Charlotte vs NYCFC face off in a high-stakes, winner-takes-all 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Game 3 of their Round One Best-of-3 series on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium.
The series is tied 1-1, with NYCFC claiming a 1-0 win in Game 1 at Charlotte on October 28, and Charlotte thrillingly bouncing back with a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout victory in Game 2 at Yankee Stadium on November 1.
Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina was the hero in Game 2, making crucial penalty saves to send Charlotte through to the deciding Game 3.
The winner will advance to face the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on November 22 or 23 at Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania.
Both teams have struggled to replicate their home-field advantage in the playoffs, setting up a thrilling neutral encounter where home advantage means little.
Charlotte finished the regular season 4th with 59 points from 19 wins, 2 draws, and 13 losses, while NYCFC secured 5th place with 58 points from 18 wins, 6 draws, and 12 losses.
In head-to-head matchups during the regular season, NYCFC won 2-0 away on September 20, followed by Charlotte’s thrilling 2-2 draw at home on October 28 before the penalty shootout drama in Game 2.
Charlotte vs NYCFC Match Preview – Team News, Recent Form, Tactical Analysis & Prediction
- Teams: Charlotte vs NYCFC
- Match: MLS Cup Playoffs Round One – Game 3 (Win-or-Go-Home)
- Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Capacity: 75,525
Regular Season Final Form
Charlotte FC finished the regular season strong, entering a nine-match winning streak in early July that was tied with Seattle Sounders FC for the longest post-shootout era streak in MLS.
The streak ended with a 2-0 loss to NYCFC on September 20, marking a crucial turning point. Overall, Charlotte registered 55 goals scored and 47 conceded this season, with exceptional home form: 13 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses at Bank of America Stadium (72% win rate at home). Away form proved challenging with just 6 wins, 2 draws, and 10 losses.
New York City FC compiled 51 goals scored and 44 conceded during the regular season. Their home record at Yankee Stadium reads 11 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses (61% home win rate), while maintaining a solid away record of 7 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses (39% away win rate).
NYCFC demonstrated possession-heavy football with an average of 54% possession and 12.61 shots per match, though their conversion rate stood at 11%.[4]
| Team | Record | Points | Home Form | Away Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte FC | 19W-2D-13L | 59 | 13W-1D-4L (72% win%) | 6W-2D-10L (33% win%) |
| NYCFC | 18W-6D-12L | 58 | 11W-1D-6L (61% win%) | 7W-5D-6L (39% win%) |
Playoff Series Head-to-Head
| Match | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | October 28, 2025 | Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte Home) | NYCFC 1-0 Charlotte |
| Game 2 | November 1, 2025 | Yankee Stadium (NYCFC Home) | Charlotte 1-1 NYCFC (7-6 PK Win for Charlotte) |
| Game 3 | November 7, 2025 | Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte Home) | TBD |
Charlotte vs NYCFC Key Team News & Injury Updates
Charlotte FC
- Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made the crucial save in the penalty shoot-out to force Game 3.
- Injuries:
- Pep Biel is out with a knee injury.
- Drake Callender is out with a sore groin.
- Nimfasha Berchimas is doubtful with a foot issue.
New York City FC
- Midfielder Santiago Rodríguez is not available (he has been reported as still sidelined).
- Other injuries:
- Keaton Parks and Malachi Jones remain out due to leg injuries.
- Jacob Arroyave is doubtful because of a knee problem
Charlotte vs NYCFC Possible Starting Lineups
Charlotte FC (4-2-3-1):
New York City FC (4-3-3):
- Freese (GK); Gray, Martins, Haak, Gustavo; Perea, O’Neill; Moralez, Fernández, Martínez (as advanced attacker)
Tactical Insights
- Charlotte FC: Exploit set-piece opportunities, press high in midfield to disrupt NYCFC’s possession-based build-up, and utilize long balls from goalkeeper Kahlina for quick transitions
- New York City FC: Maintain possession control, use lateral movement to open passing lanes, and attempt to tire Charlotte through sustained attacking pressure; avoid early mistakes that lead to counter-attacks
Key Players to Watch
Charlotte FC
- Wilfried Zaha: veteran winger, capable of providing the difference in attack.
- Kristijan Kahlina: vital in goal, especially given his shootout heroics.
- Idan Toklomati: younger forward option, could benefit if the match opens up.
New York City FC
- Alonso Martínez: their main attacking threat, especially dangerous on the break.
- Matt Freese: goalkeeping reliability matters in tight playoff games.
- Andrés Perea / Aiden O’Neill: midfield control and transitions will be crucial.
Charlotte vs NYCFC Prediction
This is a high-pressure, closely contested match: the home team is chasing their first goal of the series, while the away team holds the advantage in confidence and talent.
NYCFC is likely to maintain composure and have the edge in a tight game. Charlotte will put up a solid defense but may struggle to break down NYCFC due to injuries and the weight of the “must-win” situation.
Prediction: Charlotte FC 0-1 New York City FC
How to Watch Charlotte vs NYCFC Game 3
| Country | TV Broadcasting |
|---|---|
| USA | Apple TV MLS Season Pass; FuboTV. |
| Canada | DAZN or RDS |
| Australia | beIN Sports |
| Europe | Apple TV MLS Season Pass; Sky Sports. beIN (France/Spain), DAZN (Germany/Italy) |