ORLANDO – The Florida Cup Champion for 2020 was delivered to Brazilian side Palmeiras after a 20-1 victory over MLS team NYCFC at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, FL. Brazilian rival Corinthians lost to Atletico Nacional 2-1 in the day’s other match.
Palmeiras became the tournament’s sixth different winner in the event’s six years of existence, and the fourth different Brazilian club to win it, joining Atlético Mineiro (2016), São Paulo (2017), and Flamengo (2019).
New York City FC started mostly veterans in Saturday against Palmeiras after going with a youthful lineup on Wednesday in a 2-1 loss to Corinthians. Maxi Moralez had the game’s first shot from the right side but fired his shot high and wide.
Palmeiras’ Bruno Corsini appeared to pull up with a groin or quad injury and was subbed out before the ensuing goal kick, replaced by Ramires Santos Nacimiento.
Moralez himself subbed out in the sixth minute as he never appeared comfortable after taking that early shot and was stretching out on the field periodically before coming off. Andres Jasson replaced him in the lineup. NYCFC Head Coach Ronny Deila said he didn’t think Moralez’s injury would be a longterm problem.
Despite the two losses, Deila overall was pleased with his team’s progress after having three months off and only a few days of training.
Corinthians needed to win or a draw with the extra point for a shootout victory to capture the 2020 Florida Cup championship. After giving up an early goal, Atlético Nacional bounced back to finish second in the Florida Cup standings with a 2-1 victory over Brazil’s Corinthians during the late game of Saturday’s 2020 Florida Cup finale.
Final 2020 Florida Cup standings: Palmeiras 5 points; Atlético Nacional 4 points; Corinthians 3 points; New York City FC 0 points.
