NYCFC Reach Their First MLS Final With Win Over Union
New York City FC has advanced to the first MLS Cup in club history, defeating the Philadelphia Union 2-1 on Sunday in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final. New York City FC, the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, will travel to face Western Conference No. 4 seed Portland Timbers in 2021 MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 11 (3 p.m. ET / ABC, Univision, TSN, TVA Sports).
How the East Was Won #ForTheCity pic.twitter.com/2r5g1qjYES
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) December 5, 2021
The Union opened the scoring in the 63rd minute, as a Dániel Gazdag cross intended for Kacper Przybylko deflected off New York City FC defender Alexander Callens and past a diving Sean Johnson to give Philadelphia a 1-0 advantage.
Just 113 seconds later, NYCFC delivered the equalizer off the foot of Maxi Moralez in the 65th minute, who buried the shot from the edge of the six-yard box.
New York City FC’s deciding goal came in the 88th minute on the back of two substitutes, as a challenge won by Gudmundur Thórarinsson set up a quick cross to Talles Magno and the go-ahead score. Both Thórarinsson and Talles Magno entered the contest in the 58th minute.
New York City FC can capture the first championship in club history and are the 17th different club in league history to advance to MLS Cup.
LINEUPS
New York City FC: Sean Johnson (C), Tayvon Gray, Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens, Malte Amundsen (58’ Gudmundur Thorarinsson), Alfredo Morales, James Sands, Jesus Medina (58’ Ismael Tajouri-Shradi), Maximiliano Moralez, Santiago Rodriguez, Heber (58’ Talles Magno)
SUBS UNUSED: Luis Barraza, Andres Jasson, Gedion Zelalem, Tony Rocha, Thiago, Nicolas Acevedo
Philadelphia Union: Matt Freese, Stuart Findlay, Oliver Mbaizo, Nathan Harriel (90’ Anthony Fontana), Aurelien Collin, Daniel Gazdag, Jose Martinez, Jamiro Montiero (C), Jack McGlynn (75’ Bueno), Leon Flach (90’ Paxten Aaronson), Kacper Przybylo
SUBS UNUSED: Cole Turner, Greg Ranjitsingh, Anthony Sorenson, Brandan Craig
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