New York City FC<\/a> are heading to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the ninth time in 11 seasons, thanks to a 2-0 win<\/a> against Charlotte FC<\/a> on Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In their first season under head coach Pascal Jansen, NYCFC have developed one of the league’s top defenses. Their 33 goals against are tied for the second-fewest in MLS.<\/p>\n With four matches left, the Cityzens have climbed to fourth in the Eastern Conference (53 points; 16W-9L-5D) and are hoping to hang on to that top-four spot, which would secure home-field advantage in their Round One Best-of-3 Series.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n NYCFC’s defense is led by center backs Thiago Martins<\/a>, Justin Haak<\/a> and Raul Gustavo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Additionally, goalkeeper Matt Freese<\/a> has had a 2025 to remember. He starred for the USMNT<\/a> at the Concacaf Gold Cup<\/a> and is in contention for a 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a> roster spot.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Club legend Maxi Moralez<\/a> (2g\/11a) continues to pull the strings in midfield alongside Australian international Aiden O’Neill<\/a> and DP Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez Mercau<\/a>, who joined during the Secondary Transfer Window.<\/p>\n Up top, the Cityzens are paced by Costa Rican international Alonso Mart\u00ednez<\/a> (17g\/2a). Hannes Wolf<\/a> (11g\/7a) has also provided a consistent attacking threat for the 2021 MLS Cup champions.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n PLAYOFFS HERE WE COME ???? pic.twitter.com\/iJbdftzo5y<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 20, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n MLS Cup presented by Audi will be played Dec. 6, while the playoffs begin Oct. 22 with Wild Card matches.<\/p>\n All games can be watched on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nStar players<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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