NY Empire FC Clinch Playoff Spot with 3-2 Win Over East Coast FC

NY Empire FC punched their ticket to the postseason with a thrilling 3-2 victory over East Coast FC on Saturday evening, securing a playoff berth with two regular season games remaining.

The action started early as forward Nico Reinoso opened the scoring in the 5th minute, capitalizing on a fast start from the home side. East Coast FC responded in the 17th minute, leveling the match, but the deadlock didn’t last long.

Just two minutes later, Naeem Charles tapped in NYEFC’s second goal after a well-placed header across the goal from Mason Chetti, following a corner kick. East Coast equalized again in the 37th minute, sending the teams into the break tied at 2-2.

It didn’t take long for NY Empire to reclaim the lead after halftime. In the 39th minute, Chetti played hero, finishing calmly from close range off a pinpoint cross from newly signed defender Malcolm Swett, whose first start proved instrumental.

“We knew this was going to be a battle,” said Chetti. “Malcolm gave me a perfect ball, and I just had to do my part. Getting the win and clinching the playoffs at home—it doesn’t get better than that.”

The back line, anchored by captain George Yusuff, held strong in the second half, with goalkeeper Justin Silva making four crucial saves to preserve the lead. NY Empire also saw the debut of Keiquon Aaron, who entered in the 70th minute and made an immediate impact with his energy and chance creation down the wing.

“It was a full team effort today,” said Yusuff. “Everyone dug deep. I’m proud of how we stayed locked in defensively, especially in the second half. Now we shift focus to locking in that home playoff game.”

Head coach Max Ferro echoed that sentiment. “This was a big step for us. I’m proud of the performance, but we can’t stop here. There’s still more to play for.”

With a playoff berth now secured, NY Empire FC will turn their focus to their final home game of the regular season on Saturday, June 7th, when they host Brooklyn FC. A win could lock up a coveted home fixture in the first round of the playoffs.