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.

New York City FC midfielder Nicolas Fernandez (7) celebrates with midfielders Maxi Moralez (10) and Andres Perea (8) after scoring the first goal of the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America

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