3 NYCFC players who must step up against Charlotte FC in the playoffs

There are only a few more days until the MLS Cup Playoffs begin for New York City FC. After losing to Seattle Sounders FC, the Pigeons remained in fifth place. As such, they will play Charlotte FC, a team that has been a formidable foe regardless of whether they were a playoff contender.

Hence, the Round One Best-of-3 series will not be easy. The Crown has won five of the eight meetings. At least, NYCFC has the last game as a positive, for the Boys in Blue won. Still, the history between the two adds concerns to the first round.

So, similar to Decision Day, some players must step up in the first round. Here are three NYCFC players who must play at their very best against Charlotte.

3 players who must step up for NYCFC

Alonso Martínez

Once again, Alonso Martínez is on a list of NYCFC players who must play well. The Costa Rican desperately needs to find the back of the net. One cannot blame the injury that he had, since he scored during the international break for Costa Rica. In fact, the last time he scored in Major League Soccer was against Charlotte FC on September 20.

Of course, Martínez has only played in three games since then. But both goals came from the penalty spot. Then, the striker has not scored from open play since the Chicago Fire FC match on September 13. NYCFC really needs him to score, especially on the road. He needs to be a leader in the final third.

Hannes Wolf

Another player who must step up is Hannes Wolf. Like Martínez, it would help for the forward to find the back of the net. He last scored a brace against the Columbus Crew, and those were the only goals he scored since July 3. The Austrian has still been better in 2025, but there is no question that he becomes cold in front of the goal. Plus, his last assist came in the Chicago fixture.

Wolf, at the very least, needs to perform well on the wings and make a difference in the attack. He cannot be quiet during the fixture and go missing at times.

Tayvon Gray

Finally, the last player that needs to perform at his best is Tayvon Gray. The right-back can add to the attack, but he is still a more defensive player compared to his teammates. That is why he needs to be perfect on both sides of the pitch.

Having Gray get crosses into the box while also making life difficult for Charlotte attackers would be exactly what NYCFC needs in the first round of the playoffs.