NYCFC’s Playoff Journey Continues in Heartbreaking Penalty Shootout
New York City FC will have to keep waiting for their chance to move on in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Following a tense, scoreless 90 minutes at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, NYCFC fell to Charlotte FC in a penalty shootout, losing 7-6. Nathan Byrne clinched the match for Charlotte, while NYCFC’s final shot hit Agustín Ojeda’s deflection.
For NYCFC to advance, they simply need to return to Charlotte and secure a victory there.
Throughout the match, NYCFC’s narrative revolved around missed opportunities. They dominated possession in the first half, holding a 61-39 advantage, and also led in corner kicks, 5-1.
In the second half, Charlotte’s goalkeeper Christian Kalina made crucial stops at the 74th and 77th minutes. Additionally, a promising free kick chance for NYCFC in the 70th was thwarted by Hannes Wolff’s cross.
Zaha had another opportunity to score when he took a shot from outside the penalty area in the 49th minute, but Freese made a diving stop.
Kalina had a strong performance for Charlotte, finishing with five saves.
NYCFC came out strong from the game’s onset. A corner kick in the fifth minute was deflected but still found Aiden O’Neill, whose shot sailed over the net. Just moments later, Tavon Gray’s rebound shot went over the crossbar, marking what could have been a goal.
Charlotte nearly shifted momentum in the 14th minute with a great opportunity as Brant Bronico struck the crossbar from the middle of the box.
In the 40th minute, Raul Gustavo’s header off a corner kick looked promising but was saved by Karina in a dramatic diving effort.
Though there were moments for Zaha, Idan Tokromati, and Harry Toffolo, only two shots on goal were logged in a back-and-forth first half.
Saturday’s contest marked NYCFC’s first playoff match at Yankee Stadium since their 2021 championship win.
