Alonso Martínez ended a three-game goal drought with a 34th-minute strike as New York City FC defeated Charlotte 1-0 on Tuesday night to take the lead in their best-of-three playoff series.
NYCFC became the first visiting team to claim a victory in the 2025 MLS playoffs, after the first eight away sides were defeated. The second game of the series is scheduled in New York City on Saturday.
Martínez, who scored 17 goals in the regular season, received a headed pass from Andrés Perea, advanced to the edge of the 18-yard box, and calmly slotted the ball past Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who recorded eight clean sheets during the regular season, made four key saves to preserve the shutout.
Charlotte played without forward Wilfried Zaha, who was serving a suspension following a red card.
Source: AP