´It´s do or die´ – Jansen targeting semifinal berth for NYCFC in playoffs

Pascal Jansen is ready for the “do or die” nature of New York City FC’s Game 3 clash with Charlotte FC in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The best-of-three series between the sides is going down to a decider, after Charlotte levelled it at 1-1 after a penalty shootout win in Game 2 on Friday.

The game had ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, but Julian Fernandez and Agustin Ojeda both missed from 12 yards for NYCYC, who failed to book their place in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

And now, Jansen is hoping his side can claim another crucial road win in order to extend their run in the playoffs.

“It’s do or die. This is the one we need to win, but that goes for both teams to go into the semis,” he said.

“We’re ready. I think Charlotte will be ready as well for a heated game, so we’ll try to be on the right end of it.

“Obviously, them playing at home will add different dynamics to [Charlotte’s] game because they have the home crowd, and they play on a turf where they’re a very strong side. We just need to focus on the good things we showed in Game 1 in order to reach the same level.”

It’s do or die. pic.twitter.com/oiTEdDs9L6

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) November 4, 2025

Charlotte may have forced a Game 3, but they have had their struggles in the playoffs so far, failing to score in both matches of the series, having fallen to a 1-0 defeat in the first game.

Prior to the playoffs, the Crown had lost just one of their last 10 regular-season home games, and head coach Dean Smith wants them to use their home advantage this time around.

“We’re at home. We’ve worked hard to get those home games so that if it comes to the third game, we can use it,” he said.

“We’ve got to make use of it because, you know, both us and New York haven’t made use of the home advantage so far. So that’s what we have to make sure we do on Friday.

“The big thing for me is making sure the lads are relaxed enough to go and do the right things. We just need to score more than them.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC – Wilfried Zaha

Having missed the first match of the series through suspension, Wilfried Zaha returned for the second and was a bright spark for Charlotte.

He had the most shots (three), shots on target (two) and touches in the box (seven) of anyone on the team, while he also attempted eight dribbles (completed three), both of which were also team highs.

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