Charlotte FC Beats NYCFC 7‑6 on Penalties After 0‑0 Draw in Game 2 of Audi Playoffs

Charlotte FC and New York City FC battled to a 0‑0 draw in Game 2 of their best‑of‑three MLS Cup Playoff series, with Charlotte ultimately prevailing 7‑6 in the penalty shootout to force a decisive Game 3 back at Bank of America Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.

Djibril Diani holding posession of te ball. Photo: Miguel Sanchez for Football Club Magazine / TheEditorial.org

Early on, NYCFC took control. In the 9th minute, Alex Morález volleyed a dangerous rebound over the bar after a quick counter. Just minutes later, Charlotte responded. At the 13th minute, Brandt Bronico’s volley rattled the woodwork, and at the 15th minute, Wilfried Zaha fell in the box following a threatening cross from Tifo Toffolo.

Throughout the first half, Idan Toklomati stood out with his two‑way play—dropping deep to help defense and joining attacks.

NYCFC continued to press via their right flank; a threat at the 32nd minute from Maxi Morález’s cross required a smart block. In the 40th minute, goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina tipped a Maxi corner aimed at Raúl Gustavo. Back in Charlotte’s attack, Bronico again was involved at the 41st minute: his low cross found Toffolo, who shot wide. Shortly after, Ashley West’s left‑footed attempt hit the crossbar, delivered by a run from Nathan Byrne and pass to Bronico.

The second half remained physical. Zaha’s 48th‑minute shot prompted alarm, and at the 53rd minute Charlotte failed to exploit a clear run—Diani held off on a through‑ball to Bronico. Diani received a yellow card at the 60th minute for a rash foul. NYCFC maintained 52% possession and created multiple dangerous moments around the 68th minute mark. At the 72nd–73rd minute, Kahlina produced a brilliant block on Thiago Martins’ header.

With no goals in regulation, the match turned to penalties. Charlotte converted seven of their shots, while NYCFC made six. The win levels the series at 1–1 and sets the stage for a decisive Game 3 at Charlotte’s home stadium this Friday.

Kerwin vargas reflected on Charlotte's performance and noted that he felt like his performance didn't go as well. " No corrio muy bien para mi, Estaba un poco cerrado - un poco marcado pero bueno se dio la victoria que es lo mas importante."

English Translation: "It didn't go so well for me, I was closed up, a bit marked but the team won and that's the important part."

Charlotte must now channel the momentum, sharpen their finishing, and manage game discipline as they aim to advance. Meanwhile, NYCFC face pressure to win the third given their playoff history compared to Charlotte who seeks to make history and make it to the next round of MLS playoffs for the first time.

Charlotte FC will face New York City FC at the Bank of America Friday, November 7th. Tickets are now available on ticketmaster.com

You can watch all the Charlotte FC playoff games live through the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app or at tv.apple.com — every match with no regional black‑outs. 

In the U.S., a select number of playoff matches may also air on FOX Sports networks (FS1/FOX) for cable and satellite viewers.