NYCFC excited for crucial Game 3 against Charlotte with a chance for an MLS semifinal spot at stake

NYCFC’s Game 3 Strategy After Heartbreaking Loss

Following New York City FC’s tough defeat to Charlotte FC in Game 2, head coach Pascal Jansen decided to implement what he calls the “24-hour rule.” This gives his players a day to process their feelings before getting back into training.

“They were given 24 hours to handle their emotions, and then we got back to sessions,” Jansen shared. “We want to improve on Game 2 as we prepare for Game 3. This is what it’s all about, and we really need to evaluate if we’re ready for the next match.”

Jansen noted that this rule has been in effect since he began coaching the team this season. With a do-or-die scenario coming up in Game 3 on Friday, the approach will be tested.

As NYCFC heads back to Charlotte, the team must overcome the anguish of their previous loss while trying to secure only their second win ever at Bank of America Stadium.

In the first half of last Saturday’s game at Yankee Stadium, NYCFC squandered numerous chances. During the penalty shootout, both Julián Fernandez and Agustín Ojeda missed crucial shots, sealing their fate.

This sets the stage for a third game between two teams that have become quite familiar with each other over the last couple of weeks. According to midfielder Nicolas Fernandes, winning Game 3 will hinge on the “small details.”

“We know each other quite well now,” Fernandes pointed out. “We’ve faced off three times recently, so we’re familiar with each other’s play styles. We’ve been studying each other, but we’ll see how it plays out on Friday.”

The first two games have been somewhat similar, with NYCFC dominating early but being matched evenly later on.

NYCFC held 61 percent possession compared to Charlotte’s 39 percent, totaling eight shots—only one of which was on target. Although they had a corner advantage in the first half, Charlotte adjusted in the latter 45 minutes.

“It really comes down to how we handle possession,” Jansen reflected, acknowledging a recurring pattern. “Our accuracy was lacking, and our intensity going forward dipped. We just didn’t find our rhythm in controlling the game.”

On a brighter note, Jansen finds some comfort knowing that his team kept Charlotte FC, which boasts the best home record in MLS, scoreless in three of their four encounters this season.

He remarked that his squad “exceeded expectations” during their previous Tuesday match in Charlotte and suggested that their past performances should inspire confidence going into this crucial match.

“Looking at our four previous games, we’ve maintained three clean sheets. We were quite dominant in their stadium as well,” Jansen emphasized. “Those factors boost our confidence as we head into this match, but we need to ensure we make it happen.”