Overview
- The best-of-three series is tied 1-1 after Charlotte took Game 2 on penalties following a scoreless draw at Yankee Stadium.
- Charlotte prevailed 7-6 in the shootout, with NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese denying Ashley Westwood before Agustín Ojeda and Julián Fernández failed to convert.
- NYCFC opened the series with a 1-0 away win on Oct. 28 through an Alonso Martinez solo goal, their blueprint for another road result.
- Jansen implemented a 24-hour reset after the shootout loss and emphasized sharper possession and finishing to decide the margins in Game 3.
- Charlotte owned the league’s best regular-season home record, underscoring the challenge as Nicolás Fernández says the decider will hinge on small details.