New York City FC 2, Chicago Fire 0 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

New York City FC officially clinched their place in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, after defeating the Chicago Fire 2-0 on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

The win secures postseason soccer for NYCFC for the third consecutive year, while the loss for Chicago officially eliminates them from playoff consideration this year. It will be the fifth time in the last six years Chicago miss the playoffs.

After a largely uneventful first half, NYCFC got to work for the second 45, with Alexander Ring stroking in the first goal two minutes into the second half, and David Villa following up four minutes later to make it 2-0.

Nemanja Nikolic did score a goal for Chicago after that, but it was chalked off for offside, and the Fire's three-game unbeaten streak, as well as their mathematical playoff hopes, were snapped with the result.

Goals

• 47' – NYC – Alexander Ring | WATCH
• 51' – NYC – David Villa | WATCH

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: The game essentially went according to the season-long form of the respective sides, and NYCFC will feel relief to have booked their playoff berth here. On top of that, a win at home was needed for a team struggling in recent weeks. Chicago gave it a shot, but after playing hard in the first half they couldn't avoid breakdowns in the second and it continues a difficult season in the Windy City.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Until the first goal went in, it was an uncertain outcome, but NYCFC cruised from Ring's tally onward.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Maxi Moralez has a shout with two assists, but the nod goes to Villa, who had a goal and an assist in the game, and just continues to make NYCFC so much stronger when he's on the field and in form.

Next Up

• NYC: Saturday, September 29 at Minnesota United FC (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
• CHI: Saturday, September 29 vs. LAFC (3:30 pm ET | Univision - Full TV & streaming info)