By Juan Carlos Maygua
The MLS Cup final was set. Both finalists arrived on the big stage with enough merits. The
Portland Timbers would play with a home-field advantage alongside fan support. This was the
opportunity for the team to win the trophy at home. They had all the pressure behind them, The
second finalist NYCFC arrived after a hard-fought season. Their motivation? Beating New
England, the best team in the conference. The team did struggle in the conference final, but they
pushed forward to make a historic appearance against Portland. The Boys in Blue are writing
history, with Castellanos as the Golden Boot and a whole city behind them.
Making history
The match was one to remember. A stadium at full capacity, with the weather providing more
dramatic tones. The rain and wind seemed to be playing in Portland’s favor. NYCFC was no
stranger to the scenery, they already pulled the upsets in the previous rounds. This was just
another obstacle to achieve the ultimate dream, the championship.
It was the ultimate test of concentration for NYCFC. They had the crowd and the weather
conditions against them. The ghosts of this season’s away record were inevitable, many expected
a breaking point in that aspect. However, the Boys in Blue settled rather quickly. The game plan
was laid out with two key points. Tayvon Gray was going to be the main focus in starting the
team’s attack down the right wing. Secondly, Santiago Rodriguez had to be the distributor in the
midfield. While it wasn’t executed to perfection, the plan worked throughout the first half.
However, the Timbers did manage to pick up on Santiago Rodriguez’s importance in that part of
the field and they devised a personal marking system to avoid his movement. There were times
that 3 players surrounded him. Luckily, Tayvon or Maxi was always near to keep the ball
moving.
NYCFC managed to give a psychological hit to the Timbers with the opening goal of the game
in the 41st minute. A header by Taty was unstoppable for Portland’s goalkeeper. A very well-
executed set-piece play that was poorly defended by Portland. A goal that brought out the ugly
side of the sport after Jesus Medina was struck by a bottle while celebrating the goal. Despite the
unfortunate incident, it was an advantage for NYCFC.
The second half saw a more open play displayed by Portland. They had to take risks, while
NYCFC just waited for a counterattack option. The team managed to be calm and collected
throughout the second half. Portland wasn’t creating many chances and this helped NYCFC play
smoothly and without tension. But I have to say that Taty and Maxi were constantly the targets
of tough fouls. Yes, they were probably aimed to cause them a bad reaction but things didn’t go
as planned. With only additional time to play, The Third Rail alongside The Templados was
making all the noise. It was surely time to celebrate, but Felipe Mora along with the soccer gods
decided to keep the game going. The Timbers equalizer came with only seconds left to play.
Johnson and Callens the heroes
It was a tough moment for me and all NYCFC fans to see the victory slip in such an unlucky
fashion. It was surely Portland’s second coming. They gathered the momentum and wanted to
avoid the penalty shootout. Chara and Mora created chance after chance. It was here where
Callens stepped up and provided a bit of confidence. His tackles and clearances helped the team
push through the 30 minutes of extra time. Jesus Medina did have a one on one chance but failed
to capitalize on the opportunity. The team itself never recovered from that late goal, they pushed
back and held off the attacking plays by Portland. Talles Magno was subbed in but the team
decided it was best to decide the title from the penalty spot.
It was Sean Johnson’s moment. The penalty shootout is all but luck when both teams give it their
all. Taty started where he left off and got things started for NYCFC. The first penalty is always
key for morale and confidence. Johnson stepped up big time and stopped Portland’s first penalty.
It was the best start one could ask for. However, in yet another twist Alfredo Morales missed the
second penalty for NYCFC and gave hope back to Portland. But it was Johnson to the rescue as
he denied Diego Valeri a chance from the spot. Maxi Moralez did what he had to do and
increased NYCFC’s advantage. Both penalties from Portland were scored and Talles Magno left
the historic opportunity to Alexander Callens. The Peruvian international made the world stand
still for about 60 seconds, he took a deep breath and his shot hit the back of the net. The hero
against New England was the hero yet again! NYCFC earned their first championship!
A moment 7 years in the making all came full circle. From a bad scoring streak by Taty to
earning him the golden boot. But most importantly, the unity and compromise of the team to
push through those difficult times. It was a season for the books.
On the personal aspect, this will be a season I’ll remember forever. Thank you to the NYCFC
fans who read all along!
CAMPEONES!