A brace from Argentine Nicolás Fernández and a goal from Costa Rica’s Alonso Martínez clinched New York City’s 3-1 win over Charlotte on Friday, November 7, giving the New Yorkers a ticket to the MLS East semifinals, where they will play Philadelphia Union.
New York City came out on top in the third and decisive game of the first round series of the MLS playoffs, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Nico Fernandez shines with a double
Nico Fernández starred with a double.
He broke the deadlock with a great personal action in first-half stoppage time.
He covered more than 40 meters with the ball and sealed the game in the 100th minute with an elegant lob over the goalkeeper.
Alonso Martínez had made it 2-0 five minutes after the restart.
He finished effectively in the box after an assist from Argentine Maxi Morález.
Charlotte pulled one back in the 81st minute through Israel’s Idan Toklomati.
And he gave himself a chance to send the game to penalties, before Fernandez sealed NYC’s 3-1 win.
The game ended after up to fifteen minutes of added time in the second half.
The MLS East semifinals between NYC and Union will be played at Philadelphia’s home field.
With information from EFE
The rise of New York City FC
Founded in 2013 and officially incorporated into MLS in 2015, New York City FC was born as a joint franchise between Manchester City and the New York Yankees.
This with the goal of representing the Big Apple in professional soccer.
In just a few years it consolidated its position as one of the most competitive clubs in MLS, standing out for its attacking style and stellar signings such as David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.
In 2021, NYC FC reached its greatest achievement by winning the MLS Cup, marking a historic milestone for New York soccer.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
