Winning through defeat: The championship run ends in Philadelphia
The long-awaited rematch of the Eastern Conference Final was set. Philadelphia Union was eager to prove that things were just a matter of luck last season. But the defending champions came with good momentum themselves, with back-to-back wins in the playoff rounds. Two narratives clashed to create a perfect storm to fuel a growing rivalry between both teams. Despite all of this one thing was clear, the team that made a mistake was the one who would pay the heaviest price. It may be a bit dramatic, but trust me when I tell you that it was exactly how the match was decided.
NYCFC 3-0 Inter Miami | A night of champions
The Boys in Blue officially began their title defense against Inter Miami. Luckily for fans, the team gained an important victory off the field after moving the match from Red Bull Arena in New Jersey to Citi Field in Queens. It was an important step since the move assured that the support was going to increase significantly. However, there were other concerns on the sporting side of things. The absence of two important members in the starting XI changed the game plan from the start. Not having Talles Magno and Tayvon Gray not only slowed the build-up the team gained in the last stretch of the regular season but also meant that Miami could use those absences to their advantage. Especially their attacking asset Gonzalo Higuain, who closed the regular season showcasing just how lethal he was in front of goal. Queens didn't disappoint and provided yet another epic night for soccer in New York City.
Kings of New York | NYCFC 2- RBNY 0
The regular season resumed for NYCFC as the Playoffs edge closer. The Boys in blue haven't had the best of records recently. But winning the Campeones Cup midweek gave everyone a good sensation ahead of Saturday's fixture. The match itself had a lot more than bragging rights in play. A win for the Red Bulls extended the gap in points with NYCFC, leaving the Boys in Blue in a compromising position with only 6 points in play remaining. But NYCFC had other plans in mind, they were returning to their fortress and they were determined to keep the momentum going. With over 30K tickets sold prior to the match, the fans also played their part in the Hudson River Derby. A full house for the last regular season match in the Bronx was a proper way to support the reigning champions. A 90-minute match that determined if NYC was red or blue this season.
Super Campeones | NYCFC 2-0 Atlas F.C
It has been a long and difficult hiatus from writing, from defeats to unexpected results, the champions have felt the impact of the sudden departures within the team. Interim manager Nick Cushing has battled with injuries and suspensions to find the winning formula to bring the team back on the right path. But things never go according to plan and results have brought a sense of insecurity towards the last stretch of the season. The Campeones Cup match was on the calendar for a few months, but given the circumstances, it may have been the turning point that the team was looking for. The chance for silverware is always an incentive, but the reigning Liga MX champions Atlas F.C. meant business. The Bronx was set to host yet another championship game for the books.
One last dance in the Bronx
It was a bittersweet night in the Bronx to face Inter Miami. The match should have been another chance to continue the hunt for the playoffs. But it took on a different meaning, it wasn't just another MLS game. NYCFC was saying goodbye to one of their most beloved and talented players. Valentin Castellanos stepped into Yankee stadium for one last match before taking on the European challenge. I was hoping he started the game on the bench so he could come in for the second half and have a good send-off. Nevertheless, it was going to be Taty’s night no matter the outcome. The boy who came with big dreams back in 2018 had exceeded his expectations, it was time to give him the farewell he deserved, and the fans didn't disappoint. A total of about 20k people were in attendance to see Castellanos as a Boy in Blue for one last time.