New York City FC lift first MLS Cup, stun Portland
Quick Read
The visitors from New York kept the lead until Mora's heartbreaking goal in injury time. Extra time was scoreless, leading to penalty shootout in which NYCFC prevailed 4-2.
New York City FC stunned Portland Timbers 4-2 in penalties on Saturday to claim their first MLS Cup on a rainy and windy afternoon at Providence Park in Portland.
The victory came with a dose of drama.
NYCFC were moments away from the title leading 1-0, but with just seconds left in injury time, Portland’s Felipe Mora slotted home a loose ball in the box to tie the score at 1-1.
NYCFC had shot into the lead on 41st minute with a goal by Valentin Castellanos. He headed home a cross from Maximiliano Moralez.
The visitors from New York kept the lead until Mora’s heartbreaking goal in injury time.
Extra time was scoreless, leading to penalty shootout in which NYCFC prevailed 4-2.
NYCFC was founded in 2013 and played its first MLS games in 2015.
Victory for New York City must have been heart wrenching for Portland head coach Giovanni Savarese, who was expecting the team to win their second MLS cup.
Savarese said the clubs raucous fanbase and the home advantage would give his team a major boost against visiting New York City FC.
Things just didn’t go the way he expected.
Comments