NYCFC levels series with Cincinnati to force Match 3

Alonso Martinez and Thiago Martins scored first-half goals as New York City FC defeated visiting FC Cincinnati 3-1 in New York on Saturday, tying their best-of-three MLS Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at one match a piece.

Santiago Rodriguez also scored for sixth-seeded New York City, who avenged a 1-0 loss in Monday's Match 1 and forced a third and deciding game in Cincinnati on Nov. 9.

New York City opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Martinez. Mitja Ilenic's cut-back pass in the box found the run of his teammate, leaving the Costa Rican striker a fairly straightforward finish past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano for a 1-0 lead. It was Martinez's 17th goal of the campaign, counting the regular season.

NYCFC doubled its lead in the 40th minute on a set-piece routine. As Rodriguez's free kick ventured toward the net, it deflected off the head of Cincinnati's Miles Robinson to Martins, who was left with a free header at the near post that made it 2-0.

Luca Orellano pulled one back for third-seeded Cincinnati in the 65th minute, his well-taken shot sailing past New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese from the edge of the box making it 2-1.

But New York City, which had a 10-4-3 home record in the regular season, added a third goal as Rodriguez converted a penalty during the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time.

New York City finished with a 14-11 advantage in shots, and both teams put five shots on goal.

Freese ended the evening with four saves for New York City. Celentano was credited with a single save.

New York City was without Tayvon Gray, who was serving a suspension after receiving a red card in Match 1

Sergio Santos and Luciano Acosta were each credited with assists on Cincinnati's lone goal of the match.