Alonso Martinez propels NYCFC to Game 1 win over Charlotte

Alonso Martínez told The Post ahead of Game 1 in New York City FC’s first-round series against Charlotte FC that he wasn’t worried about his recent goal drought. On Tuesday night, he showed why, burying the contest’s only goal in NYCFC’s 1-0 win over Charlotte to take a 1-0 series lead.Game 2 will take place on Saturday at Yankee Stadium, giving NYCFC a chance to advance to the second round at home. The game-winning tally came in the 34th minute when he danced through the Charlotte backline into the center of the box, where he snuck a shot past goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina for the impressive goal. The tally ended a three-game goalless drought for Martínez, who had finished the regular season with a team-leading 17 goals. Matt Freese made four saves in the win as New York City FC recorded its first victory in club history against Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium. NYCFC will now return to The Bronx, marking the first time since 2021 that the club has hosted a playoff game at Yankee Stadium.

That was the same year that the club won the MLS Cup. When asked by reporters Tuesday night about the NYCFC’s mindset for Game 2, head coach Pascal Jansen said, “Just have to be ready when they come to The Bronx.”...