Dean Smith believes his Charlotte FC side will force a deciding game three in their playoff series against New York City FC.

Charlotte lost 1-0 at home in game one, courtesy of a 34th-minute strike from Alonso Martinez, with Wilfried Zaha missing out due to suspension.

The defeat to NYCFC was just the second time Charlotte failed to score in their last 30 matches across all competitions dating back to the beginning of May. The other also came at the hands of the same opponents, a 2-0 road loss on September 20.

With their season now on the line when they travel to New York on Saturday, Smith is confident in Charlotte's ability to get over the line.

"They [NYCFC] probably think it’s over, and I hope they do,” said Smith after the defeat in game one.

"The beauty, or the madness, of having a three-game series is that you have still got a chance to bring it back [to Charlotte], and if we do, I believe there will be a much better performance and much better attendance.

"We will go to New York, not feeling like we can’t go and get the win there, that is for sure.”

And when asked about the difference Zaha could make, Smith added: "Quality.

"He is a top-quality player. He was probably our best player when we played there in the last game."

NYCFC lost three of their final four regular-season games prior to game one against Charlotte, including a 4-0 defeat to Inter Miami at home.

Pascal Jansen’s side had the fifth-best home record in the Eastern Conference this season, although Charlotte led the way in that category.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York City FC – Alonso Martinez

Martinez's lone strike in NYCFC's win over Charlotte was his 27th match with a goal in the regular season or playoffs for the club.

NYCFC's record is W21 D3 L3 in games in which Martinez scores a goal, including victories on all three occasions where he's scored against Charlotte.

Charlotte FC – Wilfried Zaha

After missing the first playoff game through suspension after picking up a red card on Decision Day against the Philadelphia Union, Zaha will be determined to make an impact in game two.

He registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 31 games this season, and has found the net in each of his last three games.

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK CITY FC WIN

NYCFC enter game two of an MLS Cup playoff matchup with an advantage for the first time in the club's MLS history. In all four of their previous multi-match playoff ties, NYCFC had lost the first game, going on to advance once, against FC Cincinnati in the first round last season.

They also recorded their second win of the year over Charlotte. NYCFC and the Chicago Fire are the only two teams to record multiple wins over Charlotte in all competitions in 2025.

Charlotte are still waiting for their first playoff victory after the defeat to NYCFC. Charlotte (W0 D2 L3) are the second team in MLS history to go winless in their first five postseason matches, joining Seattle (2009-11).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York City FC – 44.6%

Draw – 26.9%

Charlotte FC – 28.5%