New York City FC pulled off an upset over Charlotte FC in the opening match of this best-of-three series of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
A chilly night in North Carolina featured a tense matchup between Eastern Conference foes who split their two meetings this season, with each team winning their home regular season game 2-0. The first half was dominated by a high-flying New York City side that took advantage of a home side that just didn’t look comfortable on the ball.
The match opened up in the second half and featured a playoff intensity from both sides that was lacking in the first, and Charlotte FC, with the home crowd behind them, were able to put more pressure on a stubborn NYCFC. It was a nervous final fifteen minutes for the away side who defended with their lives.
The visitors got the job done and the first away win of this year's MLS playoffs goes to New York City FC. Here are four thoughts on that dramatic win.
1. Fluid formation leads to a clean sheet
The New York City lineup was an interesting one to dissect before kickoff. With Hannes Wolf forced to the bench, what side would Nico Fernández Mercau play on, and what player would occupy the opposite? Would Justin Haak spend much of the match in the midfield? Would the defense feature a back-three?
