Win-or-go-home, tiebreaker, rubber match – call it whatever you'd like.

After a grueling 34-game regular season and two inseparable Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs matches, it all comes down to Friday night when Charlotte FC host New York City FC in Game 3 of their Round One Best-of-3 Series (7 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV ).

A defeat ends the loser's season, while the victor advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union .

“It’s a do-or-die," said NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen.

Tight margins

Defensive strength has been on display in the opening two games of the series. Alonso Martínez 's lone goal gave NYCFC a 1-0 triumph in Game 1, followed by Charlotte claiming Game 2 in penalty kicks after a scoreless draw .

For

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