3 things we learned from NYCFC's road playoff victory against Charlotte FC | OneFootball

On Tuesday, New York City FC began their MLS Cup Playoffs journey with a road game against Charlotte FC.  It was the first match of the Round One Best-of-3 series and the third meeting against Charlotte in 2025.  While the Pigeons won the last meeting at home, they had never won at Bank of America Stadium.

At least, that was the case until this match.  Thanks to Alonso Martínez, who finally scored for the first time since the last Charlotte fixture, NYCFC won 1-0.  An offensive first half and defensive second half secured the win, and now the team just needs to win one more to move on in the postseason.

It was not easy by any means, and the Boys in Blue are lucky that their leading goal scorer scored one of the best goals of the season.  He brought the ball down and dribbled it through multiple Charlotte players before taking his shot.  The way he moved was like watching someone play FIFA on the easiest mode possible.  Martínez, who had four shots overall, was why the match ended in a 1-0 win, but overall, the defense should be showered with flowers for how the players defended in the second half.

The first road win against Charlotte FC came at the best time.  Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s 1-0 win.

NYCFC players can play everywhere

The versatility of the players was on full display for NYCFC.  Raul Gustavo started the match and played as the left-back and center-back.  Then, Justin Haak switched back and forth between playing in the backline and defensive midfield.  Andrés Perea was everywhere, from the attacking midfield, central midfield, left midfield, and even an occasional run on the wings. And, like he always does, Maxi Moralez roamed all over the pitch, running the midfield like always.

One of the shocking moves from Pascal Jansen was that he played Kevin O’Toole in the attack.  The left-back, who played as a forward in college, played as the left-winger with Hannes Wolf on the bench.  When Wolf came on for Gustavo, O’Toole subsequently moved into his usual left-back spot.  It was an interesting decision, but it was beneficial for NYCFC, especially in the first half.

A tale of two halves

For the most part, the Pigeons played two different halves.  The first half was attack-heavy, with the exception that they scored only one goal.  Still, they had eight shots with four on target.  Martínez and Perea were major parts of the attack, and NYCFC spent a good portion near and in Charlotte’s box.

But the second half was another story.  The Boys in Blue were not as strong in the attack, for they had just four shots, with one on target.  Instead, they spent too much time defending and trying to stay in front on the road.  Charlotte, who had only three shots with one on target in the first half, had six shots with three on target in the second.  It felt like they would not go away, and even had numerous set pieces during the final 45 minutes.

It was pretty incredible that NYCFC kept Charlotte out of the back of the net.  But with Matt Freese’s four saves, the fact that there were very few mistakes, and the players working together like a machine to protect the goal, the Pigeons showed that they are capable of preventing the Crown from scoring at home.

At the same time, the second half’s lackluster attacking performance is a little concerning.  Ideally, when the teams meet again on Saturday, NYCFC will play more like the first half.

There were many firsts for NYCFC

With a 1-0 win, there were multiple firsts for the Bronx team.  To begin, this was Jansen’s first playoff win as the head coach.  In a way, he is one for one in the postseason.  Of course, this was his first match, and there will be losses, for that is the way the playoffs work.

Meanwhile, NYCFC has finally won on the road at Bank of America Stadium.  The Crown has dominated the series, winning five of eight matches.  Plus, the Pigeons only won their first game against them last year, and then the second in the previous meeting.  This win should act as a confidence booster.

Since the Bronx side won their last game before the playoff match, this marks the first time that NYCFC has beaten Charlotte in back-to-back games.  Perhaps this means that things are starting to change when it comes to the matchup.  Now, it would be great to make it three wins in a row.