Alonso Martínez scores in the 34th minute and NYCFC beats Charlotte 1-0 to begin best-of-3 series

Alonso Martínez scores in the 34th minute and NYCFC beats Charlotte 1-0 to begin best-of-3 series | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati leaps over New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese (49) as Freese blocks Toklomati's shot during the second half of Game 1 in the first round of MLS soccer's Eastern Conference playoffs in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Alonso Martínez scored in the 34th minute to end a three-match scoreless run and New York City FC beat Charlotte 1-0 on Tuesday night to begin a best-of-three series.

New York City became the first away team to win in the 2025 MLS playoffs after the first eight squads lost. NYCFC will host Charlotte on Saturday in Game 2.

Martínez, who had 17 goals during the regular season, collected a headed pass from Andrés Perea and dribbled to the top of the 18-yard box before slicing through Charlotte’s backline for a calm shot under Kristijan Kahlina.

Matt Freese, who had eight clean sheets during the regular season, made four saves.

Charlotte was without forward Wilfried Zaha due to a red card suspension.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Alonso Martínez scores in the 34th minute and NYCFC beats Charlotte 1-0 to begin best-of-3 series | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte FC midfielder Brandt Bronico, left, looks to shoot against New York City FC midfielder Justin Haak during the second half of Game 1 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Eastern Conference playoffs in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Alonso Martínez scores in the 34th minute and NYCFC beats Charlotte 1-0 to begin best-of-3 series | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati reacts after missing a shot on goal during the second half against New York City FC in Game 1 of the first round of MLS soccer’s Eastern Conference playoffs in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Alonso Martínez scores in the 34th minute and NYCFC beats Charlotte 1-0 to begin best-of-3 series | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda argues with referee Jon Freeman during the second half against New York City FC in Game 1 of the first round of MLS soccer’s Eastern Conference playoffs in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles