New York City FC: How they reached the Eastern Conference Final | OneFootball

By MLSsoccer staff

New York City FC are one win away from making MLS Cup presented by Audi for the first time since lifting the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in 2021. Inter Miami CF stand in their way in Saturday's Eastern Conference Final at Chase Stadium (6 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV).

The Cityzens have quietly been one of the most consistent teams in MLS over the last five years, reaching the Conference Final for the third time since their MLS Cup-winning 2021 campaign.

Let's take a closer look at how they got to this point.

Round One: Game 1

Charlotte FC 0 - New York City FC 1

NYCFC got their Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs run off to a great start, stunning Charlotte FC, 1-0, at Bank of America Stadium. The Crown held a 13W-3L-1D home record during the regular season.

As he often did during the regular season, Alonso Martínez provided the game-winning goal, a brilliant solo effort in which he slalomed through multiple defenders to help his side snatch a difficult road victory.

WATCH: Alonso Martínez wonder goal fires NYCFC past Charlotte

Round One: Game 2

New York City FC 0 (6) - Charlotte FC 0 (7)

Returning home in Game 2, NYCFC were unable to close out Round One with a two-game sweep. In a tightly contested affair, neither side scored in regulation, which sent the match to a penalty kick shootout.

In PKs, Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina came up clutch, denying Agustín Ojeda's spot-kick in the eighth round to secure a 7-6 shootout victory for the visitors and level the series at 1-1.

WATCH: Kahlina, Charlotte stonewall NYCFC to keep season alive

Round One: Game 3

Charlotte FC 1 - New York City FC 3

In a do-or-die Game 3, New York City rose to the occasion in front of a raucous crowd at the Bank. The Cityzens defeated Charlotte away from home for the second time in the Best-of-3 Series, securing a 3-1 victory to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

DP midfielder Nicolás Fernández Mercau, acquired in the summer from LaLiga side Elche, had his breakout moment for NYCFC, scoring a superb brace. Meanwhile, Martínez netted his league-best 12th game-winning goal to clinch the Round One upset.

WATCH: Nicolás Fernández Mercau brace sends NYCFC into Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference Semifinals

Philadelphia Union 0, New York City FC 1

The "road warriors" theme continued in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where NYCFC shocked another MLS Cup contender by downing Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union, 1-0.

Missing Martínez and Andrés Perea due to injuries, as well as midfielder Aiden O'Neill through suspension, NYCFC were short-handed but unfazed. Maxi Moralez turned back the clock to score the game's lone goal, while Freese produced multiple highlight-reel saves to keep the Union off the board and ensure progression to the Conference Final.

WATCH: NYCFC SHOCK Supporters' Shield-winning Philadelphia Union

Regular Season

NYCFC qualified for the playoffs by finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference. Under first-year head coach Pascal Jansen, the Cityzens wrapped up their campaign with 56 points (17W-12L-5D record).

They were led up top by Costa Rican striker Alonso Martínez (17g/2a), while Hannes Wolf (11g/7a) and club legend Maxi Moralez (2g/11a) also provided an attacking boost. They also boasted a strong backline, highlighted by USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese.