New York City FC 2-0 Charlotte FC 2025 MLS Regular Season - Matchday 35 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | Kickoff: 12:10pm ET Location: Yankee Stadium | The Bronx, NY Attendance: 22,084
New York City FC clinched a playoff spot with a 2-0 win over Charlotte FC at Yankee Stadium. Alonso Martínez converted two penalties, taking his MLS tally to 17, while Matt Freese saved a Wilfried Zaha spot kick to preserve the lead. Strong defending and late chances capped a composed display, extending NYCFC’s unbeaten run to three.
UP NEXT: The ‘Boys in Blue’ returns to Citi Field for the first time since May to face Inter Miami CF on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:30pm ET. | Apple TV: MLS Season Pass | Radio (English/Spanish) newyorkcityfc.com/radio
With today’s victory New York City has clinched a playoff berth for the 2025 MLS Playoffs. The team have made the playoffs in nine of their 11 seasons since the Club’s inception in 2015.
With this win against Charlotte FC, New York City matched their second highest win total all time in regular season play with 16. This was also achieved during the 2017, 2018 and 2022 seasons.
Their highest win total was 18 in the 2019 season.
When New York City FC scores first, the team’s record stands at 10-2-1 (W-L-D).
New York City is now 9-0-0 at home when scoring at least two goals.
With today’s 2-0 clean sheet win, New York City has ended Charlotte FC’s nine-game win streak that began when Charlotte FC defeated the Club 2-0 at Bank of America Stadium on July 12, 2025.
Based on the current standings, today’s clean sheet will be New York City’s fourth shutout in five matches this season against the top three teams in the Eastern Conference (Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, Charlotte FC).
In addition to today’s 2-0 clean sheet, this season New York City defeated FC Cincinnati 1-0 both home and away. They also defeated the Philadelphia Union at home 1-0.
All time against Charlotte FC, New York City has now posted a 2-5-1 (W-L-D) record. The Club has scored eight goals and conceded 12.
When playing specifically at home against Charlotte, New York City has a record of 2-1-1 (W-L-D). The Club has scored six goals and conceded five.
The last home match prior to this one was a 2-1 win at Yankee Stadium on April 27, 2024, making this the second consecutive home game the team has won against Charlotte.
New York City has never been held scoreless by Charlotte when playing at home.
New York City has not lost to Charlotte at home since the first time the two teams played each other. Charlotte won 3-1 at Sports Illustrated Stadium on August 17, 2022.
New York City has been on a good run of form since their defeat to Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium on July 12, 2025, losing only one match since. They have posted a record of 7-1-1 (W-L-D).
The last time New York City scored two penalties in a match was against the New England Revolution at Yankee Stadium on July 9, 2022. The Club defeated the Revolution 4-2.
Defender Raul Gustavo made his home debut for the ‘Boys in Blue.’
Gustavo started during the away match against Chicago Fire FC on Matchday 33, but today’s start is his first in the Bronx.
Forward Alonso Martínez scored his 16th and 17th goals of the season.
Martínez has scored his tenth game-winning goal of the season.
He is the first ever player to score 10 game-winning goals for the Club in a single season.
He ranks second in MLS history in game-winning goals scored in a single season with 10.
He is tied with former Atlanta United FC Forward Josef Martínez.
He is one goal away from tying San Jose Earthquakes Forward Chris Wondolowski (11) in all-time MLS game-winning goals.
All-time during the MLS Regular Season, he now has the second most game-winning goals for the Club with 13.
Martínez is now tied for third most goals with Midfielder Maxi Moralez in Club History recorded in MLS play including post-season with 34. Ahead are Forwards Valentín Castellanos (53G) and David Villa (80G).
With his 17th goal, Martínez has now surpassed his previous season-high of 16 goals scored in a single season (during the 2024 MLS Regular Season).
Martínez is now ranked second in multi-goal games (two goals) in a single season with five for the Club.
Martínez now ranks third on the Club’s all-time list for MLS Regular Season braces, recording six in total.
Martínez’s goals today were his fourth and fifth penalty kick goals (PKG) converted this season, which ties him for the second most in the league in PKG scored.
The last time Martínez scored a penalty kick goal was on May 25, 2025, against Chicago Fire FC at Yankee Stadium.
Since July 25, Martínez has registered 12 goal contributions in his last ten matches including Leagues Cup (10 goals, 2 assists).
Goalkeeper Matt Freese earned his eighth clean sheet of the season, tying Josh Saunders for the fourth-most shutouts in Club history during an MLS Regular Season.
NEW YORK CITY FC HEAD COACH PASCAL JANSEN
On his thoughts about making the playoffs and expectations for the season... “Well, the things that I agreed with, taking on this project, we’re playing for a top-four spot in general. It’s about how you get there, of course, and how you build your roster. That’s the interesting part. That’s the first experience for me working in the MLS. When certain people were getting a little bit nervous that we didn’t sign any players, and when Santi [former Midfielder Santiago Rodríguez] left, people were like, what’s going on? There’s no DP [Designated Player] coming in. Our strategy is very clear, and that’s what I committed to, and that’s why we got [Defender] Raul [Gustavo]. Same goes for [Midfielder] Aiden [O’Neill], same goes for [Midfielder] Nico [Fernández Mercau], because we believe that we can build a roster that can be competitive throughout the whole season and for many seasons. Now, we’ve clinched the playoff spot, which is obviously a success, but we want more. We still have a few games to go and still 12 points to gain, and then we’ll see where we finish. Once the league is finished, the season is finished, then we will start to focus on the playoffs.”
On his reflection of his first season with New York City FC... “I have to give credit to my team and my staff for that [success in his first season with the Club], because I can have the ideas, training schedule, approach and the philosophy, but they have to do the work and understand which direction I want to go with them. As I said, that’s a big credit to the team for understanding and also putting up with the hard stuff and the hard work that it takes in order to grow, because they’re very open-minded and very coachable as well. If you look throughout the season, we’ve had some bumps. There’s been a conversation around [that] we play better in the top games than we do when we play a team below us. But that’s not my approach. The approach is every game should be a final. Every game you have to play like it’s your last game on Earth, and that’s the mentality. You won’t be as good as your last game or maybe two games in a row, but you have to improve every time. That is the focus that we have. That’s a big compliment to the team — sticking with me, listening to my ideas, and trying to improve. That’s the basic story.”
NEW YORK CITY FC GOALKEEPER MATT FREESE
On his future with New York City FC after signing his extension... “I like to take things day by day. I signed an extension here because I believe in what we're doing, and a big goal of mine is to win a trophy here [with New York City FC] and make the World Cup squad. I see everything here as a path towards continuing to accomplish those two goals. I'm super thankful for the trust that the Front Office and everyone in the Sporting Department showed in me by giving me a long-term deal. I'm very happy with it.”
On the penalty save... "It's a big-time player taking the penalty and you have to just relax and enjoy the moment. Do your thing. I was fortunate to save it.”
NEW YORK CITY FC DEFENDER KEVIN O'TOOLE
On team morale heading into the playoffs... “I feel like we're kind of in one of our best moments as a team in quite some time, so it feels great. The momentum and the energy in the locker room is one of just belief, and we feel like when we step out on the field, we can compete with anyone and beat anyone on any day. That's kind of the vibe that the boys are feeling in the locker room. It's a good time to have it going into the playoffs.”
NEW YORK CITY FC DEFENDER RAUL GUSTAVO
On winning in his first start and clinching the playoffs... “I feel so good and excited for this moment. It's a bigger team atmosphere. The fans, the team. I'm so happy for everybody. [It was a] difficult game, but the win is the most important. Now [the team will be] resting [and] staying with family. Tomorrow, [we] start again and prepare for [the] next match.”
Full Match Highlights -
Goal - NYC - 11' - Alonso Martínez [16] -
Goal - NYC - 58’- Alonso Martínez [16] -
11’ - NYC - Alonso Martínez [16]
Scored from penalty with right footed shot with an xG of 77% to the central bottom zone.
58’- NYC - Alonso Martínez [16]
Scored from penalty with right footed shot with an xG of 77% to the upper right central zone.
New York City FC returned to Yankee Stadium on Saturday for a lunchtime clash with Charlotte FC, knowing victory would secure their place in the 2025 playoffs.
Head Coach Pascal Jansen made just one change from the side that defeated Columbus Crew in midweek, with Raul Gustavo stepping in for Aiden O’Neill.
Jansen’s side wasted no time asserting themselves, with Alonso Martínez forcing an early save from Kristijan Kahlina after only three minutes. Charlotte replied soon after, when Wilfried Zaha’s deflected strike demanded a fingertip stop from Matt Freese.
The game sparked into life minutes later as Andrés Perea burst forward and was brought down by Kahlina. Martínez took responsibility from the spot, coolly slotting home down the middle to give New York City the lead.
Charlotte looked for a quick equalizer, but Kevin O’Toole stood tall to block Adilson Malanda’s header. The hosts continued to combine well, with Hannes Wolf teeing up Perea for a thunderous strike that was blocked before it reached goal.
As halftime approached, Charlotte threatened from a dangerous free-kick on the left, only for the home defense to snuff out the danger. New York City ended the half on top but couldn’t add to their advantage.
Both sides returned from the break hunting the crucial next goal. In the 55th minute, New York City earned a second penalty following a VAR review—O’Toole’s shot was deemed to have struck the hand of Idan Toklomati.
Martínez once again stepped up and once again beat Kahlina, netting his 17th goal of the MLS season.
Jansen turned to his bench in the 65th minute with a double change, introducing Agustín Ojeda and Strahinja Tanasijević in place of Nicolás Fernández Mercau and O’Toole.
Charlotte were then awarded a penalty of their own after Tayvon Gray caught Zaha inside the area. The former Crystal Palace and Manchester United winger stepped up, but Freese guessed correctly and saved low to his right.
At the other end, Martínez came inches from securing his hat-trick, latching onto a through ball and firing a half-volley just past Kahlina’s post. Moments later, Gustavo rose highest from a corner but could not keep his header on target.
The 77th minute saw further changes for New York City, as Aiden O’Neill and Mitja Ilenič replaced Maxi Moralez and Gray.
They were soon joined on the field by Julián Fernández—fresh off his game-winner against Columbus—who replaced Martínez in the 80th minute.
Ojeda then had a chance to add his name to the scoresheet, but he was unable to keep his effort on target.
Heading into stoppage time, New York City earned a dangerous free-kick just outside Charlotte’s penalty area. Wolf lifted the ball over the wall, but Kahlina was equal to it, palming it away from danger.
That would prove to be the final chance of note as New York City FC recorded an impressive 2-0 win at home, extending their unbeaten run to three games, and clinching a spot in the playoffs.
