Charlotte FC forces decisive Game 3 after shootout win vs NYCFC

Charlotte FC forced a decisive Game 3 in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday, holding New York City FC to a scoreless draw at Yankee Stadium and prevailing 7-6 in a penalty shootout. The result evens the best-of-three series at one victory apiece and sends the teams to Charlotte for a winner-take-all match on Friday at Bank of America Stadium.

The match was dominated by New York City in possession and chances, but Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina produced a series of key saves that kept the score level through 90 minutes. Kahlina finished with five saves, including stops on Raul Gustavo’s header and a late header from Thiago Martins. Matt Freese made three saves for NYCFC, and Nathan Byrne converted the shootout’s decisive penalty after Kahlina saved Agustín Ojeda’s attempt.

New York City opened the series with a 1-0 road victory in Charlotte on Tuesday, when Alonso Martinez’s goal proved decisive. On Saturday, NYCFC pressed early, holding a large share of possession in the opening half and producing several chances that struck woodwork or were denied by Kahlina. Brandt Bronico hit the crossbar twice for Charlotte and Ashley Westwood’s shot rattled the...