Adilson Malanda helped keep Charlotte’s MLS Playoff dreams alive as they beat New York City on penalties in the second game of the best-of-three first-round Playoff tie.

New York had beaten Dean Smith’s side in the first game and with the three-game series a best-of-three format rather than an aggregate decider, Charlotte had to win the second game in New York to avoid elimination. In the end, after a goalless draw, they won 7-6 in the penalty shoot-out.

Malanda, who will join Boro once Charlotte’s season is over, scored his spot-kick, before goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made himself a hero by saving a decisive penalty to give his side a win. It leaves the two sides heading back to North Carolina on Friday for the third tie, which will ultimately decide which side advances, with the se

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