New York City FC won the MLS Cup after an epic game at Providence Park. It’s the first major piece of silverware in the history of the New York club. You can watch the highlights of the MLS Cup final here.
The hosts at Portland Timbers and NYC could not be separated at the end of 120 minutes, so a penalty shootout was needed to decide the winner of the clash.
City could have won it after 90 minutes, thanks to Valentin Castellanos’ goal in the 41st minute. But Felipe Mora sent the game into extra time with his stoppage-time equalizer. Despite having important chances, neither team could find the net over the following 30 minutes. City showed more composure from the penalty spot, as they scored four times. Sean Johnson parried Portland’s two opening shots in front of Felipe Mora and Diego Valeri to give his team an immense morale boost from goal. Johnson won the MLS Cup MVP award thanks to his heroics in Portland.
The NY City FC players celebrated on the pitch, while their Norwegian manager, Ronny Deila, burst into tears after Alex Callens’ winning penalty.
New York City finished fourth in the Eastern Conference regular season with 51 points from 34 games, 21 behind Supporters’ Shield winners New England Revolution. Before the playoffs started, NYC were at +1250 to lift the MLS Cup. On their way to the final, they beat Atlanta United 2-0, then New England on penalties, only to finish winning the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union. Their last three vital wins all came in away games.
Manager Deila joined his players in front of the traveling NYC supporters, honoring a promise he made during the playoffs. The former Celtic Glasgow boss stripped to his underwear as fans and players started cheering.