UPDATE: The MLS Cup playoffs are set to kick off on Tuesday, and New York City FC is gearing up to face Charlotte FC in a crucial first-round series. However, the team’s recent scoring drought has raised concerns as they aim for a strong playoff run.
NYCFC, led by key players Alonso Martínez and Hannes Wolf, who contributed to 28 of the team’s 56 goals during the regular season, is determined to break their offensive slump. Over the last four matches, the club has managed to score just four goals, with a significant portion coming from a 3-0 victory against the Red Bulls on September 27.
Martínez, who has netted 17 goals this season, has not scored in his last three games. Wolf has similarly struggled, failing to find the net since a September 17 win against Columbus. Despite this, Martínez remains optimistic, stating, “The goals will come.” He attributes his recent struggles to a busy schedule and time spent with the Costa Rican national team.
“It’s just been the last few games that I haven’t been able to score,” Martínez explained. “I think it’s been the schedule, the fact that I’ve been away with [Costa Rica’s] national team.”
Head coach Pascal Jansen echoed Martínez’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for the team to find scoring opportunities beyond their star players. “Can we score more from set pieces? Can our other wingers have more impact?” Jansen questioned, highlighting their strategy to prioritize the first goal of the game.
As they prepare for this playoff matchup, NYCFC is also looking to make history by securing their first road win against Charlotte. The team will have an advantage, as Charlotte will be without star player Wilfried Zaha, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in their final game of the season.
Despite some injury concerns surrounding Wolf, who missed practice due to “physical issues,” he has traveled with the team to Charlotte and is expected to play. The urgency of this playoff series cannot be overstated, as NYCFC looks to turn their scoring fortunes around and make a significant impact in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as NYCFC takes the field on Tuesday. Will they break the drought and advance in the playoffs? The stakes have never been higher.
