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New York City FC and Charlotte FC will face off in the final game of the Round One Best-of-3 series in the MLS Cup Playoffs. This match is taking place because the Bronx side won the first game on the road, while the Crown beat them in a penalty kick shootout at Yankee Stadium. As such, the Pigeons must return to North Carolina and try to win away from home again.
If NYCFC fails to win, then their season is done. It will not be easy, for there is no match that is ever easy against Charlotte. Remember, the road win from a week and a half ago was the first one at Bank of America Stadium. While the Boys in Blue have proved they can be successful there, the overall history between the two sides is not in their favor.
In the regular season, the Pigeons only have a 2-5-1 record. Now, after the two playoff fixtures, the record is 2-5-3, for the penalty kick shootout loss is filed under as a draw. With the history in mind, it makes it hard to believe that NYCFC will move on in the playoffs. However, anything is possible.
One things is for certain. NYCFC will either end their season or prolong it by one more match. So, here is a preview of the final game of the first round.
NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview
Date
NYCFC and Charlotte will face off one more time on Friday, November 7.
Time
The fixture will start at 7:00 PM ET.
Location
The game will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
How to watch
Supporters can watch the match on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. It will be available for free.
Weather
In what might be the final game of the season, NYCFC is lucky that they will have a nice evening for a game. It will be around 62 degrees, and the humidity will hover above 70%. There is a slight chance of rain, but most of the match should be partly cloudy. There will be a slight breeze, but nothing crazy that would impact the ball in the air.
Injury report
Malachi Jones (leg) and Keaton Parks (leg) remain out for the Pigeons. In addition, Máximo Carrizo is away on international duty.
Players to watch
Thiago Martins is the player to watch on NYCFC. The center-back has been playing well defensively, and even scored in the penalty kick shootout. But supporters should not just watch how he plays on the pitch, but also how he leads. His teammates will rely on their captain to lead them through directing what to do on the pitch, but also to inspire them to keep going. Martins can be a vital player on Friday.
After a great performance in the last game, Kristijan Kahlina is the player to watch on Charlotte FC. The goalkeeper shut down the Pigeons when they should have scored a few goals. While he was not nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award this season, he still continues to shine and be a vital player for the Crown.
Prediction
This website might cover the Boys in Blue. However, as great as it would be to be positive, sometimes it is important to be realistic with a prediction. Sadly, NYCFC will lose 2-1, ultimately ending their season. The team will play well, but their recent goal-scoring struggles will continue.