Pascal Jansen is ready for the "do or die" nature of New York City FC's Game 3 clash with Charlotte FC in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The best-of-three series between the sides is going down to a decider, after Charlotte levelled it at 1-1 after a penalty shootout win in Game 2 on Friday.

The game had ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, but Julian Fernandez and Agustin Ojeda both missed from 12 yards for NYCYC, who failed to book their place in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

And now, Jansen is hoping his side can claim another crucial road win in order to extend their run in the playoffs.

"It's do or die. This is the one we need to win, but that goes for both teams to go into the semis," he said.

"We're ready. I think Charlotte will be ready as well for a heated game, so we'll try to be on the right end of it.

"Obviously, them playing at home will add different dynamics to [Charlotte's] game because they have the home crowd, and they play on a turf where they're a very strong side. We just need to focus on the good things we showed in Game 1 in order to reach the same level."

Charlotte may have forced a Game 3, but they have had their struggles in the playoffs so far, failing to score in both matches of the series, having fallen to a 1-0 defeat in the first game.

Prior to the playoffs, the Crown had lost just one of their last 10 regular-season home games, and head coach Dean Smith wants them to use their home advantage this time around.

"We're at home. We've worked hard to get those home games so that if it comes to the third game, we can use it," he said.

"We've got to make use of it because, you know, both us and New York haven't made use of the home advantage so far. So that's what we have to make sure we do on Friday.

"The big thing for me is making sure the lads are relaxed enough to go and do the right things. We just need to score more than them."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC – Wilfried Zaha

Having missed the first match of the series through suspension, Wilfried Zaha returned for the second and was a bright spark for Charlotte.

He had the most shots (three), shots on target (two) and touches in the box (seven) of anyone on the team, while he also attempted eight dribbles (completed three), both of which were also team highs.

New York City FC – Matt Freese

Matt Freese has made 259 saves across all competitions since the start of the 2024 season, tied with Zack Steffen for third-most in that time.

He made three saves in the 0-0 draw during the second leg, as well as denying Ashley Westwood in the penalty shootout, despite ending on the losing side.

MATCH PREDICTION: CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Despite recent form, Charlotte are expected to make the most of their home advantage in the deciding match of the series.

However, Charlotte are winless through their first six playoff games (D3, including two penalty shootout wins and one penalty shootout loss, L3), having been shut out of four of their six all-time playoff matches.

The club's 0.5 goals per match average is the lowest by any team in MLS Cup Playoffs history.

New York City FC earned their second consecutive playoff shutout against Charlotte in Game 2 but fell in a penalty shootout. It marked the first time NYCFC have recorded consecutive shutouts in the postseason after registering just four shutouts in 18 playoff matches in club history prior to 2025.

In Game 1, NYCFC earned their seventh road win of 2025 across all competitions. Since July 16, the club have won six of their eight away matches (D1 L1), tied with Los Angeles FC for the most in MLS during that span, after winning just one of their first 11 road games across all competitions this season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 45.5%

Draw – 26.8%

New York City FC – 27.6%