NYCFC enters Game 2 up 1-0 in the best-of-three series with Charlotte FC after a defensive masterclass in Game 1, limiting Charlotte to three shots and 0.12 expected goals in the first half.

Players like Aiden O’Neill and Tayvon Gray embraced the high-pressure environment, treating it as part of the thrill and a sign their team is serious about advancing.

Head coach Pascal Jansen acknowledged Wilfried Zaha’s dangerous qualities and outlined a plan to counter him again in Game 2, noting Zaha also posed a threat in the regular-season playoff meetings.

Game 1 featured physical play, including a late altercation after Kevin O’Toole shoved Ashley Westwood; Jansen emphasized keeping a calm, blue-headed mindset to prevent spillover into Game 2.

Game 2 at Yankee Stadium marks NYCFC’s first playoff home game since 2021, a potentially pressure-filled environment given the team’s strong home wins this year and the aim to advance.

Tayvon Gray said NYCFC’s defensive plan is working and hinted at adding more ideas for Game 2 without revealing all details.

Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha returned for Game 2 after a suspension, having scored in three straight regular-season games and totaling 10 goals this season, making him a key opponent for NYCFC to monitor.