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Charlotte FC is set to face NYCFC in Game 2 of their series, following a 1-0 loss in the first match.
What happened in Game 1?
NYCFC defender Tayvon Gray credited his team's defensive strategy for the win, saying it "worked" against Charlotte FC. In the first half, NYCFC limited Charlotte to just three total shots, with only one on target. Charlotte had an expected goals (xG) of just 0.12 in the first half.
Key player returns
Wilfried Zaha, who missed the first game due to a suspension, will return to the pitch for Charlotte FC. He had scored in three consecutive matches to end the regular season, with 10 goals this season, tied for second most on the Charlotte roster.
What's at stake
The winner of this series will advance to the second round, where they will face the winner of the Philadelphia-Chicago series. NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen said his team is "aware" of Zaha's "qualities" but is focused on preparing for the match.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| NYCFC | 1 |
| Charlotte FC | 0 |
What comes next?
Charlotte FC will look to bounce back from the loss and even the series. With Zaha back in the lineup, they will aim to create more scoring opportunities and put pressure on NYCFC's defense.
