Early goal enough for NYCFC in shutout of Charlotte FC

Nicolas Fernandez's eighth-minute goal held up for New York City FC in a 1-0 road victory over Charlotte FC on Wednesday.

New York City (5-5-3, 18 points) is on a two-match winning streak, with clean sheets in both victories. NYCFC's previous match was a 3-0 home shutout over the Columbus Crew on Sunday.

The loss extended Charlotte's winless streak to five matches (0-4-1). Charlotte (4-6-3, 15 points) hasn't won since its previous match with NYCFC, a 2-1 road victory on April 18.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese stopped two shots on target to secure his third clean sheet of the season.

It was a slow night for Freese and Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. The clubs combined for only nine total shots (5-4 Charlotte) and three shots on target (2-1 Charlotte).

Fernandez's goal came in somewhat soft fashion, after he made a nice move to evade defender David Schnegg in the box. Though the striker didn't get much on a left-footed shot, it was enough to beat Kahlina.

The goal was Fernandez's team-leading ninth tally of the season, and it ended his modest three-match scoring drought.

NYCFC's Agustin Ojeda fired wide on a tremendous scoring chance on a breakaway attempt in the 41st minute.

Ojeda's near-miss was essentially NYCFC's last bit of attack, as the club went into a defensive shell in the second half to protect its lead. Only two of Charlotte's shots came in the second half, despite a good amount of possession in NYCFC's end of the field.

Kerwin Vargas had perhaps Charlotte's best chance in the 66th minute, but the striker's shot went well over the net.

New York City FC won for the second time in seven road matches this season (2-3-2), while Charlotte FC dropped to 3-2-2 at home.

--Field Level Media