Sat Nov 01 18:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
NYCFC Snaps Playoff Road Loss Streak, Defeats Charlotte FC 1-0
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – New York City FC broke the trend of home-field advantage in the 2025 MLS playoffs on Tuesday night, securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC in the first game of their best-of-three series. Alonso Martínez, ending a personal three-game scoring drought, netted the decisive goal in the 34th minute.
Martínez, who tallied 17 goals during the regular season, capitalized on a headed pass from Andrés Perea, skillfully maneuvering through Charlotte’s defense before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese was also a key factor in the victory, contributing four saves to preserve the clean sheet. Freese had eight clean sheets during the regular season.
Charlotte FC played without forward Wilfried Zaha, who was serving a red card suspension.
With the win, NYCFC takes an early lead in the series and will host Charlotte FC for Game 2 on Saturday. They will look to take the series on their home pitch.
First Piper 