CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — Charlotte FC has the chance to make history Friday night when it hosts New York City FC in Game 3 of the first round of the MLS playoffs.
A win at Bank of America Stadium would take the 4-seeded Crown to the second round for the first time in franchise history. Charlotte FC fell at home to 5-seed NYCFC 1-0 on Oct. 28, then won in penalty kicks last Saturday to even the best-of-three series.
Matchup History
In the regular season, the team split the two games. In July, CLTFC shut out NYCFC 2-0 in the Queen City, despite the visitors dominating possession and the number of shots by 2-1 margins. Then in the penultimate match in September, NYCFC claimed a 2-0 win at Yankee Stadium.
Getting Ahead
Charlotte FC comes out with a win the vast majority of the time when they score first. In regular-season play. The Crown was 16-2-1 when striking first in the match (11-0-1 at home), and 11-1-1 when leading at half.
Protecting the Fortress
The Crown should be confident Friday night, since they have the second-best home record in the Eastern Conference. CLTFC posted a 13-3-1 mark in the regular season, only bested by No. 1 seed Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, NYCFC was just 6-6-5 on the road.
What’s at Stake?
The winner of Game 3 will face Philadelphia in the conference semifinals, at a date to be determined.
How to Watch
Charlotte FC kicks off against NYCFC at 7 p.m. If you’re not going to the stadium fans can catch the match on Apple TV or on the radio via WBT 1110 AM, 99.3 FM (English) or WXNC 97.3; WNOW 99.1 (Spanish).