HRB Roundtable: A look back at the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
The HRB crew discusses New York City FC's six-game postseason run — they go over what went right, what didn't, and what the future holds for this young team.
Matthew Mangam
Matthew Mangam is a student at Rutgers, where he is the Head Sports Editor for The Daily Targum and is a Senior Writer for Hudson River Blue. Matthew has been an NYCFC fan since 2014.
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Pascal Jansen on Inter Miami Matchup: NYCFC earned the right to be in this final
Will New York City FC's "bulletproof mindset" carry the team through a tough away matchup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs?
Oppo Research: 5 Things about Inter Miami
Inter Miami are feeling confident heading into the Eastern Conference Finals after scoring 12 goals in four playoff games. Will Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and newcomer Mateo Silvetti deliver on the promise of this high-flying team?
NYCFC 1-0 Philadelphia: 3 Thoughts
New York City FC brought the game to Philadelphia Union, scoring first then bunkering down to keep calm in a chaotic second half — and keep the hosts off the scoresheet to win this Eastern Conference Semifinal.
Oppo Research: 5 Things about Philadelphia Union
Confidence is high in Philadelphia as a full-strength Union look to move past a New York City hurt by missing players and advance to the Eastern Conference Final.
Oppo Research: 5 Things about Washington Spirit
This in-form Washington Spirit are feeling confident about facing Gotham FC the NWSL Championship Final — especially if Rosemonde Kouassi and Gift Monday continue to link up in attack.
Blast from the Past: NYCFC vs Philadelphia is 2021 redux
Once again, New York City FC are missing key starters due to injuries and a suspension. But unlike 5 years ago, this Philadelphia Union squad are fully fit.
New York City 3-1 Charlotte: 5 Thoughts
Nico Ferández Mercau lives up his Designated Player status, Alonso Martínez comes through (again), and the defense smother Charlotte to win this best-of-three series. But a severe injury to Andrés Perea casts a pal on the win.
Oppo Research: 5 Things about Charlotte FC
Will Idan Toklomati or Wilfried Zaha step up and score Charlotte FC's first goal in these playoffs? Or will this be another scoreless draw to be decided by the goalkeepers?
Matt Freese finishes 2nd in 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year vote
The New York City FC shotstopper led winner Dayne St. Clair among players and clubs, but lost the media vote.
New York City 0(6)-0(7) Charlotte: 4 Thoughts
New York City FC dropped Game 2 at home on penalties and now has to beat Charlotte on the road for a second time this series to keep their season alive.
Oppo Research: 5 Things about Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC need Wilfried Zaha to step up if they're to take this Best-of-3 series back to North Carolina. Is the 32-year-old up to the moment?
Matt Freese: 'I don't like being average'
In this exclusive interview New York City FC shotstopper Matt Freese tells us about choosing Harvard over Manchester United, his enduring friendship with Andre Blake, and why he signed a contract through 2030 with NYCFC.
Oppo Research: 5 Things about Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC open the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs after a convincing 2-0 win over league-best Philadelphia Union — and a troubling 4-1 loss to lowly CF Montréal. With Wilfried Zaha suspended, will the underwhelming Liel Abada step up?
NYCFC Playoff Preview: What to expect in Round One
The HRB crew looks ahead to New York City FC's MLS Cup Playoff matchup against Charlotte FC, and what we think we'll see go down in Round One.
Justin Haak previews MLS Cup Playoffs: 'We have a really good chance to do something special'
The New York City FC defender looks ahead to the best-of-three series with Charlotte FC, discusses Charlotte's strength at home, and explains why he and his teammates remain confident against the top teams in MLS.