Nicolás Fernández scored twice in stoppage time while Alonso Martínez added another as New York City FC defeated Charlotte FC 3-1 on Friday night, winning the decisive third match of their best-of-three first-round MLS Cup playoff series.

With the victory, fifth-seeded NYCFC advanced to face top-seeded Philadelphia Union away in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The date and time for the match are yet to be announced.

Fernández, a 25-year-old midfielder in his debut season, broke the deadlock with an unassisted goal in first-half stoppage time to give New York a 1-0 lead at the break.

Just five minutes into the second half, Martínez doubled the advantage, converting a pass from Maxi Moralez. It was Martínez’s second goal of this postseason and his third in seven playoff appearances, while the assist marked Moralez’s first in 21 playoff outings — all with NYCFC.

Charlotte FC, seeded fourth, pulled one back in the 81st minute through first-year forward Idan Toklomati, who netted his maiden postseason goal off assists from Archie Goodwin and Harry Toffolo.

Fernández sealed the victory with his second goal of the night in the 10th minute of stoppage time, assisted by Hannes Wolf, who recorded his first playoff assist in seven appearances.

NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, making his seventh postseason start, did not face a shot on target. Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina made four saves in his seventh playoff start, but his team struggled to recover momentum after losing Pep Biel to a season-ending injury during the Leagues Cup.

Source: AP