CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nicolás Fernández scored twice in stoppage time and Alonso Martínez found the net early in the second half to lead New York City FC to a 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Friday night in the rubber match of the best-of-three first-round series for the MLS Cup.

NYCFC advances to play No. 1 overall seed Philadelphia on the Union's field in the second round with the date and time to be determined.

Fernández, a 25-year-old first-year midfielder, scored unassisted in the second minute of stoppage time to give NYCFC — seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference — a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Martínez took a pass from Maxi Moralez and scored five minutes into the second half for a two-goal advantage. It was the second playoff goal this season for Martínez and his third in seven postseas

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