Down their biggest star, Charlotte FC still like their chances in their Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs opener against New York City FC on Tuesday (6:45 ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV ; FS1, FOX Deportes).

“No fuel,” head coach Dean Smith told reporters when asked if he’s using Wilfried Zaha ’s Game 1 suspension (red card) as motivation for his squad.

“I'd just say, there’s one team that’s won 11 out of the last 13.”

In-form squad

As Smith reminded during Monday’s media availability, no team had more wins over the final 13 games of the MLS regular season than Charlotte.

This impressive run of form helped The Crown secure home-field advantage in their Round One of their Best-of-3 Series vs. NYCFC as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference (56 points; 19W-13L-2D record).

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