By Billy McGee
November 7, 2025
After a disappointing start to their Round One matchup with New York City FC in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Charlotte FC has forced a win-or-go-home game three following an electrifying 7-6 penalty shootout victory in game two at Yankee Stadium.
The Crown was without their talisman, Wilfried Zaha, leading to a 1-0 loss at home where the team struggled in the attack. Game Two saw a better performance for Charlotte, but neither team was able to find the net in regulation. It wasn’t for a lack of effort — Charlotte struck the woodwork twice in the first half, while NYCFC registered 18 total shots, though only five of them on target, leading to 1.3 xG.
In the shootout, Charlotte fell behind early after Ashley Westwood had his penalty saved, putting them down 2-1, but Kristijan Kahlina evened the score with a save on Julian Fernandez in the fourth round. The contest extended to the eighth round, when Nathan Byrne put his attempt past NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese before Kahlina secured the win with his second save of the shootout on Agustin Ojeda.
Charlotte now sits in the same position they were in last season, heading into Game Three of Round One, but this time they are hosting the elimination game. They will face the same challenge in Game Three: finding a way to score against one of the best defenses in Major League Soccer. The Crown managed to put two goals past that defense in their first matchup this season back in July, with Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas on the scoresheet and Zaha registering an assist.
Defensively, Charlotte should be able to limit NYCFC’s attack, as they have in their four previous matchups this season. In those games, Charlotte has allowed three goals, with only one coming from open play. In every matchup between the two teams, NYCFC has registered more shots than the Crown, but that has been the norm for Charlotte this season.
There have been stretches where injuries and rotations along the backline have led to more goals allowed, but when the defensive unit has had continuity — as they currently do — they have been stout.
If the Crown can remain strong defensively, as they have in previous matches, and the attack can generate quality chances through Zaha and Vargas out wide, they will have a good chance of advancing to the next round of the playoffs. A return to form for Toklomati will also be crucial for Charlotte. While the 21-year-old striker has not played poorly, he is in the midst of a six-match stretch without a goal or assist.
The match is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on Friday, November 7, and will be available to watch on Apple TV and the MLS Season Pass. Fans in attendance will also receive a limited-edition rally towel.
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