Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
When New York City finally lifted their first-ever trophy on 12 December 2021, it was the perfect culmination of an eight-year effort.
The script of the final could not have been written any better and it remains a story NYCFC fans will tell their grandchildren once they become an established MLS heavyweight.
Let us reminisce about how the final unfolded to give NYCFC, a club without a stadium of their own, their first-ever trophy against all odds.
On one side, the Portland Timbers were hot favourites. They had won eight of the last ten MLS Cups and looked destined to win it again - they were a hot bet at the best aussie online casinos.
On the other hand, New York City FC had found a system that suited all of their players. In their last six games before the MLS Cup, they remained undefeated. This included a 6-0 demolition of DC United.
In those six matches, they also kept three clean sheets. So, it showed that they couldn't be more prepared for the tournament. In the MLS Cup semi-finals (Conference semi-finals), they beat New England in the penalty shootout.
The defining quality of the new look NYCFC side was that their heads never went down and they were always ready to fight for each other.
NYCFC's playoff win against MLS Eastern Conference champions New England proved to be the catalyst to winning the MLS Cup.
The match was played at an extremely high tempo as both the teams cancelled each other's advantage twice. The goals were scored in the first and the last 10 minutes of the game. In extra time, Valentin Castellanos got a red card, which meant that New York had to complete the match with ten men.
In the Conference finals, New York City beat Philadelphia 2-1. After Alexander Callens put the ball in his own net to gift Philadelphia the lead, the team stood up and cancelled their advantage within two minutes. Talles Magno scored the winner in the 88th minute.
The final of the MLS Cup between New York FC and Portland lived up to the hype.
Portland played at their home stadium and made sure that NYCFC did not feel welcome.
After Valentin Castellanos's goal in the 41st minute, it looked destined that New York FC would win their first-ever title. However, Portland had other ideas as Felipe Mora equalised in the closing moments of the game.
As many of the experts and fans of online betting usa had predicted, the match was undecided at the end of extra time, which meant that a penalty shootout beckoned. New York City won it in the end after edging Portland 4-2 in the shootout.
The defining moment was the exceptional spot-kick taken by the exceptional Alex Callens who capped off an exceptional display with a composed spot-kick.
This was arguably one of the most dramatic title wins in the history of American Soccer. New York City was credited for their system and shape during the entire tournament. Many believe that their setup enabled them to concede less than their opponents.
This win also gives other teams the blueprint to winning titles where team spirit and well-thought tactics always trump mere individual talent.
My daughter's first ever football match - Orlando City v Atlanta United, August 2019. Written for Izzy to read when she gets old enough. Vamos Orlando
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