Freese also made key saves. NYCFC collected five yellow cards and a late skirmish between Charlotte captain Ashley Westwood and Kevin O’Toole added to the tension. The loss puts fourth-seeded Charlotte into a win-or-go-home position: they must beat fifth-seeded NYCFC in Game 2 at Yankee Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. to force a deciding third match back in Charlotte. New York became the first away team to win in the 2025 MLS playoffs' opening round.