Sophia
Bronx, NY – The roar of the crowd at Yankee Stadium on Saturday was more than just a celebration of a win; it was the sound of a dream reignited. New York City FC, with a dominant 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC, officially clinched a spot in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, marking their second consecutive postseason berth. This pivotal win not only secured their playoff future but also emphatically snapped Charlotte FC’s impressive nine-match winning streak, an MLS record.
The triumph underscored a remarkable turnaround for the Pigeons, who have found their stride in the latter half of the season, boasting seven wins in their last nine outings. With 53 points already accumulated and four games still to play, this tally marks the sixth-highest in club history—a feat that seemed distant earlier in the season under new head coach Pascal Jansen, who took the reins after Nick Cushing’s departure.
Martínez’s Brace Seals the Deal
The hero of the night was undoubtedly Alonso Martínez, whose brace propelled NYCFC to victory. His first goal came from the penalty spot, a coolly converted effort that set the tone for the match.
ALONSOOO CONVERTS FROM 12 YARDS 🎯 pic.twitter.com/O1Gcv9qELd
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 20, 2025
Martínez’s two goals brought his season tally to an astounding 17, placing him in an elite class. He is now only the third player in MLS history—and the first since 2018—to score 10 game-winning goals in a single campaign. This incredible individual performance highlights his critical role in NYCFC’s resurgence.
Jansen’s Vision: “We Want More”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Head Coach Pascal Jansen maintained a focused perspective, emphasizing the team’s hunger for further success.
“We’ve clinched the playoff spot, which is obviously a success, but we want more,” Jansen stated post-match. “We still have a few games to go and still 12 points to gain, and then we’ll see where we’ll finish. Once the league is finished, then we’ll start to focus on the playoffs.”
Key Players Driving the Comeback
After a slow start to the season, winning just two of their first seven matches, the Cityzens have found their rhythm through stellar performances from several key individuals. Beyond Martínez’s goal-scoring prowess, new Designated Player Nicolás Fernández Mercau has been instrumental in orchestrating the midfield since his June debut. His creative playmaking has unlocked attacking opportunities and elevated the team’s overall cohesion.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese also delivered a standout performance against Charlotte, notably stopping a crucial penalty. Freese’s penalty-saving ability has become a hallmark of his game for both NYCFC and the U.S. men’s national team in 2025.
Come for Matt's save, stay for Thiago's reaction 😛 pic.twitter.com/AUr8als4LE
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 20, 2025
Overcoming Doubts and Building a Cohesive Unit
The departure of Santiago Rodríguez, who contributed 12 goals and 10 assists last season, left many questioning how Martínez would fare without his strike partner. However, Martínez has not only maintained his form but thrived, largely thanks to the arrival of Fernández Mercau.
Jansen addressed earlier skepticism: “It is the first experience for me working in MLS, so when certain people were getting a little bit nervous that we didn’t sign any players, and when Santiago Rodríguez left, people were like, ‘What’s going on?’ Our strategy is very clear, and that’s what I committed to, and that’s why we got [center back] Raul Gustavo at the point that we got him, same goes for [defensive midfielder] Aiden O’Neill and Nicolas [Fernández Mercau].”
Indeed, the signing of Fernández Mercau proved to be a turning point. Since his arrival, the Argentine maestro has become an outright star, guiding Jansen’s side to six wins in his seven appearances and elevating the performance of his teammates, including Martínez.
Eyeing Home-Field Advantage and a Second MLS Cup
With their playoff spot secured, NYCFC’s immediate focus shifts to securing a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference, which would grant them home-field advantage in the first round best-of-three playoff series. This rekindled form has fueled aspirations of a deep postseason run, with dreams of lifting a second MLS Cup title, their first since 2021.
“If you look throughout the season, we’ve had some bumps,” Jansen reflected. “The approach is that every game should be a final. Every game you have to play like it’s your last game on Earth, and that’s a mentality thing. You won’t be as good as your last game, or maybe two games ago, but you have to improve every time. That is the focus that we have.”
The path ahead is challenging, but NYCFC’s recent performances suggest they are peaking at the right time, ready to tackle the postseason with confidence and a clear objective: to bring another MLS Cup trophy to the Bronx.
