New York City FC v Charlotte FC: ´We don´t feel any pressure´, says Byrne

Nathan Byrne insisted that Charlotte FC “don’t feel any pressure” amid their MLS winning streak.

Charlotte have won each of their last nine MLS games, a competition record, after they defeated 10-man Inter Miami 3-0 in their previous match.

Byrne was injured for the first four wins of their current run, but the defender returned after the Leagues Cup break and has started each of Charlotte’s last five games.

Dean Smith’s side face a tough task in their next fixture as they travel to face New York City FC.

NYCFC have won four of their last five matches in the league and are just three points behind Charlotte in the Eastern Conference, with a game in hand too.

Despite NYCFC’s strong form, Byrne is confident Charlotte can extend their winning streak.

“I think we have already pushed people’s expectations, so we don’t really feel any pressure there,” said Byrne.

“It is just about doing as much as we can do during the week to show that on the weekend.

“I think the manager helps with that a lot; he is never flustered, and he never looks under pressure. He keeps the boys calm, and we are a confident group anyway, so we know we can beat anyone on our day.

“While I was injured, I think it was definitely the toughest part of the schedule because you are on the road, non-stop, two to three weeks at a time, so it was never going to be easy regardless.

“The thing you can take from this team is that they are always going to give 100% and whether we win, lose or draw, we will go down fighting. I think that character has got us to where we are at now.”

Caught him speedin’ pic.twitter.com/SfxQxD2YSu

— x – Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) September 17, 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York City FC – Hannes Wolf

Hannes Wolf comes into this match after scoring two goals in NYCFC’s 3-2 win against the Columbus Crew.

He has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in MLS this season, directly contributing to more goals than any of his team-mates.

Charlotte FC – Idan Toklomati

Idan Toklomati, who is Charlotte’s top scorer in MLS this season, has been in incredible form during their winning run.

The forward has either scored or assisted in eight of their nine wins (eight goals, two assists), including a hat-trick last time out against Miami.

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK CITY FC WIN

After coming back from behind to beat the Crew in their last match, NYCFC have now won 23 points from losing positions in the MLS this season, more than any other team.

It could be another high-scoring game for the hosts as Charlotte have scored in 27 of their 30 games; only the San Jose Earthquakes (28) have scored goals in more matches in the MLS this season.

Charlotte have also only lost one of seven meetings against NYCFC, winning on five occasions and drawing just once.

In their last six league matches, NYCFC have won five and lost one. Charlotte, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 10 straight league matches this season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York City FC – 43.1%

Draw – 26.7%

Charlotte FC 30.2%