PORTLAND, OR – NYC FC took home the MLS Championship Cup with a 1-1 (4-2) victory over the Portland Timbers. This was the first championship in franchise history for New York.
New York opened the scoring in the 41st minute off of a free kick by Maxi Morales was perfectly placed for Valentin Castellanos to head it towards Portland goalkeeper Steve Clark. Clark managed to get a touch on the ball, deflecting it to the corner, but it was not enough as the ball trickled into goal just before the post for a 1-0 Cityzens lead.
Moralez caused Clark into a full extension along with a stalwart effort from their backline fueled by the center back duo of Maxime Chanot and Alexander Callens, NYCFC reached the waning moments of second-half stoppage time protecting a 1-0 lead.ve with a free kick soon after the start of the half.
At the end of regulation time, Portland’s Felipe Mora scored a dramatic late equalizer that sent the contest to extra time. The forward pounced on a loose ball in the box following a mad scramble and slotted the finish past NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson. the goal sent toe Providence Park crowd into bedlam, as the match entered extras time.
After extra time, PK’s were set up, and the visitors emerged victorious, as NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson made two mammoth saves in the penalty-kick shootout, with the Cityzens converting four of their five attempts from the spot.
Johnson ‘s two saves were on the Timbers first two shots, leaving the result for NYC to just execute.
While Clark also managed a save on NYCFC’s Alfredo Morales, Callens played the hero role, converting the final attempt that gave NYCFC the 4-2 victory and their first-ever Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
The victory ends a tough run through the postseason for NYCFC, which finished fourth in the Eastern Conference.
New York beat Atlanta United at home before going to New England and upsetting the Revolution. The Revolution lead the league in and set the MLS single-season points record with 73.
NYC FC next took advantage of a Philadelphia Union team where was down several started because of COVID-19 protocols. Raw Unit still managed to put off a fight against the Cityzens.
New York pushed you have the upper hand in most of the match by playing an aggressive, organized match, taking advantage of. Portland misplay for their only goal of regulation time
Those efforts led to the 2021 MLS Cup Championship.
