Playoff soccer returned to Yankee Stadium for the first time since 2021 and New York City FC lost to Charlotte FC 7-6 on penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw in regulation.
Nothing could separate the two teams and it took eight rounds of penalties to decide a winner, with Charlotte's Kristijan Kahlina making a save on Agustín Ojeda to give the visiting team the win at Yankee Stadium.
Here are four thoughts from the playoff match in the Bronx.
1. Poor first half
NYCFC set the tone early last Tuesday against Charlotte — one of the best home teams in MLS. In the first half, New York City had 57 percent possession and put four of its eight shots on target, good for 1.35 expected goals (xG).
Fast forward to Saturday and Game 2, the first half was a completely different story. NYCFC dominated possession yet again but had nothing to show for it. Instead, it was Charlotte who was the better team.
Hudson River Blue Staff
Brandt Bronico hit the crossbar in the 14th minute, and Ashley Westwood did the same 26 minutes later. Harry Toffolo also missed a tap-in from point-blank range. Charlotte had the chances but it was still scoreless at the break.
Kevin O'Toole — making his second straight start on the left wing — was New York City's best player in the first half, creating three chances. But none were created for Alonso Martínez, who scored the game-winning goal last Tuesday.
2. Another half, just as disappointing
The second half followed the same trend, except that both teams were quiet offensively.
Head Coach Pascal Jansen made his first two substitutions in the 68th minute, bringing on Agustín Ojeda and Hannes Wolf for O'Toole and Maxi Moralez, respectively.
NYCFC had its best chance of the game in the 74th minute. Off a free kick, Nicolás Fernández's cross was met with a thundering header from Thiago Martins, but Kristijan Kahlina saved it.
New York City totaled eight shots, four on target, in the second half, but only one really threatened Kahlina. Charlotte had two second-half shots, both of which were saved.
With the game scoreless after 90 minutes, it would be decided via a penalty shootout.
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