New York Red Bulls Advance to MLS Playoffs with Historic 5-2 Win Over Charlotte FC, Elias Manoel Nets Hat Trick

Red Bulls snap string of opening match losses and prepare for best-of-three series against FC Cincinnati.

Elias Manoel scored a historic hat trick, leading the New York Red Bulls to a 5-2 victory against Charlotte FC. This marks the Red Bulls' end to a string of four straight postseason losses in opening matches.
John Tolkin, who scored one of the goals, also provided a memorable moment of the match with his first-half free kick. This helped seal the Red Bulls' advancement to the best-of-three series against FC Cincinnati.
Despite their strong offensive performance in the wild-card match, the Red Bulls had struggled to score consistently during the regular season. Their forwards, including Manoel and Tom Barlow, had totaled only six goals in 62 regular-season appearances.
Charlotte FC was unable to compensate for its defensive issues, which had seen them concede the second-most goals of any playoff team during the regular season. Their elimination marks an end to their debut playoff run and first season.
The Red Bulls now prepare for a high-stakes series against FC Cincinnati, which boasts the Supporters’ Shield and has a history of eliminating the Red Bulls from past playoffs. Both teams favor a high-pressing style and have each won a match in their two regular season games.