Heartbreak in the Bronx: NYCFC Fall to Charlotte FC in Dramatic Penalty Shootout

New York City FC suffered a painful defeat on Saturday afternoon, losing to Charlotte FC in a dramatic 7–6 penalty shootout at Yankee Stadium in Game 2 of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Best-of-3 series.

After a tense 90 minutes without goals, the visitors edged the shootout after 16 spot kicks, leveling the series at 1–1and forcing a decisive Game 3 back in North Carolina.

Bright Start for NYCFC, but Missed Chances Prove Costly

Head coach Pascal Jansen named an unchanged lineup from Tuesday’s 1–0 victory in Charlotte, hoping to seal qualification at home.

NYCFC began strongly, dominating possession and tempo early. Aiden O’Neill nearly opened the scoring with a powerful volley from the edge of the box after a clever corner routine, while Maxi Moralez went close soon after with a sharp effort that skimmed wide.

Charlotte, however, responded well. In the 14th minute, Brandt Bronico rattled the crossbar after NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese deflected a cross into danger. That close call sparked confidence in the visitors, who started pressing higher and creating chances on the counter.

Charlotte Hit the Woodwork Twice as Both Teams Trade Blows

As the first half unfolded, both sides found it difficult to break through organized defenses.
In the 40th minute, NYCFC came close again when Raúl Gustavo rose to meet a corner from Moralez, forcing a low save from Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina.

Moments later, Charlotte nearly struck first — Harry Toffolo missed a golden chance at the back post, and Ashley Westwood clipped the crossbar with a curling shot just before halftime.

Second Half: Freese and Kahlina Keep It Scoreless

The second half opened with both goalkeepers stepping up. Freese denied Wilfried Zaha with a reflex save, while Martínez tested Kahlina with a low strike at the other end.

Jansen made his first substitutions in the 67th minute, introducing Hannes Wolf and Agustín Ojeda. Wolf immediately made an impact, bending a free kick just over the bar minutes after coming on.

NYCFC pushed harder as time wore on — Thiago Martins saw a powerful header saved brilliantly by Kahlina in the 74th minute, and Andrés Perea flashed a shot across goal shortly after. Despite the pressure, Charlotte’s defense held firm to force penalties.

Penalty Shootout Drama: Charlotte Prevails 7–6

Neither team could find a breakthrough in regulation, sending the match to a high-stakes penalty shootout.
Both sides converted their first few attempts, with tension mounting after every kick.

After 16 penalties, Charlotte finally emerged victorious 7–6, as NYCFC’s final effort was saved by Kahlina — the hero of the night for the visitors.

The defeat marked a cruel end to an otherwise strong home performance for NYCFC, who now face a decisive Game 3on the road.

What’s Next: Series Decider in Charlotte

With the series now tied 1–1, NYCFC will travel to Bank of America Stadium for Game 3, where a win will secure a place in the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Pascal Jansen’s squad will look to regroup quickly, refine their finishing, and recapture the composure that earned them victory earlier in the week.