New York Metropolis FC made workforce historical past on Saturday after defeating the Portland Timbers 1-1 (4-2) on penalties to elevate their first-ever Main League Soccer Cup trophy. Sean Johnson was the hero of the evening, saving two essential photographs to earn the coveted title.
After qualifying for the playoffs on 5 consecutive events, NYCFC has lastly made all of it the best way.
The heavy Portland rain set the stage for the dramatic league remaining because the Timbers hosted New York Metropolis FC at Windfall Park. Each groups kicked off with an aggressive edge, forcing 17 fouls within the first half alone.
The perimeters have been degree till the Timbers dedicated a foolish foul within the fortieth minute that pressured a free-kick in a harmful spot. Maximiliano Moralez stepped as much as the spot and curled the cross completely to seek out Valentin Castellanos. The 2021 Golden Boot winner labored his magic to move the ball previous Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark and into the online for the spectacular 1-0 lead.
The visiting NYCFC supporters erupted into chaos as “MVP” chants for Taty echoed all through Windfall Park.
The house facet returned to the pitch after halftime with newfound vitality. Portland took management of the sport because it got here to an finish, continuously pushing ahead on the assault to achieve Sean Johnson. It was their remaining burst of vitality that saved the Timbers. After a messy show of photographs contained in the field, Felipe Mora discovered the rebound and directed the ball into the decrease proper nook to ship the sport to time beyond regulation.
The additional minutes noticed a number of offensive leads by either side, however in the end the sport was destined for penalties.
NYCFC stepped as much as the spot first with Castellanos scoring for the Celestes. Mora, Alfredo Morales, and Diego Valeri all missed their makes an attempt. Everybody else scored their penalties, however the Timbers couldn’t make up for his or her preliminary errors.
Alex Callens stepped as much as rating the ultimate penalty and ship his workforce right into a frenzy. Supporters erupted into chants, becoming a member of with others to have fun the immense achievement.
#NYCFC Gamers dashing to the supporters sections pic.twitter.com/UAvXVQZW4G
— Lizzy Becherano (@lizzy_becherano) December 11, 2021
Listed below are your full MLS Cup participant rankings:
Sean Johnson (GK) – 8/10 – Led nicely till he acquired caught up within the chaos of the equalizer.
Tayvon Grey (RB) – 5/10 – Helped the workforce as a complete, however did not do something significantly particular himself
Maxime Chanot (CB) – 4/10 – Neither helped nor hindered.
Alex Callens (CB) – 6/10 – Steady determine on the protection, however in the end acquired caught up through the equalizer.
Gudmundur Thórarinsson (LB) – 4/10 – Neither helped nor hindered. Changed close to the top of the second half.
Jesús Medina (RW) – 7/10 – Offered the required assist.
Alfredo Morales (CM) – 2/10 – Missed his penalty.
Maximiliano Moralez (CAM) – 8/10 – Offered Castellanos the required help on the primary purpose, and scored his penalty.
James Sands (CM) – 6/10 – Stepped up as a steady determine for his workforce through the necessary moments.
Santiago Rodriquez (LW) – 4/10 – May have been extra current for NYCFC, disappeared within the midfield.
Valentín Castellanos (F) – 8/10 – Scored the opening purpose, and went on to attain his penalty.
Malte Amundsen – 4/10 – Did tremendous.
Talles Magno – 8/10 – Got here in, scored his penalty.
Steve Clark (GK) – 3/10 – May have saved the header by Castellanos, acquired his fingers on it earlier than letting it slip into the lower-left nook.
Josecarlos Van Rankin (RB) – 3/10 – Blended in with the background.
Larrys Mabiala (CB) – 5/10 – It wasn’t the Mabiala that followers noticed all through the postseason, he is had significantly better matches.
Dario Zuparic (CB) – 4/10 – Offered the steadiness wanted, however ought to have been sharper on the ball.
Claudio Bravo (LB) – 2/10 – Not his finest efficiency when it undoubtedly ought to have been.
Dairon Asprilla (RW) – 5/10 – Nothing particular on the ball.
Diego Chara (CM) – 7/10 – He was quick on the ball and made a last-minute save to cease NYCFC from doubling the rating.
George Fochive (CM) – 2/10 – Prompted too many pointless fouls, he is fortunate the referee did not hand over two yellows and a subsequent expulsion.
Yimmi Chara (CAM) – 7/10 – He took the offensive lead given Mora’s incapacity to assault, unlucky to not get the purpose.
Sebastian Blanco (LW) – 5/10 – Did not assist however did not hinder, ought to have been higher given the sport.
Felipe Mora (F) – 7/10 – Awoke within the final quarter-hour of the sport to attain the equalizer and save the Timbers, however missed his penalty.
Sebastian Moreno – 3/10 – Entered as a pair of contemporary legs and acted just like the gamers who had been on the pitch for 75+ minutes.
Cristhian Paredes – 4/10 – disappointing efficiency given what he is able to doing.
Diego Valeri – 3/10 – Missed his penalty.
Jarosław Niezgoda – 3/10 – Didn’t affect.
