NYCFC Refuses to Settle: "We Want More" as Playoff Dreams Turn Into Championship Hunger
Aspirations for a second MLS Cup remain strong in The Bronx, as New York City FC secured their MLS Cup Playoff berth for the consecutive season with a commanding 2–0 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday.
The triumph allowed The Pigeons to halt Charlotte's MLS-record nine-match winning run, while continuing their impressive streak of seven victories in nine outings, as they found their rhythm in the campaign's closing weeks.
Simultaneously, this result elevated the team to 53 points, marking the sixth-best total in franchise history with four matches left to play, an achievement that appeared uncertain after appointing relatively unknown head coach Pascal Jansen to replace Nick Cushing following a sixth-place Eastern Conference finish in 2024.
"We've secured our playoff position, which is clearly an achievement, but our ambitions extend beyond that," Jansen commented after the match. "Several games remain ahead of us with 12 potential points available, and we'll determine our final standing then. After the regular season concludes, our attention will shift to playoff preparation."
Though the Cityzens experienced a sluggish start this campaign—managing only two victories in their opening seven contests—they discovered their groove throughout the summer, relying on crucial contributors like Alonso Martínez, new designated player Nicolás Fernández Mercau, and goalkeeper Matt Freese, all of whom delivered exceptional performances on Saturday.
In attack, Martínez netted his 16th and 17th strikes of the campaign, joining an exclusive group as only the third MLS player to record 10 match-deciding goals in one season, and the first to accomplish this feat since 2018. Meanwhile, Fernández Mercau maintained his orchestrating role in the midfield, a position he has mastered since his June arrival.
Between the posts, Freese denied a penalty kick, demonstrating the shot-stopping prowess he has displayed for both club and the U.S. men's national team in 2025.
While Martínez began the 2025 campaign as an established star, questions surrounded his development without strike partner Santiago Rodríguez, who contributed 12 goals and 10 assists the previous season. Nevertheless, he has sustained his 2024 form and flourished alongside Fernández Mercau.
"This marks my inaugural MLS experience, so when certain individuals grew anxious about our lack of signings, and following Santiago Rodríguez's departure, people wondered, What's happening?" Jansen reflected on early season skepticism.
"Our approach remains crystal clear, which I fully embraced, explaining why we acquired [center back] Raul Gustavo when we did, along with [defensive midfielder] Aiden O'Neill and Nicolas [Fernández Mercau].
Though Martínez tops the scoring charts and was an established asset entering the season, Mercau's acquisition truly transformed The Pigeons' trajectory and renewed optimism.
Following his arrival, the Argentine has emerged as a genuine standout for Jansen's squad, contributing to six victories across seven appearances. Additionally, he has elevated Martínez and surrounding teammates to new heights.
This resurgent form has fueled their aspirations heading into the regular season's final phase, as they pursue a top-four position and home-field advantage for the opening round best-of-three playoff series.
Beyond that? They can envision capturing a second MLS Cup championship, their first since 2021.
"Examining our entire season, we've encountered various challenges," Jansen concluded. "Our philosophy treats every match as a championship game. Each contest demands playing as if it's your final opportunity, which reflects our mentality. You cannot rest on recent performances, whether from your last game or two games prior, but must constantly evolve. That represents our unwavering focus."